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!”
Graham & Jenna
Graham came to us with ideas from a Pinterest board that Jenna had curated. Many of the ring designs on the board resembled men’s rings, so our challenge was to design a more feminine version while honoring her preferences.
Jenna, an artist, wanted no involvement in the design process to ensure the ring would be a surprise. Collaborating closely, Carl and Graham drew inspiration from the elegant Art Deco era, known for its geometric patterns and clean lines. They chose an emerald as the centerpiece due to its personal significance to her, pairing it with a diamond to maintain a nod to tradition.
To give the ring a unique twist, Carl recommended an Asscher-cut diamond, which shares a similar faceting style with an emerald cut but has a square shape. This choice harmonized beautifully with the emerald cut of the stone, creating a cohesive and visually striking design. The size of both gemstones was carefully considered to complement the ring’s overall look without overwhelming it.
Jenna was thrilled with her custom engagement ring, which featured a tapered shank, minimalist Art Deco charm, edgy sophistication, and the thoughtful inclusion of distinctive gemstones.
Patrick & Alex
Patrick and Alex wanted an elegant custom engagement ring designed in a way to showcase a special cushion cut diamond. Carl Blackburn brought in 5 cushion shaped diamonds for them to choose from, in carat weights ranging between 3 and 6 carats, and in various proportions.
Alex ended up choosing a 5 carat diamond which had just the right carat weight and proportion, but the cut was not great. So we went on the hunt for a 5 carat cushion shaped diamond that had a 1.27% ratio (proportion), E, VVS1 in color and clarity, and the perfect cut.
The 1.27% ratio meant that the diamond would appear a little short in the length, but when combined with it also having a slight curve on all four sides (versus a longer stone with straight sides), it made for a very delightful stone, as is well apparent in the photos below.
Kyler & Adela
Kyler and Adela came to C. Blackburn Jewelers with a well-thought-out vision for their custom engagement ring design. Kyler, being an engineer, was to be symbolized by a structured band featuring pavé-set diamonds and detailed milgrain edges — a handcrafting specialty in which we specialize.
On the other hand, Adela, a biologist, was to be represented by a smooth, rounded band with an organic flow. These two distinct elements were blended together to create an infinity-inspired ring design, crowned with a 1.50-carat marquise diamond at the center.
A truly one-of-a-kind La Jolla 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.