Meet Carolina De Barros: The former film producer who found her voice in gold
The London-based jewelry designer Carolina De Barros was always a creative soul, but her career started on a very different part of the creative spectrum - before founding her eponymous brand, she worked in film production.
When she eventually started to take jewelry evening courses, she brought the parts of her job that she really loved, like storytelling and visual composition, into her creations.
"It was like stepping into a new world," she says. "I instantly fell in love with the art form, the way metal could be sculpted, textures could be carved, and stories could be captured in something so small yet so meaningful."
We sat down with Carolina herself to find out more about her path to jewelry design.
You came to jewelry from film production. What made you make the switch?
"My journey into jewelry design was somewhat serendipitous. I began my career working in film production, a world defined by storytelling and visual composition. But I found myself craving something more tactile, a way to create with my hands. So, I started taking jewelry courses in the evenings, simply out of curiosity. Coming from a creative and artistic family, it felt like I had finally found my place. Jewelry became my language — a way to translate emotions, memories, and textures into wearable art."
You work primarily in wax. Can you explain what that means for the finished piece?
"I love the moment when a shape first takes form in wax — it's a dialogue between intention and spontaneity. Working directly with wax allows me to carve, sculpt, and refine each piece by hand, embracing the beauty of imperfection. It's a meditative process, and I never know exactly how a design will evolve until it reveals itself."
Where does your inspiration come from?
"Each piece is inspired by the textures of everyday life, the fluidity of form found in nature, and the expressive depth of modern art, drawing on the works of artists like Barbara Hepworth, Louise Bourgeois, and Tarsila do Amaral. This process is a dance between serendipity and intention, where each design evolves organically, guided by touch and intuition."
"Working directly with wax allows me to carve, sculpt, and refine each piece by hand, embracing the beauty of imperfection. It's a meditative process, and I never know exactly how a design will evolve until it reveals itself."
What does sustainability look like in practice for your brand?
"Sustainability is at the heart of Carolina de Barros Jewelry. All precious metals I use are 100% recycled, repurposed from old jewelry, electronics, and other industrial byproducts, sourced from RJC-certified suppliers. My gemstones and pearls are ethically sourced, hand-picked for their quality. I am committed to supporting local craftsmanship, with each piece handmade in my London studio and cast by a family-run business that has passed down its know-how through generations."
Is there a piece from your own collection that feels most personal?
"Personally, I love the Ramo Earrings. They are incredibly versatile — they can be dressed up or down, but always feel unique and sculptural. With their bold, organic design, they are a true statement piece."
Who do you design for?
"My typical customer is a creative, independent woman who values sustainability, craftsmanship, and timeless design. She gravitates toward pieces that are expressive yet understated, jewelry that tells a story and feels like an extension of her own style. She seeks authenticity, embracing slow luxury over fast fashion."
What does jewelry mean to the person wearing it?
"Customers often describe my jewelry as timeless, sculptural, and meaningful. They appreciate the tactile quality of the pieces, the way they feel organic yet refined, with a comforting weight that makes them substantial. Many have shared that wearing my jewelry makes them feel connected, whether to a memory, a place, or simply to themselves."
What do you dream about?
"I would love to create a capsule collection in 18ct gold — a series of timeless heirlooms crafted with gemstones I have carefully collected over the years. Each piece would be a one-off."
Carolina De Barros’ story is a beautiful tale of finding your calling through curiosity. She makes jewelry the slow way — wax-carved by hand, cast by a generational family workshop, made to order in her London studio.
We are so pleased to have Carolina join us in The Jewellery Room. Explore the Carolina De Barros collection here.