Because You Deserve the Best Cash Offer

We are Experts in Rare Tourmalines

Are you ready to sell your antique tourmaline or fine jewelry? Contact C. Blackburn Jewelers in La Jolla and tell us about your item. There are 3 ways to get in touch with us.

1.

Call or Leave a Voicemail:

858-251-3006

2.

Text Message & Photos:

619-723-8589

3.

Send Us an Email Using Our

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C. Blackburn Jewelers of La Jolla is the highest paying buyer of antique cut tourmalines in San Diego. The reason that we pay more for Old European Cut, French Cut, and Antique Cushion Cut tourmalines is that our owner Carl Blackburn often uses these tourmalines in his vintage-inspired fine jewelry designs, especially “electric blue” Paraiba tourmalines as shown in the ring image on this page.

 

Carl also has a network of other estate jewelers and designers who always are in need of antique rubies, as well as vintage and antique tourmaline jewelry, including tourmaline rings, earrings, brooches, and necklaces.

 

Although San Diego has many “jewelry buyers,” there are only a few jewelers who are experts in antique tourmalines and willing to pay you the amount you deserve. Carl Blackburn is a 2nd generation California jeweler who has been dealing in rare and valuable tourmalines for over 20 years. He promises you a relaxed and enriching experience when selling your item.

 

Selling is Quick & Easy

 

1. Give us a call at 858-251-3006 or send photos of your tourmaline or fine jewelry with a text message at 619-723-8589.

 

Carl will answer all of the questions you have and arrange a convenient time for you to bring your item to our La Jolla jewelry store.

 

2. Carl will examine your item, and share with you all he knows about your tourmaline jewelry. He’ll then provide you with a cash quote for the item.

 

3. You can accept the cash offer and be paid immediately, or decline the offer with no questions asked. There is no pressure to sell your item to us.

 

We Buy Paraiba Tourmalines

How Antique Tourmalines Are Appraised

Assessing the Value of Tourmalines

Appraising the value of antique tourmaline gems is done much in the same way as modern tourmalines. At C. Blackburn Jewelers we will analyze the quality and rarity of the gemstone’s 4 Cs: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat weight. In addition, we’ll assess any extra value that may be attributed to the tourmaline mine in which the stone was sourced (if identified in a lab report).

 

Here is a brief overview of a tourmaline’s 4 Cs:

 

Color: Color is the most important factor in assessing the value of tourmaline. Tourmaline exhibits a wide range of colors, including pink, green, blue, yellow, red, and multicolored varieties. The intensity, saturation, and purity of the color greatly influence its value. Vivid, intense, and pure colors are generally more desirable and valuable.

 

Clarity: Clarity refers to the presence of internal inclusions or external blemishes within the tourmaline. Gemstones with excellent transparency and minimal visible inclusions are more valuable. However, certain inclusions, such as needle-like or parallel tube inclusions called “silk,” can enhance the value of some tourmalines, particularly in certain color varieties.

 

Cut: The cut of a tourmaline affects its overall appearance, brilliance, and value. A well-cut tourmaline exhibits good proportions, symmetry, and a polished finish. The cut should maximize the gem’s color and minimize any color zoning. Fine craftsmanship in cutting can greatly enhance the gem’s beauty and value.

 

Carat Weight: The size or carat weight of a tourmaline can impact its value, with larger gemstones typically commanding higher prices. However, the quality of the color, clarity, and cut are more significant factors in determining value compared to size alone.

 

Other factors that can affect the value of your emerald include: color distribution (zones or patterns), treatments (such as heating or irradiation), damage to stone (chips, cracks, abrasions), origin of mine (for example, Paraíba tourmalines from Brazil), lab report (GIA or IGI), and branding (such as a Van Cleef & Arpels tourmaline ring).

 

Get started now. Find out how much your tourmaline or fine jewelry set with tourmalines is worth. Call 858-251-3006 to schedule an appointment or click on the button below to tell us about your item.

 

Buy or Sell a Diamond Ring
You will meet with owner Carl Blackburn when selling your valuable item.
Recent Estate Jewelry Buys

Browse a collection of C. Blackburn Jewelers’ recent purchases of vintage, antique, and estate jewelry.

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