23 Nov C. Blackburn Jewelers Pricing for Custom Rings
Seen Above: A custom engagement ring by San Diego jewelry designer Carl Blackburn, featuring a 3.11 carat cushion-shaped (lab-grown) fancy yellow diamond with half-moon diamonds on each side.
At C. Blackburn Jewelers in La Jolla, every custom engagement ring, wedding band, and bridal jewelry is designed and crafted to order. Because no two pieces are ever exactly alike, prices vary depending on the center stone, the metal, and the intricacy of the craftsmanship.
However, we can provide some ballpark figures to demonstrate how affordable our custom rings and fine jewelry can be. In addition, most clients find that understanding why pricing differences exist makes choosing their ring not only easier, but far more meaningful.
Our off-the-shelf engagement rings typically begin at 1999 (complete with 1.50 carat lab grown diamond center), with custom designs averaging between $3500 and $4500 (complete with 2.5 to 5.0 carat lab grown center and accent stones). Custom women’s wedding bands usually start around $750, while men’s bands begin near $1500. Let’s look at what drives those figures, so you can make the best, informed decision.
Diamond & Gemstone Pricing
No factor influences price more than the center stone. Diamonds are graded by the “Four Cs” — cut, color, clarity, and carat weight — and each one has a direct impact on cost. A one-carat diamond of fine quality might cost $3500, while the same size with exceptional color and clarity can reach $7500 or more. The reason is rarity: truly colorless diamonds and those without visible inclusions make up only a small fraction of what nature produces.
However, not every buyer needs that perfection. Many of our clients prefer near-colorless stones (G–H color, VS2–SI1 clarity) that look virtually identical to higher grades once set, but at a lower cost. The smartest approach is to prioritize cut quality above all else; a beautifully cut diamond will sparkle more brightly than a flawless stone with poor proportions.
Lab-grown diamonds have changed the modern market. Because they share the same chemical and optical properties as natural diamonds, their beauty is indistinguishable to the naked eye. Yet they typically cost 90-99% percent less, allowing clients to increase carat size or invest more in design details. For couples who value sustainability or a larger stone within budget, lab-grown options are often ideal.
Precious & Semi-Precious Stones
Some prefer the romance of color: royal blue sapphires, rich rubies, or lush emeralds. Fine natural stones in these categories can equal or even exceed diamond pricing depending on saturation and clarity. For example, a vivid one-carat sapphire of exceptional quality might cost about $2000, while top-grade rubies and emeralds of the same size can range from $3000 to $4000.
Softer or semi-precious gems such as morganite and aquamarine create a more delicate pastel look and are substantially less expensive, with prices beginning near $300-400. These stones offer beautiful value for non-traditional brides seeking a distinctive yet affordable alternative to diamonds.
Precious Metal: Gold vs. Platinum
The choice of metal influences both aesthetics and longevity. A 14-karat gold setting might start at $900, while 18-karat gold—richer in color and purity — adds about 30%. Platinum, favored for its natural white sheen and durability, typically costs 50% more due to its density and the skill required to work it by hand.
Although platinum costs more upfront, it’s worth considering for those who wear their ring daily. It’s hypoallergenic, retains its color forever, and develops a subtle patina many find deeply elegant over time.
How Design Impacts Engagement Ring Pricing
Simple solitaire engagement rings are timeless, but many of our clients fall in love with the tiny touches that make a ring truly personal: milgrained edges, hand engraving, filigree scrolls, or pavé diamond accents. These artisanal details require skilled labor and time.
A hand-engraved shank might add $300 to the total, while intricate filigree or micro-pavé settings can add $200-500 more. Every millimeter is sculpted and finished by a craftsman under magnification — so although the increase is measurable, the difference in artistry is profound. It’s what distinguishes custom fine jewelry from mass production.
Custom wedding rings, while simpler in concept, follow the same principles. A plain gold band starts at approximately $700. Add texture, mixed metals, or engraving, and the price adjusts slightly. Diamond bands vary by total carat weight: a half-eternity pavé style may begin near $1500 (with natural diamonds), while a full-eternity band with premium stones can reach $2500 (with natural diamonds) or higher.
Men’s wedding bands in 14K gold start at $1500, with platinum or custom designs ranging from $2000-3000 depending on width and weight.
What Upgrades Can Make a Difference?
When it comes to diamond upgrades, we always advise cut over carat — a smaller, perfectly cut diamond shines brighter than a larger one with a mediocre cut. For precious metals, consider platinum for longevity — as platinum’s strength repays its initial premium many times over. If you plan to pass the ring down across generations, handcrafted details in platinum like engraving and milgrain bring lasting sentimental and artistic value.
If thinking about setting your engagement ring with a color gemstone, symbolism is often a deciding factor: a sapphire for loyalty, a ruby for passion, or an emerald for renewal can add personal meaning that no price tag can quantify.
At C. Blackburn Jewelers, custom design begins with a conversation — never a sales pitch. We listen to your ideas, sketch, render the design in CAD, and refine until it feels right. Once approved, production takes about 2-3 weeks, with a 50% deposit applied toward the final total.
Clients can also bring heirloom stones; we’ll evaluate them and quote a simple setting-only cost. Every finished ring is inspected, polished, and presented in our signature packaging with full documentation.
For personalized pricing and design guidance, schedule a meeting at our La Jolla jewelry store by calling 858-251-3006 or texting 619-723-8589. Each quote is tailored to your choices, ensuring you know exactly what you’re paying for — and why it’s worth every penny.
Note: This C. Blackburn Jewelers pricing information is based on November (2025) precious metal and diamond prices. Gold, platinum, and natural diamond prices can fluctuate up and down, so do contact us for precise pricing information if needed.
