Spurned Fiancee Sues Ex Over $90,000 Heirloom Engagement Ring

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A man rejected by his fiancee when she backed out of their marriage plans sued the woman Thursday to either get back the diamond engagement ring he gave her or to be compensated for its $90,000 value.

The suit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by the spurned man who refers to himself in court documents as John Doe to "protect the privacy of plaintiff." His allegations against former flame Lisa Ragland include wrongful retention of personal property, fraud and negligent misrepresentation.

The man, who says he has suffered severe emotional distress, is also asking for punitive damages and a court order preventing Ragland from selling the ring.

"It was a family heirloom," Doe's attorney, S. Michael Kernan, said of the ring.

Ragland could not be immediately reached for comment.

According to the suit, Ragland accepted Doe's marriage proposal in December 2003 and accepted his engagement ring. But she later "refused to enter into the marriage as contemplated." the suit states.

Ragland at first said she lost the ring, but in yet another turnabout admitted in July 2010 that she had it, according to the complaint.

Doe made requests to Ragland in September and October 2010 that the ring be returned to him, but Ragland has refused, the suit states.

He also alleges she never lost the ring, but only said she had to prevent him from demanding its immediate return.

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