Terry Castro
1972 – July 18, 2022
Pioneering Jewelry Designer
Terry Castro very intense and very passionate jewelry designer founded his eponymous brand in New York City in 2006, following his roots in Toledo, Ohio. With over 15 years in the jewelry design industry, Castr had no publicist, no e-commerce. He made roughly 35 pieces a year. He has built a reputation for creating unconventional, strikingly imaginative pieces. His designs often feature elements like ceramic figures with jewel-studded eyes and talismanic fur paws adorned with diamond-tipped claws. Known for blending artistry with a touch of the surreal, his work is celebrated for its boldness and ingenuity.
Castro credits African art and culture as his primary source of inspiration, infusing his creations with rich historical and symbolic references. This cultural homage sets his designs apart, appealing to clients seeking distinctive, meaningful jewelry. His clientele includes notable figures like Whoopi Goldberg and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, with the latter’s endorsement marking a career milestone for Castro.
While specific awards he has received are not widely documented, Castro’s unique aesthetic and craftsmanship have earned him critical acclaim within the jewelry and art communities. He continues to create from his studio in Istanbul, offering pieces that challenge traditional notions of jewelry design and celebrate the diversity of artistic expression.
Terry Castro died of a heart attack July 18, 2022 at his home in Istanbul at age 50.