Really feel sorry for you here Violetgem. His actions seem to have been designed to inflict pain, and they have clearly succeeded.

I remember reading some UK case law in which the ownership an engagement ring was decided, and I can't remember which way the decision went. The counter argument against the lady retaining the ring was that it was a token of a contract and the contract had been broken.

However I do not feel that looking to your 'rights' is going to help your healing which is what you should be focused on. He has taken what he has taken, and clearly drawn a line under the past.

I wish for your sake he had not done it in the way he did, but at least you know exactly where you stand. Forgive him to the utmost of your ability, so he does not continue to hurt you, cry, scream, rant, kick, sob, and finally, when you are ready, start to rebuild.

You are worthy of someone better than him - and I wish you joy in finding that right person.

Hugs
cariad