If we break up before the wedding, who gets to keep the engagement ring?

In New York, the legal implications surrounding engagement rings are governed by a specific statute. When an engagement is broken off, the ring is considered a conditional gift that was given in contemplation of marriage. If the marriage does not occur, the ring must be returned to the individual who originally provided it. Importantly, New York law does not take into account the reasons for the breakup; the determination of ownership is based solely on the failure of the marriage to take place. This legal framework applies uniformly, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the end of the engagement. Individuals currently involved in disputes regarding engagement rings should be aware of these legal principles.