Stanley was well into his 60’s and his girlfriend, Cinnamon, had just turned 22. Stanley had been married and divorced four times. Cinnamon was the object of Stanley’s inconstant affections.

In September of 2009, Stanley proposed marriage to Cinnamon. He presented her with a diamond engagement ring that he purchased for $12,000. Stanley pointed out that the price was less than the ring’s market value because he was a “good customer” of the jeweler’s, having previously purchased his previous four wives expensive jewelry.

The relationship took a turn for the worse when Stanley realized that his fifth love of his life was mostly interested in watching reality shows and playing bingo. Stanley broke off his engagement with Cinnamon and demanded that she return the expensive engagement ring. Cinnamon refused and told Stanley to take a hike.

Issue: Will Stanley get his ring back?

Answer: Yes. In Pennsylvania, the law treats the giving of an engagement ring as a conditional gift. Even though Stanley was the one to break off the engagement, the ring was given with the understanding that there would be a marriage. Stanley would get back his ring and Cinnamon would no longer hear Stanley complaining about his arthritis and gout.

Disclaimer: The above article is for instructive purposes only and each case is fact sensitive. Consultation with an attorney should be obtained instead of reliance upon the legal issues discussed in this column.