Independents

Sir King Takes the Reins at Castro NYC

IndependentsOct 12, 2023

Sir King Takes the Reins at Castro NYC

After Terry Castro’s untimely death last year, the brand lives on through its second generation.

Sir King Castro
Sir King Castro is pictured at Carpenters Workshop Gallery’s New York City location.
New York—The Castro NYC story isn’t over. 
 
The company has announced Terry Castro’s child, Sir King Castro, will helm the fine jewelry brand after the designer’s untimely death last year

Sir King, who uses they/them pronouns, was raised steeped in their father’s world of jewelry and avant-garde design that prized personal artistic inclination over trends.  
 
They grew up between New York City and their father’s native Ohio, where they attended Toledo School of the Arts.  
 
In New York, Sir King could be found assisting Castro selling jewelry on the street or helping with small repairs in his Harlem studio. 

Castro NYC Money Muzo emerald brooch
Castro NYC’s “Money Brooch” was part of Sotheby’s “Brilliant & Black” sale in 2021. The piece is made of 18-karat gold, bronze, and Muzo emeralds.

In 2016, Castro relocated to Istanbul. With access to expert craftspeople, the designer embarked on a new chapter of creativity, crafting what his admirers consider his best work, like the pieces exhibited in the seminal Sotheby’s “Brilliant & Black: A Jewelry Renaissance” sale in 2021, and its 2022 follow-up, “Brilliant & Black: The Age of Enlightenment.”  

In 2019, Sir King followed suit, leaving the Chicago College of Performing Arts, where they studied theater, to join their father in Istanbul and learn the ins and outs of his design process.  
 
After their father’s death, they relocated to New York City. 

Castro NYC Drip earrings
Castro NYC “Drip Earrings” 2021, are crafted in 18-karat gold and sterling silver with white and brown diamonds, a color-change garnet, rubies, and freshwater pearls. The design is an abstract interpretation of a cobra.

Now, Sir King is officially taking the helm of the iconoclastic jewelry label, ensuring it lives into the future. 
 
“I want to share Castro NYC’s story with the world, so people can find inspiration,” they said. 
 
“I see Castro NYC jewels as rare collectible sculptures more than I see them as just jewelry.” 
 
Sir King will dip into the designer’s archives to create new versions of the brand’s one-of-a-kind pieces for clients and bring some of their father’s never-realized ideas to fruition. 
 
“There are many sketches and ideas that Castro created, yet to be brought to life,” Sir King said. 
 
Castro NYC is debuting its identity as a second-generation brand via a partnership with art gallery Carpenters Workshop Gallery, which sells art and jewelry from designers like Alice Cicolini and Brilliant & Black alums Jaqueline Rabun and Rashid Johnson.  

Castro NYC zebra earrings
Castro NYC “Zeeporah” earrings in 18-karat white gold with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. Designed by Terry Castro, the piece depicting zebra ears upon a bird’s skull was created in ode to traditional African protective amulets.

The gallery has locations in Paris, New York, Los Angeles, and London. It will host a Castro NYC retrospective next year at its London location in Ladbroke Hall. 
 
“Carpenters Workshop Gallery is honored to represent Castro NYC exclusively and looks forward to hosting the first retrospective of the artist’s work in 2024,” said Head of Jewelry Tamara Platiša.   
 
“Terry Castro’s vision, craftsmanship and creativity are a testament to his artistry and innovation and resonate with the spirit of Carpenters Workshop Gallery, where creativity knows no bounds and the boundaries of collectable jewelry art are pushed.” 
 
 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Collage of new Stuller items
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine Jewelry

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

De Beers Group’s Sally Morrison
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Lauren K Gemma pendant
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone Trio

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

PG-05-SHOT-2-LUCIDA.033 1.png
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in Vegas

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Overnight Mountings Ring Builder Platform
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder Platform

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of a person shopping at the grocery store
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

Rebel Jewelry Tunnel Charm
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride Month

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Three gold rings set with yellow- and brown-hued diamonds
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural Diamonds

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

A Marvelous Journey: The Collection of Maurice Tempelsman
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to Auction

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

Dakota Badia and Nancy Badia
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in Aspen

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

AGS at Peter Yantzer Building dedication
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule Ceremony

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Neiman Marcus downtown Dallas store
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in September

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About You

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

Screenshot of the Tracr website homepage
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned Platform

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The 1916 Company Coast to Coast Roadshow
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, Again

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

Anna Maccieri Rossi Ora Wood Sunrise Cuff, Marie Lichtenberg High Jewelry Bandana, Anna Maccieri Rossi Carpe Diem Pendant
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will Survive

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

Woman with crossed hands and rings on fingers
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, chairperson of the Diamonds for Development Fund
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

James Marks
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.

Sothebys 10-carat blue diamond, 120 carat Harry Winston diamond necklace
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.

People shopping in a jewelry store
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers Today

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

Zahn-Z Big Zaha Art Deco Ring
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design Awards

The show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.

Rapaport's rebranding
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport Trade

The revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8M

The miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.

Cultus Artem River of Heaven Necklace
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ Desert

The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.

Sean Dunn, Amy Greenberg, Elise Greenberg, Coleman Clark, Mitchell Clark
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy