content: This is the classical legal interpretation. The ring is a payment against her chastity. Basically paying for a prostitute. Keeping the ring means she's compensated for prostitution. Returning the ring means her chastity remains intact. Historically, if you screwed her, you're paying her for services rendered. If you didn't engage in per-martial sex, the ring is returned as no compensation is due. I've not followed modern legal interpretation on a women's right to be compensated for prostitution.