It seems Jennifer Lopez is holding onto a sparkly memento from her relationship with Ben Affleck. According to reports, the 55-year-old singer and actress has no plans to return her engagement ring from Ben, despite the couple’s recent split.
An insider told OK Magazine, “This isn’t the first time Jen has kept the bling.” They went on to explain that Lopez had previously held onto a 6.1-carat pink diamond ring worth $3.52 million after her first engagement to Affleck ended in 2004. Now, history appears to be repeating itself.
Related: Why Jennifer Lopez ‘Never Returned’ Her 1st Engagement Ring From Ben Affleck
“It was a gift,” the source added, explaining Lopez’s perspective on keeping the ring. “Just because the relationship didn’t work out doesn’t mean she has to give it back. Jennifer has zero guilt about keeping it, and clearly Ben doesn’t mind—he’s done this twice already!”
The news comes as Lopez officially filed for divorce on August 20, 2024, marking the end of their two-year marriage. Court documents obtained by TMZ reveal that Lopez submitted the paperwork without legal representation, listing their separation date as April 26, 2024.
Interestingly, engagement ring specialist Laura Taylor from Lorel Diamonds offered some insight into the situation. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Taylor explained, “In the United States, engagement rings are typically considered gifts, meaning J.Lo is legally entitled to keep the ring after the divorce unless agreed otherwise in a prenup.” While the divorce filing doesn’t confirm whether a prenuptial agreement exists, sources suggest there isn’t one in place.
The couple’s relationship has been a rollercoaster ride, with their initial engagement in 2002 ending in 2004. Both moved on, with Lopez marrying Marc Anthony later that year and Affleck tying the knot with Jennifer Garner in 2005.
Fast forward to April 2021, and rumors began swirling that Bennifer was back on following Lopez’s split from former MLB star Alex Rodriguez. The couple confirmed their rekindled romance by going Instagram official in July 2021. Their whirlwind reunion led to a second engagement in April 2022, followed by a surprise Las Vegas wedding on July 17, 2022. They celebrated with a larger ceremony in Georgia the following month, seeming to have found their happily ever after.
However, the fairy tale appears to have ended. In the months leading up to the divorce filing, the couple were often seen on opposite sides of the country. Lopez spent most of the summer in the Hamptons, whereas Affleck remained in Los Angeles, where he spent a few weeks moving out of their shared marital home.
Despite the split, both parties seem to be prioritizing their blended family. Lopez shares twins Max and Emme, 16, with ex-husband Marc Anthony, while Affleck has three children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner: Violet, 18, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12. As a source told People, “She tried really hard to make things work, and is heartbroken. The kids are a top priority, as they always have been.”
As the couple moves forward separately, with Affleck purchasing a new $20 million home in Los Angeles, it’s clear that this chapter of their love story has come to an end. However, it seems that Lopez will have a glittering reminder of their time together—for better or for worse.
