These All-Black Jewels Are Enduringly Dramatic

By Brittany Siminitz | October 19, 2022

In a season of black cats and witches, jewelry that evokes memories of Halloween—whether spooky, macabre, whimsical, or glam—is all the rage.

Some of it feels especially suited to October, and that’s OK—we delight in visiting such seasonal treasures, regrettably putting them away for much of the year, anxiously awaiting the holiday’s arrival to get them out and show them off again.

Others are more versatile: Snakes, skulls, and daggers, for example, come alive at Halloween but delight just as well in the spring and summer, being icons of jewelry for centuries.

Right now, it’s that versatility many shoppers have in mind. They want something to suit the moment, but with it a style that brings stability too. Something that spans the lengths of classic and trendy, a bit of fun that’s also chic and grown-up.

Cindy Liebel earrings — *Vesper hoop earrings with black diamonds, $388; Cindy Liebel Jewelry*

Colette black diamond bow ring — *Atame bow ring in 18k black gold with black diamonds, $6,160; Colette Jewelry*

Hannah Bedford Whorl ring — *Whorl ring in oxidized silver and 18k yellow gold, £300 ($350); Hannah Bedford*

Jewelry fashioned in all black is an arresting choice. There is something so sleek and sexy about blackened metal set with gemstones such as black diamonds, sapphires, or onyx, the jewelry equivalent of a slinky little black dress.

Eera Roma ear cuff — *Roma ear cuff in 18k white gold with diamonds, $5,364; Eéra*

Kelty Pelechytik Chloe ring — *Chloe ring with 1.6 ct. black diamond and 2 cts. t.w. reclaimed old mine–cut diamonds, $6,250; Kelty Pelechytik*

Ali Weiss black diamond heart ring — *Heart ring in 14k black rhodium with black diamonds, $1,000; Ali Weiss*

Bondeye black diamond earrings — *Earrings in 14k oxidized white gold with black spinel and black diamonds, $2,355; Bondeye Jewelry*

Lydia Courteilla La Vie en Rose bangle — *La Vie en Rose bangle bracelet in 18k gold with black diamonds, price on request; Lydia Courteille*

Much like the LBD, there’s a versatile array to suit all styles. The current gothic vibe that’s trending in fashion (and weddings!) is well tailored to the look, but a dash of darkness can bring a hint of drama to those who favor the brighter Barbie pink—and throw in a little rock ‘n’ roll vibe for your coastal grandmother too.