San Diego Jewelry Repair & Restoration

We specialize in vintage and antique jewelry repair.

Fine Jewelry Repair in La Jolla

At C. Blackburn Jewelers in La Jolla, San Diego County, we specialize in high-quality repair and restoration of fine, vintage, and antique jewelry. Whether you have an heirloom Art Deco ring, a Victorian brooch, or a modern engagement ring with a loose stone, our team can help. Owner Carl Blackburn is a GIA-certified master jeweler and second-generation estate jewelry expert.

With over 25 years overseeing thousands of custom projects, Carl personally ensures that every repair is done correctly, preserving the piece’s original design and integrity. We pay close attention to wear, design details, and craftsmanship so that restored jewelry looks flawless and authentic.

📞 Schedule a free jewelry repair consultation. Call 858-251-3006. Or click the button to make an appointment.

Antique Jewelry Restoration

Restoring an antique ring requires special care and craftsmanship. At C. Blackburn Jewelers we are a go-to San Diego jeweler for complex antique and vintage jewelry restoration. Unlike a quick chain solder or prong fix, restoring an heirloom piece is a more painstaking process that considers the entire design.

We handle precious gemstones, antique cuts (old mine, old European, French cut, etc.), and fragile period details with expertise. For example, Carl has deep knowledge of every era from Georgian and Victorian to Edwardian and Art Deco, gained through decades of experience in estate jewelry. This means we can accurately rebuild missing parts or reset stones while staying true to the original style.

🔹 Antique Ring, Brooch & Necklace Restorations: Our bench jewelers and partnering artisans specialize in old world techniques (hand-engraving, millegraining, filigree, etc.). We’ll carefully clean, repair, or remake damaged prongs, bezels, clasps, and settings on delicate pieces.

🔹 Fragile Estate Jewelry: Family heirlooms often have worn metal or fine filigree that needs reinforcement. We check every inch of the piece (not just the broken part) to prevent future issues.

🔹 Gemstone Expertise: We source matching gemstones (even antique-cut diamonds and colored stones) from the estate market to replace missing gems. Because Carl frequently designs with old cuts, we have access to rare antique stones that many modern San Diego jewelers lack.

🔹 Authenticity Preserved: Carl personally reviews all restorations. You’ll get clear explanations about what can be done — if a full original restoration isn’t possible, he’ll discuss honest alternatives rather than overstate results.

By combining modern bench skills with historical knowledge, we restore vintage and antique jewelry to its former beauty. Our reputation is built on fixing pieces other jewelers call “too difficult” or “too expensive.” If it can be done safely, we do it—and our work is backed by quality and transparency.

📞 Schedule a free jewelry repair consultation. Call 858-251-3006. Or send us an email with our contact form.

C. Blackburn Jewelers finished restoring this antique diamond ring from the 1800's seen in the video above. We removed all of the grime and dirt that had accumulated behind the diamonds over the past 200 years, while also being careful to preserve that naturally perfect dark grey patina on the metal, which only decades (or centuries) of aging can create properly.

C. Blackburn Jewelers

A Local Small Business & Independent Jewelry Store

Full Jewelry Repair Services

Beyond antique pieces, we handle everyday jewelry repairs with the same care and competitive pricing. No job is too big or too small:

💍 Ring Services: Ring resizing, soldering breaks, prong re-tipping and stone tightening, shank reinforcement. We can also re-plate or rhodium-plate white gold and platinum rings to restore luster.

💎 Stone Resetting: Loose or fallen diamonds and gemstones (even set stones like sapphires, emeralds, rubies) are carefully re-secured. We check settings to prevent future loss.

🔗 Bracelet & Necklace Repair: Clasp replacement, broken chain soldering, jump ring repair, strand restringing (pearls and beaded necklaces) and more. We can rebuild damage on both delicate and heavy chains.

🛠 Clasp & Catch Fixes: Fixing or upgrading clasps (lobster, spring ring, box clasps) so your jewelry stays secure.

🧼 Cleaning & Polishing: Professional ultrasonic cleaning, steam cleaning, and polishing to remove scratches and restore shine. This service can often dramatically improve the appearance at low cost.

🧵 Other Services: We also offer pearl restringing, engraving, metal refinish, and light custom modifications or recombination of existing jewelry (for example, merging pieces or redesigning a setting).

All repairs start with a thorough evaluation. Carl Blackburn will examine your piece (in-person at our La Jolla store) and explain what needs to be done and how much it will cost. We quote affordable, upfront pricing — no hidden fees.

Because we do both simple tasks (like fixing a clasp) and complex restorations, our scale of work keeps prices competitive. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of the work needed, and we begin only after you approve.

Repair Process: What to Expect

1. Appointment or Drop-Off: Visit our La Jolla store (864 Prospect St., La Jolla By the Sea) for a free consultation. While we do accept walk-ins, we recommend calling ahead (858-251-3006) to ensure Carl is available.

2. Evaluation & Quote: Carl will inspect each item, often under magnification. He’ll explain the repair needs, show you any metal fatigue or stone issues, and give a firm cost estimate.

3. Detailed Repair Work: Skilled jewelry artisans on our team perform the work. For simple repairs (e.g., re-tipping a prong, replacing a clasp), this might be done quickly. Complex restorations (like rebuilding a ring setting or replating an entire piece) take more time — Carl will give you a timeline upfront.

4. Progress Updates: If a job is extensive, we’ll keep you informed of progress or any unforeseen findings. You are welcome to call or stop in for an update.

5. Final Inspection: Carl personally reviews the finished piece to ensure quality. You’ll be shown the repaired item and briefed on care tips.

6. Warranty & Care: We offer a service guarantee on workmanship. If a repair fails due to our work, we’ll fix it at no charge (terms apply). We also provide care recommendations (e.g. cleaning, safe storage) to maximize the longevity of your restored jewelry.

Throughout the process, our goal is clarity and trust. You’ll never feel left in the dark about the work on your fine jewelry.

📞 Schedule a free jewelry repair consultation. Call 858-251-3006. Or click the button below to contact Carl Blackburn about your repair or restoration.

Serving San Diego County

Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, and Other Communities.

Why Choose C. Blackburn Jewelers

✅ Decades of Experience: Owner Carl Blackburn has supervised over 25 years of jewelry design and restoration projects, giving him unique insight into vintage techniques and modern engineering.

✅ GIA-Certified Expertise: As a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s jewelry design program, Carl combines scientific gem knowledge with creative skill.

✅Authenticity & Tradition: Our long-standing relationships with old-world artisans mean that if your jewelry repair requires it, hand-milgraining or filigree work will be done the traditional way.

✅ Honest Communication: We’ll never try to upsell unnecessary services. If something can’t be repaired or restored to “like new,” you’ll know why and what options you have instead.

✅ Competitive Pricing: Unlike large chain stores, we are a small family business. We pass savings to you and provide high value — all repairs and restorations are offered at fair, transparent prices.

✅ Full-Service Boutique: While we focus on repair, we also design custom engagement rings and buy estate jewelry.

All of these benefits mean you’re not just getting a fix — you’re getting peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you repair all types of jewelry?

Yes. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watches (battery changes), even heirloom tiaras or rosaries – we handle them all. Antique and modern pieces alike are welcome.

What if my antique piece cannot be returned to its original perfection?

We will be upfront. In rare cases of extreme damage or wear, Carl will explain why a full restoration isn’t feasible. We’ll then discuss alternatives: for example, partially restoring what’s possible, repurposing the stones into a new design, or stabilizing it in its current state.

How long does a jewelry repair typically take?

It varies. Simple fixes might be done in a few days. Complex restorations can take a few weeks. Carl will give you an estimated turnaround time at drop-off.

Will my restored jewelry look the same?

We strive to preserve the original look and craftsmanship. After repair, your jewelry should blend seamlessly. Customers often say the work is invisible because the piece looks as if the damage never happened.

Do you repair engagement rings and wedding bands?

Absolutely. Engagement rings are a specialty — we routinely reset loose center diamonds, replace shattered side stones, repair bent shanks, and more.

Are repair estimates free?

Yes. We provide free, no-obligation quotes. Only proceed with the repair after you approve the quote.

If you have any other questions or want to see examples of our work, feel free to call (858-251-3006) or visit our La Jolla store.

We’re here to help you keep your precious jewelry beautiful for generations to come.

San Diego Bench Jewelers

Serving La Jolla, Coronado, Point Loma, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, and all of San Diego County.