Create One-of-a-kind Jewelry
Are you dreaming of a one-of-a-kind ring, necklace, pair of earrings, or other fine jewelry made just for you? At C. Blackburn Jewelers in La Jolla, we specialize in turning your ideas into exquisite custom jewelry.
San Diego jewelry designer Carl Blackburn has over two decades of experience crafting unique pieces that celebrate life’s most important moments – from engagements and weddings to anniversaries, retirements, birthdays, and graduations.
He is especially renowned for his vintage-inspired designs featuring classic motifs from beloved eras like Art Deco and Belle Époque, yet he is skilled in all styles, including the unconventional. The result is a truly personalized piece of jewelry that you won’t find anywhere else.
Carl works with you one-on-one to design the perfect piece – whether it’s an elegant diamond engagement ring, a bridal jewelry ensemble, or a special gift to mark a milestone. Bring in your inspiration photos or simply share your vision during a free consultation, and Carl will guide you through every step of the creative process.
From initial sketches and 3D renderings to seeing a real prototype of your design, you’ll be involved and informed at each stage. Our goal is to make designing your own jewelry simple, fun, and exciting.
When you’re ready to wear your custom creation, you’ll have more than just a beautiful piece of jewelry – you’ll have a meaningful story and an heirloom-quality treasure made exclusively for you. Contact C. Blackburn Jewelers in La Jolla, CA to get started.
Tell Carl about the custom ring or fine jewelry you’ve been dreaming of, and let him turn that dream into reality with exceptional craftsmanship and personal service.
📞 Schedule a free design consultation. Call 858-251-3006. Or send us an email with our contact form.
Carl Blackburn, Jewelry Desiger
Carl Blackburn is a private jeweler and designer based in La Jolla by the Sea, known throughout San Diego for his artistry and attention to detail. He founded C. Blackburn Jewelers to offer a personalized alternative to big-chain jewelry stores and impersonal online retailers.
When you work with Carl, you are working directly with a master San Diego jewelry designer who is passionate about creating exquisite pieces from scratch.
✔ Design Experience & Credentials
Carl is a Graduate of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Jewelry Design program. He also studied Product Design at the Accademia Italiana in Florence, Italy.
Early in his career (2000–2010), he designed and manufactured hundreds of vintage-inspired jewelry pieces that were featured in industry magazines like Basel, Modern Jeweler, and IDEX. One of his bridal ring designs even appeared on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens (Weddings issue).
These acclaimed designs were eventually acquired and became the best-selling Beverley K Collection – a testament to Carl’s talent and vision.
Today, with 20+ years of design experience, Carl works exclusively on custom commissions, focusing on one-of-a-kind engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry for clients across San Diego.
✔ Inspiration & Craftsmanship
While Carl can create jewelry in any style – from sleek modern to nature-inspired or artistic – he has a special love for vintage and antique design elements. He often draws inspiration from classic periods like Art Deco, Victorian, or Belle Époque, blending timeless elegance with exceptional craftsmanship.
Intricate hand engraving, filigree details, and delicate milgrain edging are hallmarks of his work when a vintage style is desired. If you adore the charm of bygone eras or want to recreate a piece inspired by a favorite antique, Carl has the expertise to make it happen.
At the same time, he stays up-to-date with contemporary trends and techniques, ensuring your piece is not only unique but also structurally sound and wearable for everyday life.
✔ Design Philosophy
“Carl approaches each custom project with patience, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. In his own words:
“My ultimate goal when starting a new jewelry project is that the finished piece be exquisite in every way. This requires a patient and committed approach, from the initial jewelry illustrations to the final finished work of art.
I feel an innate need to respect not only the rarity and value of the materials I’m working with, but also the emotional and financial investment of the client.
When all of these elements come together, the resulting creation is a truly fine piece of custom-made jewelry – one that is exquisite in every detail.” – Carl Blackburn
When you choose C. Blackburn Jewelers, you can trust that this philosophy guides every step of the process. Carl treats your project with the same care and respect he would if designing for his own family.
The result is a stunning piece that meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship, designed and crafted right here in San Diego, CA.
"We Couldn't Be Happier!"
Why Choose a Custom Jeweler?
Designing custom jewelry is a very personal experience – and that’s something you simply won’t get from a big-box jewelry store or an online dealer. Here are some key benefits of working with a local custom jeweler in San Diego like Carl Blackburn, versus buying mass-produced pieces off the shelf:
• ✨ True Personalization: With custom design, your jewelry is made only for you. You aren’t limited to the ring styles in a showcase or the few customization options on a website. Every aspect – metal type, gemstone selection, setting style, engraving, size, and overall design – is tailored to your preferences. The result is a piece that reflects your personality or love story. (Many clients come to Carl with a dream design in mind that they just can’t find anywhere else – he brings it to life.)
• ✨ One-of-a-Kind Creation: Custom jewelry means no one else will have the same piece. It’s truly one-of-one. This is especially meaningful for milestone pieces like engagement rings, anniversary gifts, or family heirlooms. Unlike chain store designs that thousands of people may own, your custom piece will be uniquely yours and can be passed down for generations as a cherished heirloom.
• ✨ Collaborative Design Experience: When you work with Carl, you are part of the design team. You’ll sit down together in a relaxed consultation, discuss ideas, view examples, and combine elements you love into a new design. You get to see sketches and 3D CAD models of your piece and provide feedback at each stage. This level of involvement makes the finished jewelry so much more special – you helped shape it! Clients often say the design process itself was an enjoyable, memorable part of their story.
• ✨ Quality Craftsmanship & Materials: A custom piece from C. Blackburn Jewelers is made with top-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Private jewelers like Carl use the finest metals (18k gold, platinum, etc.) and hand-select gemstones for their beauty and brilliance.
Techniques like hand-engraving or hand-setting stones result in a superior finish compared to mass-produced items. (For example, details like milgrain edges or filigree scrollwork are done by hand for crispness and character, versus machine-stamped details in factory jewelry.)
Every custom piece is built to last a lifetime and beyond. We also perform rigorous quality control on your finished jewelry to ensure it meets strict standards.
• ✨ Personal Service & Trust: Buying jewelry should feel special, not stressful. Carl prides himself on offering friendly, personalized “white glove” service that you won’t find at a mall store. You’ll communicate directly with the designer himself, not a sales associate on commission. There is no pressure selling – instead, Carl educates you on options (like the 4Cs of diamonds, or pros and cons of different gemstones) so you can make informed decisions.
Our boutique environment is private and comfortable. Carl listens closely to what you want and never tries to upsell beyond your budget. The trust and rapport you build with a personal jeweler makes the experience enjoyable from start to finish.
• ✨ Locally Made, Locally Supported: By working with a local San Diego jeweler, you are supporting a small business in your community rather than a large corporation. Plus, you have the convenience of a local contact for any future cleanings, maintenance, or additional custom pieces.
Many of Carl’s clients become lifelong customers who come back for anniversary gifts, push presents, or jewelry redesigns in the future. If you ever need an adjustment or want to add on to a piece, we’re right here to help.
• ✨ Beyond the Catalog – No Compromises: Major online jewelers like Blue Nile or James Allen offer the ability to pick a diamond and choose from preset ring styles, which can be handy for standard designs. However, they do not offer the kind of full bespoke design where you collaborate on every detail.
If you have a unique vision (say, combining an unusual gemstone with a non-traditional setting, or recreating a ring from a vintage photo), a custom jeweler is the way to go. We don’t restrict your creativity to a limited catalog of settings. Anything you imagine, we can create.
Many couples come to us after not finding “the one” in any store or website – and end up with the perfect ring they hadn’t seen anywhere else.
In short, working with a custom jeweler gives you creative freedom, higher quality, and a personal touch that mass-market jewelry simply can’t match. It’s an ideal choice when you want something truly special and meaningful.
As one client told us, “The big-box stores can have all the fancy displays they want, but they can’t provide the service and quality you get by working with Carl.” We take pride in delivering that superior experience.
Nathan's Story
🛠️ Working with a Custom Jeweler vs Online or Chain Retailer
Looking to buy a fine jewelry gift? Here’s how C. Blackburn Jewelers compares with large chain and online retailers.
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Criteria
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Custom Jeweler (Carl Blackburn)
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Online or Chain Retailer
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Personalization
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Full Personalization, Every Detail Chosen by Client
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Limited Options From Preset Catalogs or Showcases
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Uniqueness
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One-Of-A-Kind, No Duplicates
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Mass Produced, Many Duplicates
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Design Collaboration
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Direct Collaboration With Designer
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Minimal Customization, Templates Only
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Craftsmanship
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Handcrafted With Top Materials
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Factory Or Machine-Made Quality
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Service & Trust
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Private, White Glove Service With Trust
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Impersonal, Sales-Driven Service
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Price & Value
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Flexible Pricing; Superior Value — Investment Goes Directly Into Quality Materials & Craftsmanship
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Wide Price Range, Often Hidden Markups, Lower Long-Term Value Due To Mass Production
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Our Custom Jewelry Design Process
We understand that designing your own jewelry can sound intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Rest assured, we make the custom design process easy and enjoyable. Carl will guide you through it step by step, so you always know what’s happening and get exactly what you want.
Here’s an overview of how our San Diego custom jewelry design process works:
1. Consultation & Inspiration: Every custom project begins with a friendly consultation. You’ll meet with Carl Blackburn (in person at our La Jolla jewelry store, or virtually if needed) to discuss what you have in mind. This initial consultation is free and no-obligation.
During this meeting, Carl will ask about your ideas, style preferences, the occasion for the piece, and your budget range. Feel free to bring inspiration images – perhaps photos of designs you love, a Pinterest board, or even sketches. Not sure what you want yet? No problem – Carl can show you a variety of sample pieces from his collection to spark ideas.
Together, you’ll brainstorm and begin forming the concept for your piece. By the end of the consultation, Carl will have a solid sense of your vision, and often a rough sketch or detailed notes on the design direction.
2. Design & CAD Rendering: After the consultation, Carl will get to work turning your ideas into a tangible design. This often starts with sketches or illustrations to refine the concept.
Once the design is honed, the next step is creating a 3D CAD model (Computer-Aided Design) of the piece. Using advanced jewelry design software, Carl crafts a precise digital model that shows every angle, detail, and stone setting of your piece. This CAD rendering is like a realistic preview of the final jewelry.
You’ll be able to see the design in 3D – often with photorealistic details – which helps you visualize how the actual ring, necklace, or earring will look. Carl will share the CAD renderings with you (either via email or in a follow-up meeting) so you can review and provide feedback.
At this stage, it’s easy to make adjustments: for example, you might ask to make a band a bit thinner, change a prong style, or try a different gemstone shape. We’ll tweak the digital design until you are completely happy with how it looks.
3. Resin Prototype Model: Once you approve the CAD design, we take an extra step that most large jewelers skip – we create a physical resin model of your jewelry. Using a high-resolution 3D printer, we produce a prototype of the piece in resin (a hardened plastic-like material).
This resin model is an exact replica of the digital design in terms of dimensions and detail. We provide this model to you for approval. Why a resin model? Because it lets you hold and examine the design in real life before we cast it in precious metal.
If it’s a ring, you can even try it on to feel the scale and see how it sits on your hand! This step gives our clients peace of mind – you won’t have any surprises about the size or look of the final piece. If you spot anything you want to change (say, the setting sits higher than you expected, or you’d prefer a different curve on a detail), we can modify the design and print a new model.
Only when you’re fully satisfied do we move forward. (Many people find this step really exciting – it’s the first time you see your vision as a tangible object!)
4. Selecting Materials (Metals & Gemstones): With the design finalized in resin, we’ll have a clear blueprint for the final piece. Now it’s time to make final decisions on the materials. You’ll choose the precious metal for the piece – options include 14k – 18k white, yellow or rose gold, platinum (or even sterling silver for some projects).
Carl will advise on the best metal choice based on your design, lifestyle, and budget. For example, platinum is extremely durable for rings, while 18k gold offers extra richness of color; some designs might even combine two-tone metals for effect.
Next, we’ll confirm the gemstones or diamonds to be used. If your piece includes a center diamond or colored gem, Carl can source a selection of high-quality stones for you to examine, or he can work with any gemstone you already have (for instance, if you’re reusing a family diamond).
You’ll also decide on any side stones or accents – perhaps birthstones, matching diamond melees, or unique gems like sapphires, emeralds, rubies, etc. Carl’s gemological expertise ensures that each stone chosen will complement the design and meet your quality standards for color, clarity, cut, and brilliance.
By the end of this step, every element of your jewelry – design and materials – is decided and approved by you.
5. Wax Model & Casting: Now the creation moves into the crafting phase. From the final CAD file, we produce a precise wax model using a specialized 3D wax printer. This wax model is essentially a duplicate of your resin prototype, but made of wax that’s suitable for casting.
Once the wax model is prepared, your chosen metal is cast using the lost-wax casting method. In this traditional jewelry-making process, the wax model is encased in plaster, then melted out to leave a perfect mold, into which molten gold or platinum is poured.
When the metal cools and the mold is removed, we have the raw cast of your jewelry piece in the actual metal. This casting is then cleaned and prepared for the next steps.
6. Hand Finishing & Detailing: After casting, your piece goes through careful finishing by hand. Skilled artisans will remove any casting marks and begin to bring out the beauty of the piece.
If your design includes special details like hand engraving, filigree work, or milgrain edging, this is when those are added – each detail is cut or formed by hand under magnification. The jewelry is also polished at various stages to smooth and shine the metal.
Essentially, we turn the raw casting into a work of art, preparing it for stone setting. This step is part of what makes custom jewelry so superior: the amount of hand craftsmanship and attention ensures every surface and detail is just right.
7. Stone Setting: With the metal work perfected, our expert stone setter carefully places each gemstone or diamond into the design. Stone setting is a true art form – whether it’s a single solitaire diamond in prongs, a row of pavé diamonds along a band, or a bezel-set colored gem, each stone is secured by hand.
Carl (with your approval) will choose the appropriate setting technique to both enhance the beauty of the stone and keep it safe for a lifetime of wear. This could include prong setting (for maximum light return on a diamond), bezel or flush setting (for a sleek modern look or protecting a softer gem), channel setting, pavé, or more elaborate styles for vintage designs.
Each stone is set level and secure, and we double-check that all prongs or bezels are smooth to the touch. This is a meticulous process that truly brings your piece to life with sparkle and color.
8. Final Polishing & Finishing Touches: Once all stones are set, the nearly completed piece undergoes final polishing and any remaining finishing touches. We give the jewelry an expert polish to achieve the desired finish – a high gloss mirror shine, a matte/satin look, or antique-style patina as per your preference.
If any engraving (like inscriptions inside a ring band or special dates) is requested, we add that now. The piece is cleaned ultrasonically and steam-cleaned so it’s absolutely pristine. At this stage, we step back and admire the creation – your dream piece has become reality!
9. Quality Control & Presentation: Before we hand over your custom jewelry, it undergoes rigorous quality control. Carl himself inspects the piece under magnification to ensure every aspect meets our high standards and matches the approved design.
We verify that all stones are secure, all details are as agreed, and the overall look is flawless. We also confirm the ring fits (if it’s a ring) or the necklace/bracelet length is correct. Only when everything is perfect do we deem the piece finished.
Finally, your custom jewelry is placed in a beautiful presentation box, ready for that big proposal, special event, or heartfelt gift-giving moment. When you receive the piece, it will not only meet your expectations – we aim to exceed them in every way.
From start to finish, a custom jewelry project with C. Blackburn Jewelers typically takes only a few weeks. In many cases, rings are completed within 2–3 weeks after you approve the final design. (Complex designs or rare gemstone sourcing might take a bit longer, but we’ll give you an estimated timeline during your consultation.)
We know you’ll be eager to wear your new treasure, so we strive to balance efficiency with careful craftsmanship.
Throughout the process, Carl will keep you updated on progress. By the time you hold the finished piece in your hands, you’ll appreciate all the steps and care that went into it – and it will feel even more special knowing you were part of its creation.
La Jolla Custom Jewelry: FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’ve never designed jewelry before. How do I know my design will turn out the way I want?
A: This is a very common concern, and we address it by involving you closely at key steps. You’ll see detailed CAD renderings of your piece and even get to hold a 3D-printed resin model before we finalize production. These stages let you confirm the design’s look, feel, and proportions.
If something isn’t as you imagined, we can adjust it. Carl’s expertise also ensures that he interprets your ideas correctly and offers suggestions if you’re unsure. Our collaborative process means the final piece will match your vision – often it turns out even better than you envisioned!
Q: How long does it take to make a custom piece of jewelry?
A: The timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of the design and availability of materials, but most custom projects are completed within just a few weeks. For example, once a ring design is approved, it usually takes about 2–3 weeks to produce the finished ring (this includes time for casting, setting, and finishing).
We’ve even completed projects faster when deadlines required it (such as a surprise engagement on a specific date). During your consultation, we’ll discuss your timeline needs. If you have a particular date you need the piece by (an anniversary, graduation, proposal, etc.), let us know and we will schedule the process to meet it if at all possible.
Rest assured, we will keep you informed of the progress along the way.
Q: Is custom jewelry more expensive than buying from a store?
A: Custom jewelry can be very competitively priced, and it offers a value that mass-produced pieces often don’t. The cost depends on the materials (type of metal, size/quality of gemstones) and the complexity of the design, just as it would with any jewelry.
When you work with Carl, you’ll discuss your budget upfront, and he can tailor the design to fit your needs. For instance, there are ways to make a piece more affordable – such as adjusting the carat weight of side stones, choosing lab-grown diamonds, or selecting 14k vs 18k gold – without compromising the beauty of the piece.
Many clients are pleasantly surprised that a one-of-a-kind piece from a private jeweler can cost similar to, or sometimes even less than, a big-brand designer ring of comparable specifications.
Plus, with custom design you are getting superior craftsmanship and exactly the features you want (no paying for features you don’t need). We never proceed with a design until you’re comfortable with the estimated cost.
Ultimately, the investment you make in a custom piece goes directly into quality materials and skilled labor, rather than middleman markups, so you get excellent value for your money.
Q: I have old jewelry and gems I’d like to repurpose – can you use my diamonds or gold in a new design?
A: Absolutely! We frequently repurpose client’s existing gemstones (and sometimes metal) into new custom pieces. Using your heirloom diamond or a gemstone from a ring you no longer wear is a wonderful way to create a new piece that still carries sentimental value. Learn more at: Repurposing My Jewelry.
During the consultation, Carl can examine the stones you have to ensure they’re suitable (most diamonds and many gemstones can be reused without issue). We’ll design the new piece around those stones, perhaps supplementing with new gems if needed. Recycling gold from old jewelry is also possible; often, however, it’s more practical to credit the metal’s value and use fresh alloy for structural integrity. We will advise on the best approach.
Clients love seeing Grandma’s diamond find a new home in a modern ring, or turning a dated gold chain into a pair of stylish earrings. Using your own materials can also reduce cost, since you’re supplying some of the precious materials. It’s eco-friendly and sentimental – a win-win!
Q: Do I need to be in San Diego to work with C. Blackburn Jewelers on a custom design?
A: While many of our clients are local to the San Diego and La Jolla area (which allows for convenient in-person meetings), we can also work with clients remotely.
If you live outside the area or have a very busy schedule, we can handle consultations via phone or video call, and share design renders via email. We have successfully designed pieces for clients who never set foot in our studio until the piece was delivered. Shipping of models and final jewelry can be arranged with full insurance for safety.
Of course, if you’re within driving distance of La Jolla, we highly recommend an in-person visit to take advantage of seeing samples and models firsthand – plus, we’d love to meet you! But distance shouldn’t stop you from getting a beautiful custom piece. Carl is very communicative throughout the process, near or far.
Q: What if I only have a rough idea of what I want? I’m not a designer…
A: You don’t need any design experience – that’s our job! All we need are a few starting points: maybe you know you want a sapphire ring, or you love floral motifs, or you want something vintage-looking in yellow gold. Even describing what the person likes (e.g. “her style is simple and classic” or “he loves science fiction”) can give us a direction.
Carl excels at listening and asking the right questions to pull out your preferences. He might show you examples to gauge your taste, and together you’ll land on a concept. We’ve had clients walk in saying, “I’m not exactly sure what I want, I just know I want it to feel Art Deco,” and we guide them from there.
Designing custom jewelry is a collaborative and creative process – you bring the ideas or goals, and we bring the expertise to shape them into a stunning design. By the end, you’ll probably know a lot more about jewelry than when you started, and it will be a fun learning experience!
Q: How do I get started designing a custom piece?
A: It’s easy – the first step is to reach out and schedule your free consultation with Carl. You can call us at 858-251-3006 or send an email via our contact form to book an appointment.
Carl will personally respond to arrange a meeting time that works for you (we operate by appointment Monday-Saturday to give each client our full attention).
If you have inspiration images or specific ideas, feel free to mention them or bring them along. There’s no obligation or pressure – it’s just a friendly chat about what you’re looking for and how we can help.
After the consultation, Carl will usually follow up with any design sketches or notes and an initial price estimate for your project.
When you’re ready to move forward, we require a deposit to begin the CAD design work and sourcing stones. Then the exciting design journey begins! Your dream jewelry is only a phone call or email away.
Visit C. Blackburn Jewelers
If you’re looking for the best custom jeweler in San Diego who can bring your vision to life, we invite you to visit C. Blackburn Jewelers. Our boutique studio is located in picturesque La Jolla, and we serve clients from all over San Diego County and Southern California. We’ve designed stunning custom pieces for clients from Downtown San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, La Mesa, Carlsbad, and beyond. Whether you’re local or coming from out of town, you’ll find our personalized approach and dedication worth the trip.
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