Fletcher Blackburn is the owner and manager of Orange County Diamond Buyer. With over 20 years experience in the diamond, fine jewelry, and luxury watch business, Fletcher’s passion for helping customers get the most money for their fine pieces runs deep.
“Think of me as your consultant in the jewelry business,” says Fletcher when asked to describe customer service at Orange County Diamond Buyer.
Fletcher began his career by studying diamonds and diamond grading at GIA (Gemological Institute of America). “GIA gave me the knowledge foundation to really become comfortable buying and selling diamonds.”
Fletcher’s father, a successful wholesale estate jeweler in Santa Cruz, California, gave him his first job in the diamond and estate jewelry business. Fletcher worked his way up the ladder from diamond grading and sorting to traveling and selling to some of the most exclusive stores around the country and eventually becoming head buyer for all the traveling sales representatives.
“The great thing about being an antique and estate jewelry buyer is the experience of seeing so many different jewelry pieces and diamonds. Every piece is unique. The sheer volume of amazing pieces passing under my eyes was an incredible opportunity to learn and I just soaked it all in.”
Fletcher eventually went out on his own and spent years traveling the globe in search of the finest antique and estate jewelry from the Art Deco, Art Noveau, and Edwardian era to bring back to his exclusive American clientele. He specialized in platinum and diamond jewelry, as well as precious stones like sapphire, ruby, and emerald, among others.
When authentic fine antique diamond jewelry became harder and harder to find at a reasonable price, Fletcher decided to create a vintage-inspired collection of his own, which he manufactured both in the USA as well as Asia. “Learning to design jewelry came naturally because I had so many exceptional pieces of jewelry pass through my hands over the years. When it was time to come up with ideas I had a pretty big reference book in my head.”
Fletcher later found a love and fascination with exclusive watches. Rolex, Patek Phillippe, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantine, among many others became a hobby for him both personally and professionally.
“I had always been mesmerized by watchmaking and horology since I was a kid. My dad used to bring me large bags of watches to play with. I would open them up and marvel at the complex moving parts. Later, as an adult, it was only natural that I would enjoy studying watches and learning about them. Having the opportunity to buy and sell exclusive watches like Rolex as a substantial part of my business was a natural progession.”
If you’re considering selling a diamond, antique jewelry piece or exclusive watch Orange County Diamond Buyer will help you make an informed decision. Even if you decide you don’t want to sell right now. Orange County Diamond Buyer is here to help.
Contact Orange County Diamond Buyer today to schedule a free verbal appraisal of your diamond jewelry. Please send us an email and tell us a little bit about the item(s) you are looking to sell.
Find out why so many satisfied clients in Southern California rank Orange County Diamond Buyer as the best place to get the most cash for their previously-owned diamond rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
