< Engagement Rings & Weddings / Engagement Ring Styles
Dark Romance and the Rise of Gothic Engagement Rings
These moody rings offer antique diamonds, ornate settings, and old-world symbolism—with just a touch of Heathcliff-level intensity.
Published: January 9, 2026
Written by: Anouare Abdou
The vamp romantic aesthetic is trending on Pinterest, with searches for terms like “dark romantic makeup” and “vampire beauty” spiking on the platform, driven by millennials and Gen Z. So it’s no surprise that gothic engagement rings are also garnering interest.
But one could argue that goth has always had a presence in the mainstream, from shows like Netflix’s Wednesday and The CW’s Vampire Diaries to literary classics like Emily Brontë’s ‘Wuthering Heights.’ In fact, according to Nick Groom, professor of literature in English at the University of Macau and author of ‘The Vampire: A New History,’ gothic style isn’t just a trend – it’s a timeless phenomenon that gets revisited and reinterpreted through the decades.
“If you want to look at the first goths, look at the romantic poets. They look very cool. They’re fashion-conscious. They dress in black. They’ve got long, flowing hair. They take an interest in the macabre. They lead passionate lives,” says Groom, who is known in the media as “the prof of goth.”
Meet the Experts
Nick Groom is a professor of English literature at the University of Macau and a leading authority on gothic culture and its evolution across literature, fashion, and subculture. As the author of The Vampire: A New History, he brings deep historical insight into how gothic symbolism continues to shape contemporary aesthetics.
Polly Wales is the founder and creative director of her eponymous fine jewelry brand, celebrated for her bold aesthetic and pioneering cast-not-set technique that embeds gemstones directly into molten gold.
Jaume Labro is a jewelry designer and master goldsmith. As CEO of Jaume Labro Godo Kaisha, he is known for blending traditional techniques with bold, modern forms that emphasize symbolism, structure, and artisanal detail.
Sounds hauntingly romantic? There’s no need to be living out a tragic romance to wear a gothic engagement ring. Gothic engagement rings can be strikingly elegant, surprisingly versatile and emphasize the natural beauty of diamonds, from salt and pepper diamonds to old European cuts. Here’s what you need to know about them.
What is a Gothic Engagement Ring?
A gothic engagement ring is any ring inspired by goth aesthetics, whether it features a vintage diamond cut, darker metals or stones, a cathedral setting, or accents like claw prongs and filigree. While these rings may draw inspiration from the Gothic era of architecture, which spanned from the mid-12th to the 16th century, they vary in design.
Some modern gothic engagement rings may include elements like coffin-shaped center stones or skulls, while others are more Victorian-inspired (there was a Gothic revival during the Victorian era, but more on that later).
Megan Fox’s“toi et moi” two-stone engagement ring from Machine Gun Kelly is a notable example of a goth-inspired engagement ring. The thorn-inspired setting introduced themes of pain, devotion, and protection—core motifs in gothic art and literature. Even though the couple broke up, the diamond and emerald ring made the headlines for its dark symbolism.
Whether you’re known to dress all in black or are simply drawn to engagement rings with a moody, romantic edge, gothic design spans a wide spectrum, from overtly dark statements to subtle, historically inspired details that feel timeless rather than theatrical.
“One misconception is that gothic rings have to be non-traditional in every aspect or black, whereas in fact, many gothic rings use classic stones and metals but in more expressive designs,” says Jaume Labro, jewelry designer, CEO and goldsmith at Jaume Labro Godo Kaisha.
A Brief History of Gothic Engagement Rings
When you think of the Gothic era, you likely picture the dramatic architecture of the time. Structural features like pointed arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses, which have become hallmarks of Gothic architecture, were originally used to solve a functional challenge: Building cathedrals that reached the sky. Intricate stone tracery adorned windows and stained glass allowed natural light into the churches.
These elements influenced other forms of art, including jewelry design – think deeply hued gemstones and ornate metalwork. “It was about the grandeur, spirituality and craftsmanship inspired by cathedrals and religious artworks,” says Labro.
Gothic style experienced a revival in the Victorian era and flourished in the 19th century, as mourning jewelry also became popular. Rings from this period often featured dark onyx or enamel to maintain a somber tone, and details like skulls, coffins and hourglasses symbolized mortality.
Meanwhile, late 19th-century horror literature dove into the dark and supernatural with novels like Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. Silent films soon followed, exploring similar themes and helping spur the emergence of modern goth subculture.
“That sort of early vampire style emerged in the beginning of the 20th century, when people were keen on alluding to vampire movies and images with [the way they dressed],” says Groom. “We saw an explosion of this at the end of the 1970s, when goth subculture really got going, and it’s been with us ever since.”
Details of Gothic Engagement Rings
From Gothic architecture to Victorian trends and vampire archetypes, this amalgamation of influences is found in today’s gothic engagement rings.
“The design elements that summon the Gothic require a sense of darkened romance. There is a whole design vernacular built on this, tonally rich, sumptuous and carnal – velvety purples, venomous greens, nimbus grays and blood reds, caught in talons or thorn-like settings,” says award-winning British fine jeweler Polly Wales.
Below, discover some of the features that make gothic engagement rings stand out.
Cathedral-Inspired Settings
From tall arches to lower-profile settings with ornate filigree, the structure of a gothic engagement ring often mirrors Gothic architecture in one way or another.
Claw Prongs
With their pointed ends, claw prongs – sometimes called talon prongs – resemble an animal’s claws and add to the edge and drama of gothic engagement rings.
Elongated Stone Shapes
From kite to marquise and pear cuts, gothic engagement rings often feature elongated stones to create a “wow” effect.
Antique Diamond Cuts
Old European cuts, rose cuts and other antique diamond cuts complement the old-world quality of gothic engagement rings. “Their durability and the symbolism of permanence also align perfectly with the timeless, almost immortal themes that gothic jewelry often evokes,” says Labro.
Colored Diamonds or Gemstones
Whether it’s salt and pepper, gray or black diamonds, richly colored precious stones align with the aesthetic of gothic engagement rings, making each design feel one of a kind.
Symbolic Motifs
Gothic engagement rings are rich in symbolism. While details like skulls might seem morbid at first glance, they represent deeper themes like eternal love. Roses are common, too, for those looking to embrace their dark and feminine side.
Tips for Choosing a Gothic Engagement Ring
If you’re shopping for gothic engagement rings but don’t know where to start, below are a few tips to find the right piece for your unique style and love story.
- Consider what you’re drawn to: Maybe you want your engagement ring to reflect your edgy personal style or you find delicate Victorian jewelry beautiful. Gothic engagement rings come in different forms, so thinking about what resonates the most with you helps narrow down your options. As Wales notes, a ring with a Gothic essence can be soft and romantic or cold and sharp – it’s all about what you want the ring to convey.
- Choose a meaningful stone: Are you captivated by colored diamonds or know you want to get your hands on an antique? Whether you want an unconventional stone or something more classic, natural diamonds come with inherent storytelling, as Wales puts it: “Looking into each stone there is a glimpse of something – mist rolling across the moors, or smoky spells, and that romance and magic perfectly suits the gothic look.”
- Pay attention to the details: Small touches can transform the look of a gothic engagement ring and make it more intense or more elegant. For example, filigree or claw prongs can add character, while metals like yellow or rose gold can soften the overall look of a ring.
- Look for a timeless design: A well-designed gothic engagement ring should feel like a piece you can wear for life. Look for high-quality craftsmanship and materials like natural diamonds to help your ring stand the test of time.
Shop Gothic Engagement Rings
Get inspired by gothic engagement rings from some of our favorite designers and collectors.
Mociun Matzh Ring, $29,000, mociun.com
Polly Wales Ruby Elan Ring with Gray Diamond, $3,670, pollywales.com
Marei Dorian Floating Teardrop-Shaped Brilliant White Diamond Engagement Ring, Price Upon Request, mareinewyork.com
Polly Wales Diamond Frosty Lake Ring, $8,250, pollywales.com
Tacori Engagement Ring, $8,300, 100ways.com
Rachel Boston Zenith Ring, $25,296, rachelboston.com
Anna Sheffield Stardust Bea Ring, Price Upon Request, annasheffield.com
