What happens to the engagement ring?

I have many clients that are adamant that they want the return of the engagement ring.  The engagement ring is a pre-marital gift that is not part of the divorce since it was purchased prior to the marriage (unless the bride bought it). The debt associated with it is also non-marital. If the marriage didn’t take place though, the groom may be able to file suit against the bride for the return of the ring because the ring was given on the condition that the marriage take place. On a brighter note for the spouse who likes to buy jewelry, once the marriage occurs, all jewelry, even if purchased by the Husband as a gift to the Wife or vice versa is marital property and hence subject to distribution if there is a subsequent dissolution of marriage.