Let’s talk about the elephant in the jewellery box, shall we?
You know the one – that gorgeous necklace from your ex you can’t bring yourself to part with, even though seeing it makes you want to dramatically sigh like you’re in a period drama.
And with Break-Up Day, the 11th of December fast approaching, it seems we’re collectively reconsidering what to do with those glittering reminders of relationships past.
Well, turns out you’re in excellent company. New research from Abbott Lyon has spilled the tea on what really happens to gifted jewellery post-breakup, and honestly?
The results are both relatable and refreshing. Surveying people about their “break-up jewellery” habits, the findings reveal we’re all a lot more pragmatic (and stylish) about love’s leftovers than we might admit.
This juicy data is part of Abbott Lyon’s new deep-dive, Breaking Down Break-Up Jewellery – because apparently, we all needed someone to address the emotional minefields that are our accessories drawers finally.
We’re All Jewellery Hoarders and That’s Fine
Here’s the plot twist nobody saw coming: most people are keeping that jewellery forever, and they’re rightfully unbothered about it. Gone are the days of ceremonially burning everything your ex ever touched, we’ve evolved into a generation that can separate good taste from bad relationships. Revolutionary, really.
“I Look Good in This” Wins Every Time
When asked why they keep their ex’s jewellery gifts, a staggering 81 percent people simply answered, “because I like it”. Just because your ex doesn’t look good on you any more doesn’t mean the jewellery, they gave you won’t. Why give up your relationship with the favourite item in your jewellery box just because you’ve given up the person that gave it to you?
Compare that to just five percent people who keep it for sentimental reasons (as a reminder of the relationship), and you’ve got a generation that’s mastered the art of separating style from sentiment. Honestly? We stan.
Good Exes Get Their Stuff Back (Sometimes)
The data serves up another interesting titbit: you’re more likely to return jewellery after an amicable split than after a messy one. Which honestly makes perfect sense – why would you give back that stunning tennis bracelet when they left you on read for three weeks? The math is mathing, and we respect the pettiness.
Should You Actually Keep the Jewellery?
Now we know you want to (and likely are) keeping the jewellery but is this is a power move or a legal grey area? To clear things up, Abbott Lyon turned to John Owens, Partner at MSB Solicitors and seasoned divorce lawyer, to answer the internet’s favourite break-up question: who actually gets to keep the jewellery?
Under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1970, a gift given during a relationship is considered an absolute gift – meaning, in most cases, the person who received it keeps it. Unless it was given on the specific condition that it be returned, it’s legally yours.
Even if an engagement ends before walking down the aisle, the same principle applies. Jewellery – including the engagement ring – remains with the recipient, regardless of its value or the timing of the split.
In the case of a divorce, The Family Court might look at the value of rings or jewellery over £500 and how they fit into the bigger financial picture. But even in those cases, ownership rarely changes hands, the recipient usually retains it.
So, should you keep it? The short answer: yes. Legally, it’s yours. Emotionally, it might just mark the start of your next great love story – one with yourself.
