The Perfect Diamond Ring
Carl Blackburn of C. Blackburn Jewelers creates custom La Jolla engagement rings, wedding bands, and bridal jewelry. For over 25 years, Carl has been designing engagement rings that have been celebrated for their heirloom quality and timeless classic styling.
Working from his boutique jewelry store in La Jolla by the Sea, Carl works personally with every couple, guiding them through each step of the engagement ring design process.
Carl’s goal is always to make “the perfect ring,” the perfect engagement ring for her, the one that will make her smile today, on her wedding day, and on her 25th wedding anniversary — and that will make other women always say, “Wow!”
A Dream Engagement Ring
How Much will my Custom ring cost?
Carl Blackburn is sensitive about the pricing of diamond engagement rings. He works within the set budget of each La Jolla couple, and never tries to persuade you to go beyond your limits.
Some couples may think a custom ring from a La Jolla jewelry designer is beyond what they can afford.
However, Carl makes one-of-a-kind engagement rings available to couples on tighter budgets.
While the design cost is higher for a custom ring, this cost is offset by the money you will save in one of the following ways:
1. Lower prices for large carat natural diamonds due to Carl’s wholesale international diamond network, and low markups on the diamonds set in your engagement ring.
2. Setting your custom ring with a lab-grown diamond, which is physically identical to an earth-mined diamond but at a price 80-90% less. Learn more in our post on San Diego lab-grown diamonds.
3. Selecting a sapphire or ruby (instead of a diamond) as the center stone for your La Jolla engagement ring, or choosing a semi-precious gemstone such as aquamarine, blue beryl, or morganite.
What Ring Styles Do You Work In?
Carl Blackburn specializes in vintage-inspired engagement rings, having created coveted designs which have appeared in many of the jewelry industry’s most popular magazines, such as Modern Jeweler and JCK.
However, Carl doesn’t only find inspiration in past jewelry making periods, such as Art Deco and Belle Époque, he finds inspiration in European and Asian fashion, art, and architecture.
As a Graduate of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Jewelry Design Program, Carl is deeply familiar with all styles of engagement ring design, and gladly will work in the style you love.
How long will it take to make my engagement ring?
Carl usually delivers your La Jolla engagement ring within 4 weeks of your first visit to C. Blackburn Jewelers. The exact time largely depends on how long it takes for the final approval of the custom ring design. Once Carl has your final approval, it then usually takes 2-3 weeks for your engagement ring to be hand-crafted and delivered.
La Jolla Jewelers
Visit C. Blackburn Jewelers to discuss your dream engagement ring.
Custom Engagement Ring Design
Buying a Diamond in La Jolla
Learn how to buy a diamond for your La Jolla engagement ring, including an explanation of the 4Cs in which diamonds are evaluated.
Antique Diamond Ring Cuts
Learn about less common but equally beautiful antique cut diamonds that your custom engagement ring could be set with.
Engagement Ring History
Get inspired for your La Jolla engagement ring plans by reading about the history of engagement rings.