The word “Gothic” might conjure images of Halloween-inspired decor and skull engagement rings, but there’s more to goth wedding bling than macabre motifs. Whether you’re in the market for a ring with blackened metal, a dark center stone or a mystical setting (skull wedding rings included) there’s no shortage of gothic engagement rings out there. Read on to the get the details on gothic engagement rings, plus shop editor-approved styles you can add to your cart right now.
@media(max-width:768px){#ad-embedded-slot-1-container{min-height:270px}}
In this article:
- What Is a Gothic Engagement Ring?
- What to Look For in a Gothic Engagement Ring
- Why Choose a Gothic Engagement Ring?
- Gothic Engagement Rings You Can Buy Now
What Is a Gothic Engagement Ring?
Gothic engagement rings have a very specific and different vibe to them. “The rings that veer towards gothic capture a dark beauty and attitude and usually feature blackened metal, strong angular shapes and moody grey diamonds,” says Eva Zuckerman, creative director and co-founder of Eva Fehren. There are also a few notable elements that are pillars of gothic jewelry, according to Sylva Yepremian, creative director of Sylva & Cie. “What makes an engagement ring Gothic is the elements used in the design, the dark metals and subtle references to Gothic architecture like the pointed features on the rings,” says Yepremian. Cathy Waterman, jewelry designer of Cathy Waterman Fine Jewelry, believes a gothic engagement ring captures the romance of true love and has a little mystery. “When two elements come together, romance and mystery, the result is often called gothic,” Waterman says.
@media(max-width:768px){#ad-embedded-slot-17q4mthin-container{min-height:70px}}
What to Look For in a Gothic Engagement Ring
“When looking for any nontraditional engagement ring, one should look for the highest level of craftsmanship and beautiful, high-quality diamonds—whether they are white, grey or black,” recommends Zuckerman. Other elements brides-to-be should look out for are standout details like dark components, colorful jewels and atypical shapes, says Caroline Muller, co-founder of Mad Lords. However, given Gothic style is up to interpretation, what’s most important is finding a ring works for your personal style. “A ring of this sort inevitably gets your attention but what matters most is what it represents to you,” Muller says.
@media(max-width:768px){#ad-embedded-slot-2-container{min-height:270px}}
Why Choose a Gothic Engagement Ring?
If you’re not one to follow trends, this style might be the one for you. “For someone that wants to make an individual statement, these designs tend to be quieter than traditional options and more personal,” says Yepremian. “A bride that chooses one of these styles wants to stand out in her choice and convey a unique personal style with her ring.” Muller also emphasizes the desire to stand out and be unique for the reason one should choose a gothic engagement ring. “Someone might want to choose a gothic engagement ring because of its eccentricity and the, sometimes, very colorful detail of the jewel which makes it an exceptional piece of jewelry. This style is made to evoke individuality through its details, making it a statement piece,” she says.
@media(max-width:768px){#ad-embedded-slot-4-container{min-height:70px}}
Gothic Engagement Rings You Can Buy Now
Feeling a gothic engagement right now? Shop some of our favorite ring styles below.
Eva Fehren The Nirvana Ring
Classic meets modern with this salt and pepper oval rose-cut diamond. The pointed diamonds that surround the center stone lend an edgy vibe to this sparkler.
Request Price | Eva Fehren
Sylva & Cie Electra Ring
When it comes to edgy and unique, this ring can’t be beat. The pear-shaped rough diamond center is surrounded by a geometrical halo of round diamonds. While one side of the band is accented with sparklers, the other side is split into two making this ring truly one of a kind.
$11,500 | Lesley Ann Jewels
Terzihan Fizzy Black Classic Ring
This ring is equal parts glamorous and goth. The black hue surrounding the center emerald, elongated hexagon shape and rose gold hue are elements that are sure to turn heads—in the best way of course.
$3,080 | Madlords
Eva Fehren Shield-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Looking to make a statement? The sharp, clean edges of this shield-cut diamond give off strong warrior vibes, while the pavé diamond halo and band both add a delicate, romantic touch.
$18,550 | Greenwich St. Jewelers@media(max-width:768px){#ad-embedded-slot-5-container{min-height:270px}}
Cathy Waterman Blackened Recycled Gold Small Garland Ring
Nothing says gothic engagement ring like 22k blackened recycled gold. The round-cut diamond is set among garland-inspired marquise-cut diamonds.
Request Price | Cathy Waterman
Laurie Fleming Ilona Ring with Salt and Pepper Diamond
The beauty of this ring is in its simplicity. The luminescent salt and pepper rose-cut diamond takes center stage on this tapering 14k yellow gold band.
$2,085 | Catbird
Gilan Palace Heritage 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Ring
If “the more the merrier” is your M.O., this engagement ring delivers. Rose-cut diamonds, white diamonds and clustered diamonds are all set on an 18k yellow gold band.
$13,800 | Moda Operandi
Unique Pear-Shaped Black Diamond Ring
A twisted shank filled with little black diamonds combined with a pear-shaped black diamond featuring a teardrop center makes for one unique engagement ring.
$3,000 | Barkev’s
G.St Ceremony Vesey Black Diamond Engagement Ring
The architecture of downtown NYC is the inspiration behind this glamorous ring. This alternative ring features a showstopping geometric black diamond center stone surrounded by a pavé diamond halo.
$10,000 | Greenwich St. Jewelers@media(max-width:768px){#ad-embedded-slot-6-container{min-height:70px}}
Ippolita Stella Hematite, Clear Quartz, Diamond and Sterling Silver Ring
Getting people’s attention won’t be a problem with a round doublet of clear quartz over hematite featuring a pavé diamond halo. The split shank band is just the cherry on top.
$995 | Saks Fifth Avenue
Gemvara Oval-Cut Black Onyx Ring
This ring has so much more to it than its polished black onyx gemstone. The antique style engraved motif on the white gold band and sparkling diamonds that surround it are just as eye-catching.
$1,880 | Gemvara
Fred Leighton Art Deco Onyx and Diamond Ring
Edgy nearlyweds, this one’s for you. The black onyx tablet features an old mine geometric diamond in a platinum mounting adorned with round-cut diamonds.
$12,500 | Fred Leighton
Unique Princess-Cut Black Diamond Engagement Ring Set
If your mantra is “why fit in when you were born to stand out,” then this is the ring for you. A princess-cut black diamond sits on a curved shank accented with tiny black diamonds—plus it comes with its own matching wedding band.
$3,245 | Barkev’s
Yi Collection Watermelon 18k Gold Tourmaline Ring
Go for the bold with this solitaire goth-meets-romantic engagement ring. The two-toned, geometric tourmaline gemstone is set on a delicate, thin band making it the perfect piece in a wedding ring set.
$1,750 | Moda Operandi@media(max-width:768px){#ad-embedded-slot-7-container{min-height:270px}}
Delfina Delettrez 18-Karat Blackened Gold Diamond Ring
Channel your inner punk rocker by donning this blackened gold ring featuring a round diamond punctuated by a tiny ball hoop. Just add a goth wedding ring for a totally magical stack.
$1,050 | NET-A-PORTER
Polly Wales Cupid’s Ring
Can’t decide on a stone color? With this engagement ring style, you don’t have to. This ring features a gray cushion-cut stone, ruby red side stones and small round brilliants.
$7,150 | Catbird
Repossi Blast 18k Black Gold and Diamond Ring
This twisted black gold band creates a stacked effect that’s topped off with a floating 1.86-carat oval shaped diamond is the epitome of an alternative engagement ring.
$15,550 | Saks Fifth Ave
Fred Leighton Georgian Rose-Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Since diamonds are a girl’s best friend, why not opt for a ring with over dozen of rose-cut ones? Set on a decorative engraved shank, this ring design brings the bling.
$12,500 | Fred Leighton
Sycamore Studio Roebling Lozenge Salt and Pepper Diamond Ring
The love you have with your S.O. is anything but ordinary, so why should your ring be? This 1.53-carat salt and pepper diamond lozenge set on a yellow gold band with pavé diamonds definitely strays from tradition.
$3,800 | Greenwich St. Jewelers@media(max-width:768px){#ad-embedded-slot-8-container{min-height:70px}}
Gemvara Lab Created Beauty Round-Cut Lillian Ring
Gothic jewelry doesn’t always mean black. This round ruby red gemstone is surrounded by two outer rings, which are also filled with tiny gemstones of the same color.
$2,065 | Gemvara
Dana Bronfman Hammered Halo Band with Grey Rose-Cut Diamond
The natural black rose-cut diamond is a perfect fit for this hammered-finished band which tapers from a wide width at the top to narrow at the bottom. This can serve as both your engagement ring and wedding band if you so choose.
$6,100 | Dana Bronfman