‘The Bachelor’: What’s Lauren Bushnell Doing With Her Ben Higgens Engagement Ring After Split?

Bachelor stars Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell didn’t make it the altar despite their best efforts. The couple, who got engaged during Season 20 of the hit ABC dating series, have officially called it quits. The pair announced their break up in mid-May.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce our decision to go our separate ways,” Lauren Bushnell and Ben Higgins told People Magazine in a joint statement. “We feel fortunate for the time we had together, and will remain friends with much love and respect for one another. We wish nothing but the best for each other, and ask for your support and understanding at this time.”

TMZ recently caught up with Lauren Bushnell at LAX airport, where she admitted that she will be giving back the huge Neil Lane diamond engagement ring that she received from Ben Higgins in the Season 20 finale. The ring is a 4.25-carat sparkler that is reportedly worth $95,000.

E! Online reports that the Bachelor stars are forced to give their engagement rings back after a split, and after a certain window of time has passed, the ring goes back to the jewlry designer himself.

In addition to Bushnell’s ring reveal, Lauren says she has no idea what the future holds for her and Ben, but she’s “open” to anything when it comes to getting back together with her former fiance.

As for becoming the star of The Bachelorette in the future, Bushnell says that she is just trying to recover and move forward from her relationship with Ben Higgins at this time. However, fans are hoping that she may consider appearing on the show or it’s spin-off, Bachelor in Paradise, in future seasons if she is unattached romantically. Lauren wouldn’t rule out a return to reality TV dating, but she did say that she wouldn’t consider it “right now,” as she “needs a minute” to breathe after ending her engagement to Higgins.

Meanwhile, Ben Higgins is also struggling with moving on after breaking up with Lauren Bushnell. The former Bachelor star took to social media this week to address haters over his split with Lauren.

“You are going to hurt somebody, you are going to hurt somebody deeply. But, I will not be one of those people. I cannot focus on the negative comments or indecently hateful words being said about me or my relationship even though they do sting. I do know great people that I care about deeply that comments and criticisms have affected and as a result I wanted to share my words. A small minority of people (at least I will continue to believe it is a small minority) want to see people suffer or fail.

“Personally, my basis for judging myself is simple, if I do something that doesn’t represent Christ then I will listen to the opinions and words from family and friends who know me best and love me. I do desire (by the direction of family and peers) to become a better person daily. Ask yourself what life is about and pursue your conclusion with passion. When a good opportunity comes your way that fits your desires take it, because life is short but a lot more fun when you are doing something you enjoy.”

As for Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell’s current relationship, it seems that the two are friendly toward one another, and they’re not ruling out a reconciliation in the future.

What are your thoughts on Lauren Bushnell’s engagement ring going back and Ben Higgins recent comments on the couple’s split?

[Featured Image by John Lamparski/Getty Images]