Terry Castro was an extraordinary jewelry designer whose creations transcend the boundaries of conventional artistry. With an innate passion for crafting exquisite pieces that captivate hearts and minds, Terry has etched his name as a visionary artist in the world of fine jewelry. Through his unparalleled talent and dedication, he has redefined the very essence of wearable art, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Over the years, Terry's talent blossomed, earning him accolades and recognition from the industry's most discerning critics. His commitment to excellence and dedication to pushing the boundaries of design have garnered him a loyal clientele, from influential personalities to connoisseurs of fine art. Each new creation bearing Castro’s name becomes a coveted treasure, sought after by those who seek to wear a piece of soul-stirring art.

Beyond the aesthetics, Terry's designs also carry a profound sense of purpose. He believed in jewelry's ability to serve as a conduit for meaningful storytelling, allowing individuals to carry their values and aspirations wherever they go. As a firm believer in social responsibility, he actively supported ethical sourcing and sustainable practices, ensuring that each masterpiece he creates has a positive impact on both the wearer and the world.

In this biography, we embark on a journey through Terry Castro's life and career, delving into the moments of inspiration that have shaped his artistry and exploring the philosophy that makes his jewelry a symbol of timeless elegance and innovation. Join us as we unravel the tapestry of an artist who, through his creations, invites us to experience the profound beauty of wearable art.

Biography

Terry Castro was born in 1972 in the heart of America’s Rust Belt, Toledo, Ohio. His parents were a Jewish lawyer from New York city and a former construction worker turned antiques dealer. His beginnings in the post-industrial landscape of a former factory town became the root of his future aesthetic. His childhood home, a Victorian mansion set against the backdrop of the crack epidemic of the 80s and 90s, was the setting which forged the artist in his adolescence. 

Castro’s mother, Mary, was a major influence on his character and style. With a taste for the finer things, she exposed Terry to travel, fashion and culture at a young age. Mary has noted that when he was a young boy, she would discover pearl necklaces missing or the hems of her dresses cut, as he repurposed the luxurious materials for his own handcrafted outfits, even constructing a two piece suit for himself as a teenager.

In 2000, Castro’s son Sir King was born. This marked a significant change for Castro and he was inspired to take steps to be a greater provider. A mentor suggested that he should try jewelry as a career path. Castro shortly opened a jewelry store with his then-wife in Toledo where he made repairs for friends and family. When the shop performed less-than stellar and Castro came on hard times, he would sneak into the local junkyard, collecting the rusted components. He would bring them to his mother’s house and twist them using household tools into his very first original jewelry creations.

His own beginnings are mirrored in his work, which features ornate gothic details intertwined with brutal, destroyed elements. Castro did not shy away from the dark aspects of life, rather embracing them as a major theme of his work. His exploration of the concepts of death, masks, animals and their relationships to us are a defining characteristic of his work. His unapologetically raw aesthetic drew the likes of Michele Lamy, Steven Tyler and more to buy Castro’s original creations.

Castro moved to New York in 2006 after cutting his teeth in the Chicago fashion scene. It was during this time that he was again encouraged to pursue jewelry by a close friend. He took his clothing creations from Chicago, got them placed in Barney’s, and worked in luxury retail while developing his craft. Eventually, Castro set up a table selling jewelry in SoHo at his iconic spot at Prince street, where he sold his jewelry for many years. He made it his goal to make a name for himself in New York, and he did just that, crafting pieces all week while enmeshing himself in the jewelry industry. Slowly, he built his customer list and had the privilege of working with the likes of Lady Gaga, Whoopi Goldberg and Woody Harrelson.

The concept for each piece was born out of Castro’s Dreamscape, a murky world between life and death inhabited while sleeping. In that spiritual landscape, Castro’s otherworldly creations took shape. He rarely drafted more than a rough sketch or two for each piece, preferring a hands-on, intuitive approach to construction. Each piece was meticulously handcrafted, often taking months or even years to complete. Castro was known to destroy pieces upon completion if he wasn’t satisfied with the results, even after months of painstaking labor. His obsessive attention to detail and strict standard of excellence led him to the highest levels of the craft.

Despite his brand being named after NYC, Castro relocated to Istanbul, Turkey where he spent his later years. He moved there in 2016 to escape the increasing racial tension in America, and viewed this move as a stepping stone to eventual permanent relocation in West Africa. In Turkey, he established a design studio and began collaborating with the Old World Jewelry Masters of the Grand Bazaar. This period marked a significant elevation in Castro’s style and workmanship. 

Castro’s magnetic personality drew people in everywhere he went. Often he could be found on the streets of New York, Paris, or Istanbul engaged in fiery debate with people of all backgrounds. He voraciously studied culture, world history and was highly engaged with current events, spending free time perusing museums, historical sites, and antique markets all over the world. He was constantly inspired by what he saw during his travels, whether it was the monolithic buddhist temples of Myanmar, or the flaky layers of a perfect buttery croissant in Paris.

Castro was passionate about the global fight for Black freedom, and engaged in activism, both in his private life and in the jewelry industry. He was a leader in his community, and would co-host a monthly Black Barbecue in Istanbul, where the black community could gather and celebrate their culture together. In 2021, he helped to create the Hand in Hand charity auction, in which Black and POC jewelers came together and raised funds to feed families displaced by the Ukraine war. Castro was a mentor to many artists, entrepreneurs, and human beings. In the summer of 2021, Castro died peacefully at his home in Istanbul.

By refusing to follow trends, Castro NYC has earned praise for his unique craftsmanship throughout his career. His work has been featured in publications such as Forbes, Town and Country, and Vogue. In 2021, he collaborated with DeBeers Diamonds and exhibited with Sotheby's Jewels in the Brilliant and Black exhibition. In 2022, Castro NYC was displayed for the second time with Sotheby’s courtesy of the Castro family.