The New LBD: The Little Black Diamond Engagement Ring

Ever since Mr. Big proposed to Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City 2 with one, the black diamond engagement ring has been gaining devotees. Attribute the trend to Carrie's enduring fashion influence, or simply to a growing love of the look itself. Nothing says you're one of a kind like a gem the color of the midnight skies. If your taste is more rarified than your budget and you're seeking a black diamond engagement ring, you may want to opt for a white sparkler that has been heat-treated to turn the darker hue. Naturally occurring black diamonds are incredibly scarce (some scientists say a supernova created them billions of years ago!) and wildly expensive. Here, 19 styles for the bride-to-be.

Emerald cut black diamond "Bea" ring with inverted white diamond trillions set in 14k yellow gold, $4,900; annasheffield.com.

Rose cut black diamond "Aura" ring with a white diamond halo set in 18k rose gold, $2,050; catbirdnyc.com.

Three row pave set black diamond eternity band in rose gold, $1,300; henridaussi.com.

Custom black diamond ring accented by a blue-gray sapphire and blue sapphire micro pave on a 14k yellow gold band, price upon request; mociun.com.

White oval cut diamond ring with a black diamond halo, price upon request; luganodiamonds.com.

Princess cut black diamond "Caroline" ring with white diamond accents set in 14k white gold, $1,802; gemvara.com.

Black diamond ring in a hexagon-shaped setting on a matte 18k yellow gold band, $1,870; stevenalan.com.

Black diamond halo ring set in 14k white gold; $1,990; sylviecollection.com.

Fancy cut black diamond ring with white diamond accents set in 18k rose gold, $5,500; toddreed.com.

"Trinity" ring with one white and two black diamond bands set in 18k white gold, $4,790; jamiewolf.com.

Inverted princess cut black diamond "Raziel" ring with black to white gradient diamond pave set in 14k yellow gold, $2,780; catbirdnyc.com.

Black diamond "Rapunzel" ring with white sapphire accents set in 18k yellow gold, $4,125; greenwichjewelers.com.

Black and white diamond crossover ring set in 14k white gold, $1,695; effyjewelry.com.

Rose cut solitaire black diamond ring set in a 18k yellow gold, $1,340; satomikawakita.com.

Black diamond "Audrey" ring set in 18k white gold, $1,100; melissakayejewelry.com.

Rose cut black diamond "Odile the Swan" ring with brilliant cut white diamond accents set in 14k gold, $1,350; catbirdnyc.com.

Black diamond ring set in 14k vanilla gold, $1,547; levian.com.

Marquis cut black diamond "Bea" ring with white diamond trillion side stones set in 14k rose gold, $4,900; annasheffield.com.

Fancy cut black diamond ring with white diamond accents set in palladium, $5,720; toddreed.com.