Black diamonds are seriously stunning. They’re a nice alternative for brides who are seeking a durable stone but want something a little bit different than the traditional white diamond ring. We set out to find the best black diamond engagement rings out there, and boy, did we find some gems (pun intended)!
(We’re also including a few grey and salt-and-pepper diamonds on this list, too. We couldn’t resist! They’re just too beautiful.)
Photo & Ring Design by Heidi Gibson Design
What Are Black Diamonds, Anyway?
Black diamonds may be beautiful, but they’re far from simple! There are multiple kinds of black diamonds and they all have different characteristics and values.
Type 1: Natural Black Diamonds
Natural black diamonds are essentially the same thing as white diamonds, except for one thing: natural black diamonds have inclusions of graphite and random clustering in their structure.
They are quite rare and are found in very few locations. However, they are actually more affordable than white or other colored diamonds because they are less in demand.
Type 2: Treated Black Diamonds
Treated black diamonds are regular white diamonds that typically have a high amount of inclusions in them, and thus are not very valuable. Because of these inclusions, they are essentially useless as white diamonds. So, they get treated via irradiation or heat. The treatment is what makes the diamond black.
These are the least expensive type of black diamond and are sometimes referred to as “colorless treated black diamonds.”
Type 3: Faux Black Diamonds
It starts to get a little confusing here. There are various types of “faux” black diamonds that are man-made, and they all are a bit different from on another.
There are lab-grown black diamonds, synthetic black diamonds, and simulant black diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are basically the same as natural black diamonds, except, of course, they can’t be found in nature. Simulant diamonds, on the other hand, have different chemical and physical properties. This makes them ridiculously cheap (like, find-a-$29-simulant-diamond-ring-on-AliExpress cheap).
Make sure you do your due diligence to find out what kind of black diamond is being used before you purchase anything!
What About Grey Diamonds?
What about grey diamonds? There are generally 2 main types of grey diamonds: natural and salt-and-pepper. Natural grey diamonds are extremely rare, and most of them get their color from a high concentration of hydrogen or boron.
Salt-and-pepper diamonds are also found in nature. These diamonds have a high presence of white and black inclusions. These inclusions affect the stone’s clarity, giving it a unique appearance.
Our Favorite Black Diamond Engagement Rings
(Plus some grey and salt-and-pepper diamonds, too!)
Black Celestial Diamond With Clear Diamond Accents
This radiant cut shaped black diamond is natural and ethically sourced. The center stone is accented with 10 small round accent diamonds, and looks great with a flat, rose gold band.
Engagement Ring by Midwinter.co – $2750
Hazeline Solitaire Ring
This ring is beautiful simplicity at its finest. The timeless design features a dainty silhouette, with a treated black diamond set in yellow gold.
Hazeline Solitaire Ring ring by Anna Sheffield – $3300
Black Diamond Ring with Black Gold Band
Iz & Co. designs some seriously bad ass rings. Although you can pick from more standard metals like yellow, white, and rose gold, black gold is also available.
The black diamond/black gold combo makes for a surprisingly chic alternative engagement ring.
Florence Black Diamond Ring by Iz & Co. – $2910
Salt + Pepper Ballerina-Inspired Ring
This ballerina-inspired ring features flaring baguettes, round accent diamonds, and a gorgeous salt and pepper diamond center stone.
It can be paired with a 14k yellow, rose, white gold or platinum band.
Kortni ring by Taylor Custom Rings – starting at $2685
Hexagon Black Diamond Ring
This ring is so beautifully dainty. As one of the least expensive black diamond engagement rings on this list, what’s not to like?
We love the fun geometric shape and natural appearance of the stone.
Hexagon ring by Satomi Kawakita – $870
Black Diamond Hexagon Engagement Ring
We’re head over heels for art deco, and this baguette diamond sunburst design adds the perfect art deco flair. The hexagon shaped black diamond is prong-set in a smooth 14k white gold. And, bonus: this shape is a great base for creating a beautiful ring stack!
Black diamond hexagon ring by Alexis Russell – starting at $4165
Raziel Ring
A chevron pattern is woven into this design beautifully! We love how each element is connected to one another, from the princess cut inverted black diamond to the surrounding gradient pavé to the contrasting yellow band.
Engagement Ring by Digby and Iona – $3180
Vintage-Inspired Pear Shape Grey Diamond Ring
This pear shaped rough diamond is on full display in this ring. The surrounding white diamonds and rose, white, or yellow gold setting provide the perfect accompaniment.
Charleen ring by Ken and Dana Design – setting starting at $1895
Princess Cut Black Diamond Ring
An all-black stunner! This unique ring features a princess cut natural black diamond, plus two small diamond accent stones. The metal is white gold with black rhodium plating.
Black diamond ring by WinterFine Jewelry – $1450+
Petite Black Diamond Engagement Ring
Simple and dainty! The diamond in this ring is natural and unenhanced. The round rose cut, semi-translucent stone lets you see the beautiful marbling of the inner structure.
.31 Carat Black Diamond Engagement ring by Point No Point Studio – $1185
Black Diamond Flora Engagement Ring
This unique black diamond ring features a variety of beautiful marquise cut and round cut black diamonds. They form a stunning floral design that is so special.
This ring is available in yellow, white, or rose gold.
Flora Engagement ring by Artëmer Studio – $1530
Luna Halo Ring
This ring is just so cheerful! We can’t get enough of its vintage style.
It’s made out of natural diamonds and can be made in yellow, rose, or white gold. There’s also a matching bridal ring set available.
Luna Halo Ring ring by Lamore Design – $1895
Grey Celestial Pear Diamond Ring
Featuring a 14k white gold setting and white diamond accents, this ring is a true stunner.
The center diamond is a natural, misty grey brilliant cut pear shaped stone.
Veragene ring by Midwinter – $2300
Square Grey Rose-Cut Diamond Pavé Ring
We love the unique appearance of this grey diamond stone. It is set in an 18k yellow gold ring, with ten white diamonds across the band. This ring is very delicate and the center stone adds a nice touch of flair!
Ring by Gillian Conroy – $3250
Black Diamond Ring with Black Accents
Heidi Gibson designs some of the most gorgeous vintage-inspired jewelry we’ve ever seen. This ring not only features a black diamond center stone, but beautiful black accents that really make it pop!
Cambria ring by Heidi Gibson – starting at $2200
Black Gold and Black Diamond Engagement Ring
This black gold and black diamond engagement ring is so unique! Can you spot the heart woven into the design?
Ring by Jewelry by Garo – $955
Black Diamond Aura Ring
A rose-cut black diamond, surrounded by over twenty pavé set white diamonds. What’s not to love?!
Catbird NYC – $2104
Like the idea of a non-traditional engagement ring, but don’t want to go with a diamond? Here’s the scoop on diamond-alternative engagement rings.
Organic Black Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
How unique is this?! It’s one of the more rustic feeling black diamond engagement rings on our list.
According to the designers, this ring was “inspired by the essence of a delicate rosebud, complete with organic flourishes.”
Hazel ring by Ken and Dana Design – $2195
Black Diamond Dark Moon Ring
Bold and beautiful! This ring features a center oval black diamond stone, with side crescent moon diamonds.
Ring via Trabert Goldsmiths – $9400
Three Diamond Engagement Ring
Perfectly raw and natural. It features a natural black emerald cut center diamond with 2 mismatched natural black trillion side diamonds.
Three diamond ring by Lauren Wolf Jewelry – $6400
Opaque Black Diamond Ring
Sweet simplicity at its finest. The stone is an emerald cut, emerald shape opaque diamond. The band is thin and is available in your choice of metal.
Oh, and it’s super affordable, too! We can’t get enough.
Ruthie ring by Midwinter – $800
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