Vintage & Custom Rings - La Jolla
C. Blackburn Jewelers invites you to visit our boutique jewelry store in La Jolla to discuss the making of a custom engagement ring, or to shop for vintage and antique diamond rings.
Our owner Carl Blackburn has worked with couples throughout San Diego County to create the perfect one-of-a-kind engagement ring to match any budget.
We can start with your design ideas or you can have Carl present his recommendations after discussing with you the fashion styles and ring designs your partner loves.
You also can browse our unique engagement ring showcase, which includes vintage and antique rings set with diamonds and fine gemstones.
C. Blackburn Jewelers’ carefully curated ring collection always is changing, depending on the items Carl has recently bought and sold. It often includes gorgeous engagement rings, wedding rings, and bridal jewelry from classic periods such as Art Deco, Edwardian, and Belle Époque.
Get one step closer to finding the perfect engagement ring for the perfect bride. Make an appointment to view our diamond engagement ring collection or meet with Carl to discuss the making of a custom engagement ring.
By San Diego jewelry designer Carl Blackburn, owner of C. Blackburn Jewelers. An Edwardian style “Floating Diamond” engagement ring set with an Old European Cut Diamond in the center and French cut blue sapphires down the sides. Hand-crafted in Platinum.
"A Dream Engagement Ring"
"She Loves It!"
"One of a Kind Ring"
Design an Engagement Ring
Online Ring Design Tools: Pros & Cons
If you want to design your own engagement ring in San Diego, you have two options: 1) You can use a website with a tool that helps you design an engagement ring for free online, or 2) You can work directly with a San Diego jewelry designer to design a unique (one-of-a-kind) engagement ring.
The benefit of using an online tool to design an engagement ring is that you can design your ring quickly and easily. You simply choose your setting from a list of options such as solitaire, three stone, halo, or nature-inspired. Then choose your diamond shape, cut, and carat size. Then select your ring size. And voilà your engagement ring is finished and ready to be made.
The downside is that there are limits placed on your creativity when you design an engagement ring this way. And the final result isn’t really a unique engagement ring, but rather a cookie-cutter engagement ring where you chose the molds.
C. Blackburn Jewelers is owned and operated entirely by Carl Blackburn, who has been designing diamond engagement rings for over 25 years — his ring designs appearing in nearly all major jewelry industry magazines.
He is dedicated to working personally with each and every customer from the moment they walk into the door of his La Jolla jewelry store.
When working with a San Diego jewelry designer, like Carl Blackburn, you can create a truly one-of-a-kind engagement ring that rivals a work of art.
You will be close consultation with him at every step of the creative process, so as to ensure that your diamond ring is as original and beautiful as your future bride.
A Custom Ring for Any Budget
Some people believe that creating a custom engagement ring with a jewelry designer means a higher price tag. But that is not neccesarily the case. When you work with Carl Blackburn, you can design a unique engagement ring at price similar to (and sometimes below) what you would have paid for an “off the shelf” engagement ring or one created with a “Design Your Own Engagement Ring” tool.
The reason that Carl Blackburn’s custom engagement rings are so affordable is that the diamond is almost always the most expensive part of an engagement ring.
As a popular San Diego diamond buyer with a nationwide network of dealers in wholesale diamonds, Carl can set your engagement ring with a large diamond at a price usually lower than the diamonds sold at a large San Diego jewelry store or national online jewelry retailer like Blue Nile or James Allen.
In addition, Carl can set your custom engagement ring with a San Diego lab-grown diamond, saving you up to 90% of the cost of an earth-mined diamond. Or he can set your ring with a more affordable (but no less beautiful) colored gemstone such as Lavender Sapphire, Morganite, or Aquamarine.
A Graduate of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Jewelry Design Program and creator of the popular fine jewelry line that became Beverly K, Carl Blackburn has designed 100s of gorgeous engagement rings and wedding bands.
Schedule a free consultation with Carl at C. Blackburn Jewelers in La Jolla. Learn how he can help you design your dream engagement ring.
Custom Engagement Ring Design Process
How to Design an Engagement Ring
At C. Blackburn Jewelers we make the process of designing your custom engagement ring both simple and creatively exciting for you. The steps we will take together are as follows.
Step 1. Consultation: Schedule a consultation with Carl Blackburn of C. Blackburn Jewelers in La Jolla. During this meeting, we will discuss your engagement ring ideas, preferences, and budget.
Bring any pictures or sketches you have of engagement rings to help Carl understand your vision. He also will show you rings from his inventory, and together you will arrive at a final design.
Step 2. 3D CAD Design: Based on your ring design, a 3D CAD (computer-aided design) rendering of your engagement ring is created. This allows you to see a digital model of your custom ring from different angles, which can help you make further decisions about the design.
Step 3: Review and Changes: You will review the 3D CAD design of your engagement ring and make any necessary changes until it meets your expectations. Carl also can make recommendations for adjustments to improve the design of your custom ring. However, he always will respect your decisions and vision for the ring.
Step 4. Material Selection: Once you have approved the 3D CAD design, you will choose the materials for your engagement ring, such as the metal and the type of gemstone. Carl can provide you with options that fit within your budget.
Step 5. Resin Model Casting: A resin model of your engagement ring is made using the approved 3D CAD design. This model will give you a more realistic idea of what the final ring will look like, see how it looks and feels on the finger, and allows you to make any final changes before the ring is cast.
Step 6. Precious Metal Casting: The production process for your engagement ring begins with the creation of a perfect wax model from the finalized 3D CAD file. This wax model is then cast into gold, silver, or platinum using the lost wax casting method.
Step 7: Setting the Stones: Once the engagement ring has been cast, any gemstones or diamonds will be set into the ring. Carl will ensure that the stones are securely set and that they are aligned correctly.
Step 8: Finishing Touches: Finally, your engagement ring is polished and any final details will be added, such as engraving or additional accents.
In most cases, your custom engagement ring is delivered 2 to 3 weeks from the time you approve the final design. Add to that some time for choosing your center stone and the design approval process, and you’re looking at about 3 to 4 weeks for most projects.
It’s important to communicate regularly with C. Blackburn Jewelers to ensure that the final engagement ring meets both of our high expectations!
Classic Diamond Rings
Get inspired by looking at just a few vintage, antique, and Carl Blackburn custom diamond rings and engagement rings.
C. Blackburn Jewelers
Visit our La Jolla engagement ring store for a free consultation.
La Jolla Diamond Ring Designer - Posts
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C. Blackburn Jewelers can source for you a wholesale diamond for your custom engagement ring. Learn about the 4Cs of diamond grading in this post.
Marquis Cut Diamonds
Marquis cut diamond rings have become increasingly popular among La Jolla couples. Learn what aspects of this “navette” diamond shape set it apart from othera.