Fight over $70,000 engagement ring heads to state’s Supreme Court

BOSTON (WBZ) - A fight over a $70,000 engagement ring has made its way to the Massachusetts Supreme Court.

The question at hand? Who gets to keep the ring when an engagement is called off?

It’s supposed to be a symbol of love and commitment, but now the $70,000 engagement ring has become a bitter battle between a former couple in a case that has made its way to the state’s high court.

According to court documents, Bruce Johnson bought the ring from Tiffany’s in Boston, paying more than $70,000.

Soon after, he called off the engagement because he says his bride-to-be was verbally abusive and he thought she was cheating on him, which she denies.

A trial court ruled in her favor, saying Johnson was at fault for calling off the engagement. Because of that initial ruling, she was awarded the ring.

Johnson appealed the decision and a Massachusetts appeals court ruled in his favor.

Now, it’s up to the Supreme Judicial Court to decide whether Massachusetts should follow other states where engagement rings are returned to the giver if an engagement is called off, regardless of who is at fault.

Arthur DeMello is an independent appraiser and jeweler.

“My best understanding is if the condition has not been met or no longer exists, then the ring needs to be returned,” DeMello said.

Shoppers in downtown Boston had varying opinions.

“Oh, he called the wedding off? Oh, that’s a tough one,” one male shopper said. “I would give it back. That’s a lot of money.”

“She should give the ring back,” a female shopper said. “It’s not yours. There’s no wedding.”

“I believe the ring belongs to her because he gave it to her as a gift,” another female shopper explained.

The decision now lies in the hands of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

There’s no word yet on when a ruling is expected.