Carl Blackburn, a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), has been at the forefront of designing vintage-inspired jewelry for nearly thirty years. His dedication to retro and art deco ring designs has found a renewed audience as more jewelry shoppers gravitate towards the timeless elegance of these classic styles. Blackburn's custom creations, available at his La Jolla jewelry store, are celebrated for their Old World details, including intricate filigree, milgraining, and hand-engraving, often enhanced by the warm tones of rose gold.
Engagement rings from Blackburn's collection frequently feature diamond cuts that were popular a century ago, such as Old European Cut and Old Mine Cut diamonds, offering a unique historical charm. For anniversary rings, the jeweler has a particular fondness for French cut diamonds, a style first introduced in the 15th century and revitalized in the early 20th century, which he believes adds a distinctive sophistication to eternity bands.
In an effort to make custom diamond rings more accessible, C. Blackburn Jewelers provides the option of lab-grown diamonds. These diamonds, physically identical to their earth-mined counterparts, can offer savings of up to 90%, making luxury more attainable without compromising on quality. Blackburn emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between lab-grown diamonds and diamond simulants like cubic zirconia, which lack the genuine qualities of a diamond.
Beyond diamonds, Blackburn's custom engagement rings often incorporate precious and semi-precious gemstones such as sapphires, aquamarine, and morganite. This trend reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences, with couples increasingly opting for unique and personalized pieces that stand out from traditional designs. Blackburn's work not only caters to the aesthetic desires of modern shoppers but also bridges the gap between historical artistry and contemporary accessibility, marking a significant evolution in the jewelry industry.
