Massachusetts’ highest court reversed a longstanding ruling, saying an engagement ring must be returned if the wedding falls through. After a year of dating that included trips to the US Virgin Islands and Italy, Bruce Johnson bought Caroline Settino a US$70,000 ($117,000) diamond engagement ring from Tiffany & Co . Johnson proposed during a dinner in Cape Cod, Massachusetts , in 2017.
When Settino agreed, other diners at the restaurant applauded. The next year, Johnson sued Settino, claiming he was the rightful owner of the engagement ring. Johnson broke up with Settino before they were married, and his lawsuit forced Massachusetts’ highest court to reconsider a 65-year-old ruling saying someone can retrieve the engagement ring they gave their partner only if they weren’t at “fault” for the breakup.
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