About Diamonds

Learn about the color, cut and clarity of diamonds

Todd Alan’s diamond wedding rings  aren’t mass produced, die-cast pieces. Todd hand makes each ring as it is ordered. On this page you can learn about diamonds and make the best choice for the perfect one for you. It can be overwhelming. This can help. Feel free to call us if you have any questions. (941-217-4969)

This is a signature braided ring with our swirl ring style in 14k white gold and mounted with a large diamond. Handmade by artist Todd Alan. A unique ring.

Color

One factor that determines the value of a diamond is its color. With the exception of fancy-colored diamonds, the most valuable diamonds are those with the least color. Although many people think of gem quality diamonds as colorless, completely colorless diamonds are very rare. The diamond color scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). A diamond’s color is determined by a manual process of comparing the diamond to a master set. Each letter grade represents a range of color and is a measurement of how noticeable a color is.

When diamonds are formed with traces of other minerals, rare and beautiful colors can result. These “fancy” colors range from blue and brilliant yellow to red, brown, pale green, pink, and violet. Because of their rarity, colored diamonds are highly desirable and typically more valuable. 

A graph showing the different color levels in a diamond

Carat

Carat refers to a diamond’s weight. One carat, the traditional unit of measurement for diamonds, is approximately 0.2 grams. You may also hear the weight of a diamond referred to in points. One carat is equivalent to 100 points, so a 75-point diamond is equal to 0.75 carats. Because they are rarer, larger diamonds have greater value per carat, so the price of a diamond rises exponentially to its size. The more you learn about diamonds the more you can decide what size would be best for you. 

A graph showing the different sizes of diamonds

Clarity

A diamond’s clarity is measured by the existence or absence of visible flaws. Tiny surface blemishes or internal inclusions, even those seen only under magnification, can alter the brilliance of the diamond and thus affect its value. Clarity levels begin with flawless (FL, IF), followed by very, very slight (VVS1, VVS2), very slight (VS1, VS2), slightly included (SI1, SI2), and included (I1, I2, and I3).

A graph showing clarity of diamonds
A moissanite ring made with the Christian wedding ring weave known as the cord of three ring. All rings are handmade and braided rings by Todd Alan.

Looking for an affordable alternative to diamonds? Check out Moissanites.

Diamond Gallery

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All of Todd Alan's designs are protected by copyright.