Should you return an engagement ring after a break-up? As Molly-Mae and Tommy Fury split a relationship expert reveals the etiquette when calling off a wedding

Molly-Mae Hague announced her split from fiance Tommy Fury on Wednesday after five years years together.

It comes just weeks after,  the influencer celebrated the one year anniversary of Tommy's proposal in Ibiza, by reposting a video of the romantic moment. 

However now, alongside dealing with their own heartbreak, the couple will also look to cancel their wedding, which they were in the process of planning, and decide who should keep the massive £600,000 oval-cut diamond engagement ring.

But should Molly-Mae return the ring? Or does she get to keep it post break-up? 

Relationship expert Tina Wilson, revealed the etiquette of calling off a wedding, saying if you should return an engagement ring after a break-up.

Speaking to FEMAIL, the Wingman founder said: 'If you break off an engagement, the engagement ring typically goes back to the person who proposed. The ring symbolises a promise of marriage, and if that promise is broken, etiquette says it should be returned.

As Molly-Mae and Tommy Fury split one year after their engagement (pictured) relationship expert Tina Wilson reveals the etiquette when calling off a wedding and if you should return an engagement ring after a break-up

As Molly-Mae and Tommy Fury split one year after their engagement (pictured) relationship expert Tina Wilson reveals the etiquette when calling off a wedding and if you should return an engagement ring after a break-up

On July 23, the influencer celebrated the one year anniversary of Tommy's proposal by reposting a video of the romantic moment

On July 23, the influencer celebrated the one year anniversary of Tommy's proposal by reposting a video of the romantic moment 

'It's not just about manners, legally, many courts see the ring as a conditional gift, which basically means, it's only yours if the wedding actually happens. 

'If the cheating rumours are true, then she shouldn't want to keep the engagement ring, as it will just serve as a reminder of a broken promise!

She added: 'No matter how tough the split may be, holding onto a ring can add unnecessary pain and often drama. 

'With the ring alleged to be valued at £600,000, I am sure there is also pressure on Molly-Mae to return a ring of that magnitude - as she will undoubtedly receive pressure to do so.

'Ultimately..Keep it simple, give it back, move on and hold onto your dignity!'

Last year, ROX Managing Director and Co-founder Kyron Keogh estimated Tommy spent a whopping £600,000 on the stunning oval-cut diamond band. 

He told MailOnline: ' Molly-Mae's engagement ring features an exquisite oval-shaped diamond that looks like 6 carats, and if it's high colour and clarity, it could be worth an estimated £600k.

Over the past couple of month Molly has been seen on numerous occasions without her engagement ring on

Over the past couple of month Molly has been seen on numerous occasions without her engagement ring on 

The couple, both 25, went on to get engaged and welcome their daughter Bambi in 2023

The couple, both 25, went on to get engaged and welcome their daughter Bambi in 2023

Who get the engagement ring when a relationship ends? 

The law in respect to engagement rings needs to be considered in the following contexts: 

  • Couples that become engaged but do not live together before marriage (traditional engagement); 
  • Couples that live together, become engaged but they do not marry (de facto couples); 
  • Couples that get engaged live together and then marry (married couples). 

Traditional Engagement 

When a person breaks off an engagement, this can be seen as a breach of a promise to marry. Whilst under the Marriage Act, a person can no longer sue for damages linked to social or economic loss arising out of a breach of a promise to marry, this doesn't apply to gifts, like an engagement ring, given in anticipation of a marriage.

  • If a woman, who has received a ring in contemplation of marriage, refuses to fulfil the conditions of the gift, she must return the ring.
  • If a man refuses to carry out his promise of marriage, without legal justification, he cannot demand the return of the ring.

Married Couples and De facto Couples 

When married couples or de facto couples separate, the Family Law Act applies. 

This means that the engagement ring is classed as property and is added into the property pool available for distribution between the parties. 

This means that the question of who is entitled to the engagement ring will depend upon a range of factors including: 

  • the value of the engagement ring, and the total value of the property pool; 
  • the length of the relationship and/or marriage; 
  • the financial and non-financial contributions made by each party during the relationship; 
  • each party's future needs as they emerge from the relationship following separation. 

Source: Bateman Battersby Lawyers 

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'Oval diamonds offer a fresh take on the classic diamond solitaire, making them a unique choice for those who want to break away from tradition and stand out.

'This cut has become increasingly sought after with celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Hailey Bieber choosing this style.'

It comes after Molly-Mae shared the shock news that she had split from fiancé Tommy following months of off and on again speculation.

The couple, met on Love Island in 2019 and went onto get engaged and welcome their daughter Bambi in 2023.

Taking to Instagram Stories to share the bombshell statement on Wednesday, Molly, 25, wrote: 'Never in a million years did I think I'd ever have to write this.

'After five years of being together I never imagined our story would end, especially not this way.

Molly-Mae and Tommy posed for their last photo together while attending the wedding of her sister Zoe in July

Molly-Mae and Tommy posed for their last photo together while attending the wedding of her sister Zoe in July

Taking to Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Molly. 25, wrote: 'Never in a million years did I think I'd ever have to write this'

Taking to Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Molly. 25, wrote: 'Never in a million years did I think I'd ever have to write this'

Just under an hour later, Tommy broke his silence on the split, penning on his Instagram Stories: 'I am heartbroken to share that Molly and I have decided to end our relationship'

Just under an hour later, Tommy broke his silence on the split, penning on his Instagram Stories: 'I am heartbroken to share that Molly and I have decided to end our relationship'

'I am extremely upset to announce that mine and Tommy's relationship has come to an end.

'I will forever be grateful for the most important thing to me now and always, my beautiful daughter. Without us there would be no her, she will always be my priority.

'I want to thank you all for the love you have shown us over the last five years. You have all been a part of our journey and I feel it's right to share this with you all.

Molly-Mae will be taking a step back from social media and work commitments as she attempts to come to terms with life without Tommy.

She added: 'Whilst I attempt to navigate the coming days and weeks please kindly respect my privacy over this difficult time, I'll be back when it feels right. Molly-Mae x'

Just under an hour later, Tommy broke his silence on the split, penning on his Instagram Stories: 'I am heartbroken to share that Molly and I have decided to end our relationship.

'The past 5 years have led to us having our beautiful baby girl, Bambi and I will be forever thankful to Molly for making me a dad. Bambi is our priority.

'Please respect our privacy, and our families privacy, as we navigate our way through this difficult time.'

Molly-Mae's representative's declined to comment. MailOnline have contacted Tommy's representatives.

The couple met on series five of Love Island in 2019, finishing in second place.