Have you heard the rumour that diamonds became the status quo for engagement rings following the infamous 1940’s ad campaign by DeBeers: “A Diamond Is Forever”? You’re not alone! While it’s true this campaign propelled diamonds into the forefront of the modern jewellery market, historians estimate that India was trading diamonds as early as the fourth century BC. Diamonds gained popularity in Europe and North America following their discovery in South Africa in the 1860’s.
It’s not just a flashy marketing campaign, but the unique properties of diamonds which have maintained their popularity for engagement rings. Well known as being the ‘hardest substance on earth’ and clocking in at a 10/10 on the Moh’s hardness scale, the diamond also has high electrical resistivity, low thermal expansion coefficient (ability to withstand extreme changes in temperature) and refractive proprieties (the way it bends light) that make it not only beautiful, but the perfect compound to stand the test of time.
Today, they remain one of the few materials that are both technically fascinating and emotionally charged. Earth mined diamonds are used not only in fine jewellery, but in industrial tools; to drill, cut glass and so much more.
Mined diamonds are available in a wide array of shapes and sizes. There’s no “better” shape—just the one that feels right for your style and story.
Round, cushion, and princess cuts are timeless classics, often chosen for their symmetry and traditional appeal. Fancy shapes like marquise, oval, emerald, radiant, and pear cuts offer something a little different—either vintage, modern, or somewhere in between.
Whether you’re considering a delicate pavé band or shopping for a 2 carat mined diamond ring as a centrepiece, there’s a shape and scale to suit every design.
When you’re working with mined diamonds, understanding how price scales is key to making a confident choice. Diamond pricing isn’t linear—in other words, the price doesn’t double as the carat weight doubles. There are significant increases at benchmark sizes like 1.00 ct., 1.50 ct., 2.00 ct. mined diamond, and so on.
This is where expert guidance matters. There’s a delicate dance between the 4 C’s—carat, cut, colour, and clarity—and how they show up to the naked eye. At Alexis Gallery, helping you get the most sparkle and beauty for your budget is what we do best (but please don’t ask to see us actually dance).
Whether you’re after a 1.50 carat diamond ring or exploring your options for a larger 3.00 carat mined diamond, we meticulously curate diamonds for each individual client to maximize your budget and honour your design vision.
The first step of our design process is a brief phone meeting to get to know each other and answer your questions, discuss design ideas, centre stone options and pricing. Get in touch to book a brief phone consultation with one of our designers.
Early unethical diamond mining practices and ‘blood diamonds’ have made many people wary of working with mined diamonds. We support questioning an industry that has historically unethical labour conditions.
That’s why we pride ourselves on our commitment to only working with the most reputable diamond suppliers who uphold rigorous international standards and source conflict-free diamonds.
Mined diamonds are certified by third party associations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or International Gemological Institute (IGI) before they are available on the market. These certifying bodies employ expert gemologists who examine every diamond under magnification to document the stone’s characteristics.
The following attributes are documented:
Here’s an example of a report that would come with your GIA certified diamond.
Since lab grown diamonds have entered the market, clients are looking to understand how mined and lab diamonds differ and which to choose.
One of the most common questions we hear is: Should I choose a lab diamond or a mined diamond? The short answer is—there’s no wrong answer. Both are real diamonds in every way that matters.
Lab grown and earth mined diamonds share the exact same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties. They both rate a 10/10 on the Mohs scale for hardness, they refract light in the same way are certified by the same organizations and; they look identical.
Here are the key differentiators:
*Guaranteed when working with Alexis Gallery
As you can see, the only real difference is the source. Mined diamonds are formed naturally over billions of years beneath the earth’s surface. Lab grown diamonds are created in modern labs using processes that replicate those same geological conditions.
Mined diamonds may hold appeal for those drawn to their rarity or long-standing tradition. Lab grown diamonds offer more flexibility when it comes to budget and can be a great way to size up or enhance your design without compromising quality.
At Alexis Gallery, we offer both, and we’re happy to guide you through the pros, trade-offs, and possibilities—so you can make a decision that aligns with your values, your budget, and your love story.
The cost of a 2.00 ct. mined diamond depends on many factors, including cut quality, colour, clarity, and certification. Pricing can shift dramatically based on how these elements interact. Prices may range from $17,000-35,000+ for a 2.00 ct. engagement ring with a solitaire design. If you’re considering a 2.00 ct. diamond, the best next step is to speak with a designer who can walk you through your options and help you understand what matters most to your priorities and budget.
Mined diamonds are sometimes considered more valuable than lab grown diamonds due to their perceived rarity and natural origin—but value means different things to different people. It might be tradition, resale potential, or personal significance. We’ll help you explore your options with clarity so you can choose what feels right for you.
Earth mined diamonds have a much longer track record in the global market than lab grown diamonds, which gives them stronger historical value retention. That said, like any material asset, resale value is subject to market forces—supply, demand, timing, and trends all play a role.
While some clients consider resale as part of their decision-making, most are focused on creating something deeply personal and lasting. If long-term value is important to you, we’ll help you understand what to expect—and how to choose a diamond that balances meaning, quality, and confidence.
At Alexis Gallery, we do things differently. We’re not a traditional jewelry store—we’re a design studio driven by collaboration and care.
Whether you’re dreaming of a classic diamond ring or exploring a unique custom design, you’ll work one-on-one with a designer who listens, guides, and curates with your values and vision in mind.
If you’re ready to learn more about earth mined diamond rings, explore your options, or get clarity on what’s possible for your budget, we’d love to connect.
Book your phone consultation and let’s create something that reflects your story.
