Meet La Jolla Jewelry Designer, Carl Blackburn

Host:
Welcome to Discover La Jolla, where we showcase the jewel of San Diego—La Jolla, California. This morning, I’m excited to have Carl Blackburn from C. Blackburn Jewelers in the studio to learn more about what you do and the services you provide to the La Jolla community.

I’ve known you for at least six or seven years. We used to share some space on Prospect Street when I was doing real estate and you had your jewelry business. I left, and now you’re back at that spot—is that right?

Carl Blackburn:
Yep, that’s right.

Host:
So how long have you been a jeweler?

Carl Blackburn:
I’ve been in the business since I was 12. My dad was in the jewelry business, so on weekends and summers, he’d take me along with him. He was an estate buyer back in the ’70s and would travel around, setting up shop in hotel rooms after placing newspaper ads.

He also had a little spot at the Santa Cruz Swap Meet. Every Saturday and Sunday, he’d wake me up at 3:30 or 4:00 AM to go set up. It wasn’t glamorous, but that’s where I got started. He bought gold and silver and anything that wasn’t meltable, he’d give to me to sell. I’d fix up old gold-filled watches, get them running, and sell them for a few dollars—sometimes $15 if they were nice.

Host:
That’s impressive for such a young age! So when did you actually start your own jewelry business?

Carl Blackburn:
My dad’s business evolved into antique jewelry dealing. He started in Santa Cruz, then moved to Miami around 1987. I was a salesperson for him, traveling across the U.S. with antique jewelry, selling to vendors at antique shows.

Eventually, around 1994, I suggested we start making some of the popular pieces ourselves—like engraved eternity bands—and we did. That’s when I started in manufacturing. I even went to Thailand a few years later to oversee production.

Host:
So that’s when the creative part really kicked in?

Carl Blackburn:
Exactly. There’s a unique satisfaction in both selling and creating something from scratch. Once I got a taste of that, I was hooked. And then people began asking, “Can you make me this?” and it just kept growing in complexity. Now, it’s almost entirely custom work.

Host:
And what a beautiful place to do that work—La Jolla, California! What do you love about working here?

Carl Blackburn:
The village has such a great dynamic. I live five houses from Windansea Beach. If I’m stressed, I just walk down and put my feet in the sand. My office overlooks La Jolla Cove. If I’ve had a good day, my girlfriend and I walk to Eddie V’s or George’s to watch the sunset. It’s an incredible location.

Host:
Your building is charming—limestone, wrought iron…what kind of metal are those vines on the exterior?

Carl Blackburn:
Just steel, but it patinas over time and looks like old copper from a distance. We leave it aged—it adds character. Some spiderwebs too!

Host:
So you do custom jewelry. Are you handling rings, necklaces, watches?

Carl Blackburn:
Mostly rings and necklaces. I don’t do much watchmaking myself, but I take in repairs and source watches when needed. I do get a few watches in through trades, especially solid gold ones—they sell quickly here in La Jolla.

Host:
What changes have you seen in the jewelry business—like with lab-grown diamonds?

Carl Blackburn:
That’s been a major shift. Ten years ago, we didn’t see any of it. Now, about 90% of younger couples go for lab-grown stones for engagement rings. They can get a two- or three-carat lab-grown diamond for a fraction of the price of a natural one—$2,000 instead of $300,000, for example.

Host:
And most people can’t tell the difference?

Carl Blackburn:
Not really—especially with colored diamonds, like the blue ones I’m showing today. They look amazing and cost a fraction of what a natural fancy color would.

Host:
So it’s changing the whole market?

Carl Blackburn:
Yes, especially for engagement rings. Couples who used to get a one-carat natural diamond are now buying two- or three-carat lab-grown ones for the same price. They get beauty, size, and the ethical assurance.

Host:
And it still has the durability and sparkle of a natural diamond?

Carl Blackburn:
Absolutely. Lab-grown diamonds are still diamonds—just made in a lab. They’re durable, brilliant, and often indistinguishable from natural ones to the naked eye.

Host:
Do you get most of your business from referrals, walk-ins, or online?

Carl Blackburn:
Mostly online. I’d estimate about 60% comes from people finding me through Google or reviews. But we do get walk-ins too—especially on weekends. People see something in the window and come in. Most of my jewelry is estate, so the prices attract attention.

Host:
Fridays and Saturdays must be busy!

Carl Blackburn:
They are! I used to work Sundays, but my girlfriend made me stop. But on weekends, people wander in like they’re in a museum. Every now and then, someone wants to talk custom, and that’s when it gets interesting.

Host:
So engagement rings are big, but you also handle other gifts?

Carl Blackburn:
Yes, anniversaries, birthdays, special requests—anything meaningful.

Host:
What’s the weirdest piece you’ve been asked to make?

Carl Blackburn:
Recently, I had to turn one down. The client sent me a 10-page PDF, referencing Babylonian, Egyptian, and Shiva influences. I just didn’t know what she was talking about.

Host:
Wow!

Carl Blackburn:
Most requests aren’t weird, just overly complex. Some clients don’t know what they want—they just send Pinterest boards and say, “Make it.” Those can be tough, especially when they keep changing things. I’ve had to learn to say no, or at least guide them more firmly.

Host:
Carl, thank you so much. It’s been a pleasure learning about your journey, your business, and what you offer the La Jolla community.

Carl Blackburn:
Thanks for having me.

Host:
You can find Carl at 864 Prospect Street, right in the heart of the village. Blackburn Jewelers—the best of the best, and the best in the West. We’ll see you next time on Discover La Jolla.