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Courtesy of Iz & Co. / Design by Bailey Mariner
Still on the hunt for a unique engagement ring that none of your friends have? Consider a gothic engagement ring, which boldly expresses the bond between partners who share an edgy, alternative outlook to life.
What Is a Gothic Engagement Ring?
A gothic engagement ring is a style of jewelry inspired by elegance and macabre. Gothic rings often showcase black diamonds, which resemble strength and passion, or rubies, which represent romance, wealth, and success.
The gemstones—like blood-red marquise rubies or Victorian-style black diamonds—may give a gentle nod to dark aesthetics. Or the ring design may be more explicitly goth and include skull, bat, and cobweb motifs alongside fine materials and construction. “People who identify as goth might choose to have a really special skull or bone ring,” says jeweler Stephen Einhorn. “But there are many others who might surprise you, as they express their dark or wild side more subtly. Often, they too will want a gothic ring.”
When it comes to designing a gothic ring, Einhorn loves to juxtapose fine materials and put an unconventional twist on traditional ring styles. “You’ll want a bit of something fabulous to set off the darkness, he explains. "A brilliant-cut stone like a black sapphire or a black diamond contrasts well with the rich colors of rose or yellow gold. Similarly, the opulence of a diamond sits beautifully on a more overtly gothic design, like a small skull ring. A platinum and ruby skull ring is another luxurious option.”
More and more designers are taking on this gothic style like Einhorn. More and more designers are taking on this gothic style like Einhorn. Sofia Ajram - founder of Sofia Zakia - also brings gothic style into many of her bridal ring designs. Jewelry designer, Anna Sheffield, is also taking notice of the use of black onyx in nontraditional engagement rings and incorporating it into designs.
Ahead, be inspired by 27 gothic engagement rings that perfectly symbolize your commitment to "til death do us part."
Sofia Zakia Salt-and-Pepper Diamond Wandering Star Ring
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Courtesy of Sofia Zakia
Inspired by celestial bodies, this dreamy ring includes two crescent moons on a gold band, surrounded by 10 star-like diamonds. The round, rose-cut center diamond is Canadian-mined, with salt-and-pepper inclusions reminiscent of the night sky.
Price at time of publish: $2,650
Buddha Mama Evil Eye Square Band Ring With Diamonds
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Buddha Mama
Buddha Mama’s minimalist square band is perfect for stacking and features fine decorations on every surface, including the interior. The black enamel base glistens with planet-like diamonds, gold stars and crescent moons, and a watchful eye that wards off evil.
Price at time of publish: $3,300
Marei Pythia Princess Cut Solitaire Diamond in 18K Black Gold
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Marei
Inspired by the serpent in the Garden of Eden, this decadent engagement ring twists around a princess-cut 0.5-carat white diamond. The dark band is made from 18K white gold finished with black rhodium and embedded with round diamonds at the tail.
Anna Sheffield Marquise Bea Ring Gold and Black Diamond
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Anna Sheffield
A marquise-cut black diamond looks striking next to white diamond trillion side stones laid in 14K rose gold. The knife-edge band and canine-like prongs give the ring a contemporary look.
Price at time of publish: $6,100
The Great Frog Pan's Bride Engagement Ring
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The Great Frog
Two goat skulls with curved horns sit beside a brilliant prong-set center diamond. Although the fine gold ring has a devilish feel, the design is inspired by the arcane tales of the Greek god Pan.
Sapphire Studios Aphrodite Certified GIA Natural Diamond Skull Engagement Ring
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Sapphire Studios
Two black carved skulls sit beside a round-cut center stone, with side stones shaped in an X to represent “together until death.” Customize this ultra-gothic ring with your favorite metals and gems, which can be paired in dozens of combinations when you upgrade your engagement ring.
Fine Skull Jewellery Lilith White Diamond Skull Ring
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Etsy
This ring’s two-carat center diamond represents eternal love, while the four surrounding skulls remind us of our mortality. Kipkalinka’s white gold double band is skillfully set with diamonds, and each morbidly beautiful skull is carved by hand.
Price at time of publish: $7,370 for AAAA salt+pepper Dia
Iz&Co. Diamond Skull Eternity Ring
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Iz&Co.
A seemingly simple wedding ring gets a luxurious gothic twist. The 14K gold band is entirely made of skulls in alternating positions, and each has gleaming diamonds for eyes.
Price at time of publish: $1,570
Windfall Jewellery Coffin Halo Ring
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Windfall Jewellery
A coffin ring is an unusual yet expressive way to symbolize a couple’s lifelong commitment. Choose a dark gemstone—such as a salt-and-pepper diamond or London blue topaz—as the bezel-set solitaire. Then, customize the gothic ring with your metal of choice and black or white accent diamonds.
Price at time of publish: $2,884
Front Jewelers Black Pear Shape Diamond Engagement Ring Set
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Front Jewelers
Those who feel they have “dark souls” will love Front Jewelers’ all-black engagement rings. Their ethically sourced black diamond teardrop is surrounded by round black diamonds, which also cover the 14k black gold band.
Price at time of publish: $2,195
Berganza Vintage Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
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Berganza
With an oval Siam ruby encircled by 10 brilliant-cut diamonds, this vintage ring seems to be made for Dracula’s bride. The elegant white gold band is inset with baguette diamonds, which highlight the giant blood-red solitaire.
Price at time of publish: $25,942
Krikawa Bat Engagement Ring
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Krikawa
Two bats with diamond spines fly out from the bottom of the band. At the center stone, their wings touch. Krikawa can engrave and customize this ring with various materials, such as palladium with a sapphire solitaire.
Segal Jewelry Camilla Rose Spike Blue Sapphire Ring
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Segal Jewelry
A blue sapphire ring with roses on the sides evokes the dark romance of a gothic novel. The 14k white gold band is covered in studs for a hard rock feel.
Price at time of publish: $4,598
Stephen Einhorn Mini Skull Ring
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Stephen Einhorn
Einhorn’s eye-catching ring is shaped like a skull, with glistening 0.06-carat stones set into the eye sockets. The sleek band can be customized in various finishes including gold, palladium, and platinum. The skeleton’s “eyes” can also be personalized with black diamonds, emeralds, rubies, or amethyst, ideal for your engagement ring shopping.
Angara Princess Cut Black Diamond Solitaire Ring With Milgrain Detailing
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Angara
Juxtapose the femininity of the princess cut with a bold black diamond. This center stone is set on a pave band of round-cut black diamonds with black milgrain detailing.
Price at time of publish: $919
Alexis Russell The Aster Ring
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Alexis Russell
If you are looking for a nontraditional option but aren't ready to fully commit to a gothic style, consider this kite-shaped pink sapphire ring. The knife-edge band and the semi-halo of salt-and-pepper diamonds bring a darker look to this lighter stone.
Metal Wendler Art Nouveau Black Diamond Skull Engagement Ring
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Etsy
This gothic-style ring features a center black diamond with two silver skulls in the gallery of the ring. The intricate detailing that flanks the center diamond also reflects the ring's alternative look.
Price at time of publish: $1,302 for 10k white gold
Tom Castor Purple and Black Spinel Diamond Spiderweb Filigree Ring
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1st Dibs
We could see Morticia Addams sporting this spidery Victorian gothic ring. The center stone is natural, unheated purple spinel with lavender, steel, purple hue and gem quality. A milgrain-detailed web spirals out of the stone with accent black spinel stones and an outline of white diamonds.
Price at time of publish: $6,500
Diamondere Claudine Ring
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Diamondere
If you are hoping to find an all-black ring, look no further than this round black diamond mystical engagement ring not a wedding ring. The stones are set on a black rhodium-plated band, which features intricate engraving throughout.
Price at time of publish: $2,829
Rusty Thought Victorian Double Serpent Ring
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Catbird
Made as a symbol of never-ending love, this ring from Rusty Thought is complete with double serpents weaved together in solid 18k yellow gold. Each serpent's eyes feature two white diamonds.
Price at time of publish: $828
Penelli Belle Antique Rutile Quartz Moissanite Black Diamond Engagement Ring
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Etsy
This emerald-cut ring features two baguette diamonds on each side of the center stone with six black diamonds. The band comes in a variety of options including rose gold, yellow gold, and white gold.
Price at time of publish: $1,564
Catherine Angiel Gothic Inspired Engagement Ring
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Catherine Angiel
Antique meets gothic in this intricately engraved ring from Catherine Angiel. The center stone is set in a hand-carved, white gold band.
Price at time of publish: $3,500
Penelli Belle "The Looking Glass" Engagement Ring
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Etsy
Shield cuts are a great way to incorporate a gothic look into your engagement ring in a low-profile manner. This shield cut highlights a "looking glass" design with a clear moissanite diamond revealing a gemstone encrusted rose. If you are looking for a darker look but still love this design, the band can also be crafted in black rhodium.
Price at time of publish: $1,934
Capucinne Nina Art Deco Black Diamond Ring
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Capucinne
This gothic art deco ring was designed as a reminder of social injustice. According to Capucinne's site, this ring signifies the "rebellion and strength of everyone standing up to racism and injustice".
Price at time of publish: $4,415
1stDibs Natural Ruby and Diamond 14K White Gold Ring
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1stDibs
Rubies are another way to incorporate an alternative look into your engagement ring. This 3.24-carat natural ruby sits in a bed of diamonds with a total carat weight of 2.28.
Price at time of publish: $5,250
Suzanne Kalan Amalfi Black Night Quartz Stacker Half Band
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Suzanne Kalan
This Suzanne Kalan ring was inspired by the vertically stacked buildings along the Amalfi Coast. The black night quartz stones give a darker look to this elegant piece, perfect for an engagement ring shopping.
Chris Aire Pear Mystery Black Diamond Ring
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Chris Aire
For a statement-making look, consider this pear-shaped vintage-style ring from Chris Aire. Sixty-seven round brilliants white and black diamond weighing 1.15 carats surround the center black tourmaline gemstone.
Price at time of publish: $7,150
Meet the Expert
- Stephen Einhorn is a London-based designer and fine jeweler. Einhorn’s designs span a range of styles, but many have a decidedly gothic or rock and roll accent, particularly his skull jewelry collection.
What to Look for When Shopping for a Gothic Engagement Ring
Stone
Gothic rings aren't only dictated by their design. The stone you choose can also affect its overall appearance. Popular choices include black diamonds and black sapphires, but rubies also have a gothic essence. You may also see gothic rings with salt-and-pepper diamonds, which is another elegant choice that leans on the untraditional side for your gothic wedding.
Cut
The cut of your stone can help embody a gothic look in your engagement ring. For example, a shield cut or a coffin cut are both nontraditional cuts for a stone that emulates an alternative look. If you are looking to add a gothic flair to your ring but want to stick with a traditional diamond, utilizing a unique cut is a way to get the best of both worlds.
Quality
Invest in a gothic ring with beautiful quality, make, and finish, as these elements will set it apart from Halloween costume jewelry. As with any type of engagement ring, says Einhorn. “You want to make sure that it’s handmade in a workshop where the jewelers will spend time to have it meet the highest standards.”
FAQs
- How much do gothic-style engagement rings cost? Gothic engagement rings can range in cost. If you choose to go with a design that features a gemstone as opposed to a diamond, you may find that the ring costs less than a traditional engagement ring. Pricing depends on a variety of different elements, but just remember to prioritize quality in whatever ring you get.
- Where can I purchase a gothic-style engagement ring? Jewelers that carry vintage or art deco jewelry will most likely have gothic-style ring options. However, if you are looking for a truly unique style, try looking outside of engagement rings and focus on jewelers that specialize in avant-garde pieces.
- Where can I purchase a gothic-style engagement ring? While some gothic-style rings may have elements that will go out of style, you just have to decide if you can see yourself in the ring as you grow older. Try not to focus on trends, and instead, find a piece that you will treasure for the rest of your life.
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