Broken Louisiana Engagements—Who Keeps the Ring?

Somewhere between heartbreak and legal issues, a local Louisiana woman faces a difficult choice: to sell her engagement ring for "personal enhancements" or return a family heirloom to her cheating ex-fiancé. The ring, with deep sentimental value, has become the center of a debate stirring both legal and ethical questions.

After discovering her fiancé had been unfaithful, the woman contemplated selling the engagement ring to fund cosmetic surgery, in hopes of regaining her shattered self-esteem.

According to the anonymous submission during the weekly 'DM Therapy' segment, the situation is complicated by the ring's history, having been passed down from his grandmother.

Recently, I discovered that my fiancé was cheating on me, and it was an incredibly painful experience.

In the wake of this betrayal, I made the difficult decision to break off our engagement. The pain, heartbreak, and the time and money invested in our relationship felt overwhelming, and I thought it was best for both of us to move on.

However, here's where my dilemma begins. I've been seriously considering selling the engagement ring he gave me to fund … some “personal enhancements.” It's not a decision I've taken lightly, and I understand that some people say it's irrational and that "two wrongs don't make a right." But here's my perspective: I feel like this is something I need to do to help rebuild my confidence.

The truth is, the woman he cheated on me with had a much larger chest than I do. And while I know that physical appearance isn't everything, I can't help but feel like this is a way for me to regain some of the self-esteem that was shattered by his betrayal. He didn't seem to have a problem with big breasts when he cheated, so why should he object to me using the ring for something that will make me feel better about myself?

The situation is further complicated by the fact that my former fiancé has been begging for the ring back. By the way … the ring is not just any piece of jewelry; it's a family heirloom. It was passed down from his grandmother to his mother and then to me since he's an only child.

I understand the sentimental value it holds for him, and I'm torn between honoring that and pursuing what I believe will help me heal.

Is it wrong for me to want to sell the ring to get implants and boost my confidence after such a painful experience? Or should I consider alternative ways to heal and regain my self-esteem?

This is really the only thing that I feel will help me move on knowing this wasn’t all a waste of my time and emotions.

Listeners of DJ Digital in the Morning have voiced varied opinions. Elizabeth Guidry argues for the return of the ring, advocating for moving on with dignity. Tezesa Hill and Nichole Carter side with the wronged fiancée, citing the breach of trust as justification for keeping it. Meanwhile, Shane Comeaux and Stevie Bean bring personal experience and legal precedence into the conversation, suggesting the ring's return, especially given its status as an heirloom.

In a contrasting view, Lesley Elizabeth and Bryant Jewelry Buyers invoke Louisiana law, which dictates that an engagement ring, being a conditional gift, must be returned if the marriage does not occur. This legal stance is echoed by Kiefer & Kiefer Attorneys at Law, referencing Wardlaw v. Conrad and Roy v. Florane, which have set the precedent for such disputes in the state.

in Louisiana, your fiancé is required to return your engagement ring if the wedding is called off.

Louisiana courts have held that an engagement ring is a conditional gift.  That is, one of the conditions of the engagement ring is that you have to get married and if you do not get married, the gift must be returned.  See Wardlaw v. Conrad, 18 La. App. 387 (La. App. 2 Cir 1931); Roy v. Florane, 239 La. 749 (La. 1960)

Yet, amidst legal facts and personal feelings, the question remains: Does the emotional toll of betrayal weigh in favor of the person who was screwed over keeping the ring? Or does the legal obligation to return a conditional gift override the heartache?

This story mirrors a viral Facebook post by Dakota Roberts, another Louisiana woman in a similar situation, selling her engagement ring for cosmetic surgery. The post, much like the radio show's dilemma, draws a line between the emotional justice sought by those wronged and the cold clarity of legal expectations.

While the law may lean towards the return of the ring, the court of public opinion is hung on the scales of sentiment and scorn. The debate continues, we're curious to hear where you stand on this issue; so sound off the comments in the HOT 1079 Facebook post above and tell us what you think.