18 Apr What’s it Like to Work with Jewelry Designer Carl Blackburn?
Wondering what it’s like to work with La Jolla jewelry designer Carl Blackburn when creating a custom engagement ring or wedding band? Our customer Jess was kind enough to write a very detailed review of her experience with us. It was wonderful helping her and her fiance Kael create a truly one-of-a-kind wedding ring!
A Creative Collaborator
“Carl was exactly the person we were hoping to work with and are lucky we found him! We wanted a custom ring, had some ideas in mind, but also wanted someone who would offer their own creativity, not just do what we say (we value collaboration and we are not jewelers or designers, so we felt it was important that the person was able to listen, but also offer their own creativity).
We also wanted clear guidance, but not pushing. Before Carl, we flopped (getting pushed, not having clear guidance, lack of transparency, and honestly a seeming lack of *genuine* interest, beyond a sale/profit) with two other jewelers (one in Chicago and one in New Mexico).
After that, we interviewed a handful of other folks, but everyone seemed too rigid/inflexible (especially concerning budget) or – the biggest issue – unable or uninterested in putting in the work to make the ring come together. We wanted a champagne/chocolate oval diamond – very specific on the color; and had a design in mind, but it wasn’t finished and we did not know how to make it come together in terms of exploring design options.”
“Carl was very dedicated to finding us the exact stone we were looking for, which can be difficult when you start with the design of the ring instead of the stone; and can be hard when looking for a colored stone, as everyone perceives it differently.
He was also readily and easily up to participating and collaborating on the design aspects – which is SO important! We are not designers and so this ability to step in and take the lead and offer creative solutions/options, was essential and highly valued.
In the end, despite feelings of defeat and confusion from working with others, Carl designed and produced exactly the ring we envisioned. It is darling, regal, charming, feminine, but striking and little bold and very unique. It’s ornate while also being practical (I did not want a large mounted stone, but rather a double band ring that was flat).”
“And the budget – we told him our budget, where we could flex, etc. He made it happen within budget and provided many options, so it never felt like we were being upsold or pushed in a direction that was not mindful or our budget preferences.
Carl is immeasurable charming, sweet, and friendly. I think he really just loves his work and that makes a difference and it shows. His La Jolla store is also just about as welcoming and comfortable and charming as it can get. We loved the more personal, but still very professional feel of his place.
It was wonderful to not have to walk into a larger store that can feel impersonal and inauthentic. The other folks we worked with before meeting Carl had a very typical jewelry store feeling; others even leaned into a boutique vibe, while trying to maintain a low-key no frills vibe; and it just felt like marketing. Carl is just a guy that loves his work, is dedicated, and is happy to be a part of your journey.” <3
Let’s Design Your Custom Ring
Want to get started creating your custom wedding band or engagement ring in San Diego? Contact Carl Blackburn directly by calling 858-251-3006 to set up an appointment or send us a text message at 619-723-8589 to let us know how we can help.
Get started now by sharing with us a few details below.
