Originally trained as a painter and printmaker, Castro Smith found his calling in Hatton Garden, London, after securing an engraving apprenticeship with the Goldsmiths’ Company. This shift allowed him to fuse his illustrative background with metalwork effortlessly.

An early career misstep — a slip of the hand led Castro to embrace a full-wrap seal engraving style that would come to define his signature aesthetic: richly layered, deep engravings that cover the surface and sides of each piece.

Castro Smith’s White Rabbit signet: a dreamscape in blue sapphires and enamel, beating its drum on the dark side of the moon

A Distinctive Technical Voice

Castro blends European and Japanese seal-engraving methods, using intaglio techniques that require engraving in reverse and carving deeply—producing fine, multi-dimensional textures. Each signet or band becomes a miniature narrative canvas in metal.

His work features a wide iconography — creatures, plants, mythic beasts, heraldic symbols — handpicked by clients or drawn from his own vivid imagination and dream-inspired sketches.

Bespoke Client Collaboration

Castro’s process is highly consultative. Clients begin by sharing inspirations, memories or symbolic elements they want to capture. Castro describes the experience as cathartic: “I sometimes feel like a stand-in therapist… the conversation could get quite deep.” 

This emotional dialogue enriches each piece—  whether it’s a signet, engagement ring or pendant—making each one deeply personal and narratively rich.

Castro Smith - Koi Carp Signet Ring

Signature Collections & Works

Castro’s shop features over 50 ring styles—from animals like ravens and koi carp to botanical motifs like sunflowers and peonies. Noteworthy pieces include:

• ‘Tower of’ Raven Signet: A gothic-inspired design with a reverse-set ruby eye, black-rhodium engraving finish, and symbolic design referencing curiosity and vision.

• Moon & Owl Signet: A nocturnal scene where owls circle a blue moon, with diamond accents — celebrating guardianship and knowledge.

• Peony Signet: A richly detailed floral motif with & herbs and tools, plated in various enamel hues over 9ct yellow gold.

Each design is handmade on commission or made-to-order with options for ceramic enamel, precious metal finishes, and interior personal inscriptions.

Castro Smith at the bench

Recognition & Industry Presence

Castro has earned features in major platforms like Wallpaper and Barber Smith’s Financial Times, and exhibits internationally — from Goldsmiths’ Fair to showcases in Seoul, Hong Kong, New York, and Los Angeles.

Recent highlights include participation in AURIC at Chepstow Villas and trunk shows in New York and Portland. A small but dedicated international clientele values his craftsmanship and storytelling approach.

Why Castro Smith Matters Now

• Narrative-rich technique: Seal engraving elevates each piece into a personal myth or memory.

• Technical mastery: Combines European precision with Japanese depth carving.

• Artisanal immersion: The client’s emotional journey is central to the design process.

• Global reach, heritage roots: A modern artisan grounded in traditional London metalwork and global curatorial recognition.

A purple heart signet ring in white gold

Final Word

Castro Smith is carving his own space in the jewellery world — quite literally. His pieces are not just accessories; they are meditative stories in metal, deeply personal miniatures that straddle art, myth, and memory. Perfect for anyone seeking something beyond the ordinary in bespoke jewellery.

Discover More

Explore his full collection or book a consultation at castrosmith.com.

See more on Instagram @castrosmith

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