FULL VIDEO AT THE END OF THE POST
The Engagement and Its Demise
Mr. Crawford, the plaintiff, sued Ms. Fiskomi, the defendant.
The dispute centered on an engagement ring.
Mr. Crawford had purchased the ring for $7,700.
Ms. Fiskomi had selected the ring.
She had an "in" in the diamond business.
The engagement began in November 1994.
They were in Palm Springs at the time.
Mr. Crawford claimed the relationship went "downhill" from the moment they got engaged.
Ms. Fiskomi called this a "lie."
She believed things were going well.
She presented love letters and cards as proof.
This included a Valentine's card to Mr. Crawford.
She said she sent it two weeks before he called off the engagement.
The card included a picture of them in a frame.
Ms. Fiskomi stated she took the trouble to do that.
She thought things were going well.
The engagement lasted four or five months.
It ended in March 1995.
Mr. Crawford stated that Ms. Fiskomi returned a check to him for $5,000 on March 13th.
Judge Judy asked if both decided the engagement wasn't working.
Mr. Crawford claimed he decided.
Ms. Fiskomi claimed he decided.
Judge Judy suggested it sounded like both decided.
The Ring's Fate
Mr. Crawford stated that Ms. Fiskomi kept the ring at that moment.
He claimed she would not return it to him.
Judge Judy asked if he asked for the ring back.
Mr. Crawford said he asked "many times."
He claimed she "stalled" on several occasions.
The ring was eventually sold.
This occurred almost two years prior to the court hearing.
The $5,000 Check
Mr. Crawford admitted he deposited the $5,000 check from Ms. Fiskomi.
He used the money to pay off a loan.
Judge Judy questioned why he was suing for the ring if he had accepted $5,000.
Mr. Crawford explained his reasoning.
He stated that Ms. Fiskomi was living in his condominium at the time.
She threatened to stop paying rent if he pursued legal action for the ring.
He presented a copy of the condominium rental agreement.
Ms. Fiskomi confirmed she stayed in his condominium.
She lived there from March 1995 until August 1996.
This was a period of about 17 months.
Mr. Crawford confirmed she paid him rent during this time.
He stated he waited for her to move out before pursuing the ring.
He said he "never forgave her."
Renewed Relationship
Ms. Fiskomi stated that they got back together a month after the breakup.
She claimed they were together for another year.
She said they slept together.
They went on ski trips.
They traveled to the Caribbean and Maui.
She claimed Mr. Crawford never once brought up the ring during this time.
Judge Judy asked Mr. Crawford if this was true.
Mr. Crawford confirmed they renewed their relationship.
He said it started once a week, then once a month.
He confirmed they went on trips together.
He also confirmed they were intimate.
This renewed relationship lasted about a year.
Mr. Crawford added that Ms. Fiskomi dated other people during this time.
The Ring's Sale
Judge Judy asked Ms. Fiskomi where the ring was.
Ms. Fiskomi stated she sold the ring.
She sold it for $7,000.
She claimed she owed her ex-boss, Glen Bain, a commission of $1,000.
She said Mr. Crawford knew about this.
Judge Judy questioned Ms. Fiskomi's explanation.
Ms. Fiskomi had previously stated she was in the jewelry business.
She had claimed to have put "blood and sweat" into finding the right ring.
She said she found the right diamond and stone for the best value.
Judge Judy found it difficult to believe she sold a $7,700 ring for $7,000.
This was especially true given her expertise.
Ms. Fiskomi stated she kept $1,000 for her time and effort.
She claimed the ring was insured for $10,000.
Judge Judy expressed disbelief about the $1,000 commission to her ex-boss.
She also questioned Ms. Fiskomi keeping $1,000 for her time.
Legal Precedent and Personal Feelings
Ms. Fiskomi argued that she was entitled to keep the ring.
She believed this because Mr. Crawford broke off the engagement.
She mentioned reading this in an "Anne Landers" column.
Judge Judy stated that an engagement ring is given in contemplation of marriage.
She said she had "tremendous regard for Anne Landers."
However, she would not base her legal future on such advice.
Judge Judy stated that Ms. Fiskomi should not be "enriched" at Mr. Crawford's expense.
The Verdict
Judge Judy did not believe Ms. Fiskomi gave her boss a $1,000 commission.
She initially considered that Mr. Crawford accepted the $5,000 check in full satisfaction.
However, she had "second thoughts."
She decided that Ms. Fiskomi owed Mr. Crawford money.
Judgment was entered for the plaintiff, Mr. Crawford.
The amount awarded was $2,000.