Re: Trying but Scorned…someone missed the mark on this one. A few states still allow the aggrieved woman to keep the ring if the man breaks the engagement, but that is rapidly changing (all states require her to return the ring if she breaks the engagement). Depending on what state you live in, it is now legal precident for the ring to be returned in the event that an engagement is broken. It has been held that an engagement ring is a gift in anticipation of marriage and if the marriage does not take place, there is no "gift" and the ring must be returned to the purchaser. If she does not return the ring, heirloom or not, she may find herself being sued for either the ring or its value.

Trying should hold her head up, return the ring and be done with this man and his family. She can then move on without the constant reminder.