Ex-Husband of Kim Kardashian Demands Engagement Ring Back, Despite Only Contributing a Fifth of the Cost

Kim Kardashian’s whirlwind marriage to Kris Humphries ended over a decade ago, but the drama surrounding their short-lived union continues to make waves. On the March 13 episode of The Kardashians, Kim reflected on a particularly bitter detail of their divorce—her engagement ring.

While it was widely assumed that Humphries had gifted her the lavish 18-karat emerald-cut Lorraine Schwartz ring as a grand gesture of love, Kim revealed a shocking truth: she was the one who actually paid for most of it.

“I didn’t keep that,” Kim confessed, referring to the ring. She recalled being pregnant with her daughter, North West, while still legally married to Humphries.

When she sought to finalize their divorce, he made an unexpected demand—he wanted the engagement ring back. This, despite the fact that he had contributed only a fraction of its cost.

Engagement rings often symbolize commitment and love, but in Kim’s case, the ring became a symbol of unfinished business. The extravagant ring was a defining feature of their highly publicized engagement, and its return became a point of contention during their split.

Kim’s revelation adds a new layer to the already dramatic story of their 72-day marriage. The divorce proceedings between the reality star and the former NBA player were far from smooth, stretching out for nearly two years before finally being settled in 2013.

Many assumed the ring had been a heartfelt token from Humphries, but Kim’s recent admission suggests a different reality.

“He contributed a fifth,” she revealed, meaning that despite the public perception of it being a generous romantic gesture, Humphries had only paid a small fraction of the total cost. Yet, in the divorce, he insisted she return it as though it had been his grand investment in their relationship.

For Kim, letting go of the ring seemed like a small price to pay for freedom. At the time, she was focused on starting a new chapter in her life.

Pregnant with her first child, North West, and eager to leave behind a marriage she had realized wasn’t meant to be, she ultimately agreed to Humphries’ demand.

The situation raises questions about the ethics of engagement ring etiquette in failed relationships. Traditionally, many believe that if a woman calls off the engagement, she should return the ring. However, when a marriage is legally dissolved, things become murkier.

Given that Kim was the one who primarily funded the ring, Humphries’ insistence on taking it back seems even more questionable.

While Kim’s net worth has soared over the years, and she certainly doesn’t need the ring’s monetary value, it’s the principle of the matter that makes it noteworthy.

In hindsight, the ring serves as a reminder of how complicated financial dynamics can be in relationships, even when millions of dollars are involved.

Kim and Humphries’ relationship was one of the most talked-about celebrity marriages of the decade. Their lavish wedding, which aired as a special on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, was a fairytale—until it wasn’t.

When Kim filed for divorce just 72 days later, speculation ran wild, with many accusing her of orchestrating a publicity stunt.

Humphries, clearly unhappy with the situation, refused to settle quietly. Instead, their divorce proceedings turned into a long, drawn-out battle.

While Kim had already moved on and was expecting her first child with Kanye West, Humphries continued to push for an annulment, claiming fraud.

His demand for the ring only added to the list of grievances, making it clear that he wanted something to show for the marriage—even if it was just a piece of jewelry that he had barely paid for.

While this drama is old news for Kim, it’s a striking reminder of the challenges she faced during that chapter of her life. Over the years, she has transformed herself into a powerhouse businesswoman and a devoted mother.

Meanwhile, Humphries has largely faded from the spotlight, occasionally making headlines for his business ventures and past relationship with the reality star.

Looking back, Kim’s decision to give up the ring may have been more about emotional closure than anything else. By relinquishing it, she put an end to any lingering connections to a relationship she had long moved past.

In contrast, Humphries’ demand suggests that he wasn’t quite ready to let go, at least not without ensuring he got something tangible in return. Whether out of spite or financial motives, his insistence on reclaiming an item he had only partially paid for is a telling footnote in the saga of their ill-fated marriage.

Kim’s experience is a reminder that high-profile relationships come with unique challenges—especially when money, public scrutiny, and legal battles are involved. While most couples don’t have to navigate multimillion-dollar divorces under the watchful eye of the media, the dynamics of ownership, fairness, and emotional closure are universal.

In the end, Kim got what she truly wanted: a clean break. The ring may have been a stunning piece of jewelry, but it wasn’t worth the baggage that came with it. Instead, she walked away from the past and built a future defined by her own success, proving that some things—like peace of mind—are far more valuable than even the most expensive diamonds.