San Diego Jewelry Store Offers Guidance as Gold Prices Reach Near-Record Highs
TL;DR
C. Blackburn Jewelers pays 80-85% of gold's value versus competitors' 55%, offering significant financial advantage for San Diegans selling jewelry during record high prices.
Gold prices reached $3,555 per ounce in 2025, with proper evaluation requiring knowledge of karat purity, gemstone value, and current market rates.
Selling gold jewelry at peak prices helps families fund education and travel while preserving sentimental value through careful, personalized evaluations.
Antique Edwardian rings and Cartier bracelets hold historical and artistic value beyond gold weight, often commanding premium prices from knowledgeable buyers.
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Gold prices have reached near-record highs in 2025, creating significant opportunities for San Diego residents looking to sell unwanted gold jewelry, coins, and family heirlooms. The current gold price of approximately $3,555 per ounce represents a substantial increase from $2,692 just one year ago and $2,129 two years prior, making even modest gold pieces considerably more valuable than in recent years.
Carl Blackburn, owner of C. Blackburn Jewelers in La Jolla, emphasizes that the choice of where to sell gold can result in differences of hundreds or thousands of dollars. While many buyers focus strictly on gold weight and may pay as little as 55% of market value, Blackburn's establishment typically pays 80-85% of gold's value and offers additional premiums for estate jewelry, vintage designs, and pieces from luxury brands.
The jewelry store, which holds an A rating with the Better Business Bureau, specializes in evaluating both the melt value and potential resale value of fine jewelry. Blackburn explains that antique pieces and designer jewelry from brands like Cartier represent not just gold content but historical significance, artistry, and collector desirability, warranting prices well above simple melt value.
Recent clients have reported positive experiences with Blackburn's detailed evaluation process, which includes explaining each piece's quality, craftsmanship, and market appeal before making offers. The current gold price surge has motivated many families to convert long-unused jewelry into cash for educational expenses, travel, or reinvestment purposes.
Blackburn encourages San Diego residents to educate themselves before selling gold, recommending they check current gold prices through online resources, understand karat values (10K, 14K, 18K), consider the additional value of gemstones and designer names like Tiffany & Co., and select reputable local jewelers with established reputations and transparent practices. C. Blackburn Jewelers offers free evaluations with no obligation to sell, providing immediate payment for those who choose to proceed with transactions.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
