Often, when a couple decides to marry, one party gives the other an engagement ring. If the engagement is called off, typically the ring is returned. Yet what if the recipient of the ring refuses to return it and a dispute over who owns the ring reaches a court? What law should apply in determining ownership rights in this particular form of personal property? In the eyes of the law, is an engagement ring a "conditional gift" that becomes effective only when the couple actually marries? Or is it an effective gift to begin with, meaning that it belongs to the person to whom it was givenÂ-the donee? Furthermore, does ownership of the ring depend on who breaks the engagement? On these questions, the courts are widely divided. Where do you stand on this issue? Please explain your thoughts Who Owns the Engagement Ring?