Colby Shelton Byrd is the founder and designer behind Shelton Metal, a North Carolina-based design studio creating jewelry, tableware, and home objects inspired by the depths of the sea, travel, and heirlooms. Since founding the company in 2013, Shelton has built a distinctive collection of handcrafted pieces that blur the line between functional object and sculpture. It was during his time living in Tuscany and traveling along the Italian coast that Shelton’s design philosophy truly began to take shape. Inspired by centuries of craftsmanship, old-world architecture, coastal culture, and objects that had been treasured for generations, he became interested in creating pieces that felt timeless rather than trend-driven. Working primarily with recycled metals, Shelton utilizes traditional metalsmithing techniques including hand carving, forging, fabrication, and casting to create future heirlooms designed to be used, collected, and shared. His work often draws inspiration from shipwrecks, found treasures, weathered coastlines, and the romance of exploration. What began as a jewelry collection has since expanded into a growing home collection often described as “jewelry for the table.” Meet Colby Shelton Byrd and the coastal-inspired craftsmanship behind Shelton Metal in today’s Maker Monday.
Small tools, rough prototypes, and finished pieces reveal a practice grounded in experimentation and hands-on making.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Colby Shelton Byrd: I’ve always been fascinated by objects that carry a sense of history. Growing up in North Carolina, I was surrounded by creativity from an early age. My grandmother was an artist who worked across many mediums, my mother has always been incredibly creative, and my father instilled in me a strong work ethic and appreciation for craftsmanship. I also grew up with a strong sense of adventure and determination, always chasing new experiences, pursuing big ideas, and believing that most dreams are achievable with enough hard work and persistence. Together, those influences shaped both the creative and entrepreneurial sides of who I am today.
Much of my inspiration came from the depths of the sea, pirate history, traveling, and the stories others share. I was drawn to the idea that certain objects could outlive us, gathering character and meaning with each generation. Whether it was a treasured family heirloom, an artifact recovered from a shipwreck, or a simple shell found on the beach, I loved the notion that objects could carry stories long after.
That curiosity led me to study architecture, art, and design, where I developed an appreciation for proportion, materials, and the way thoughtful design can shape our experiences. Later, while studying metalsmithing in Italy, I discovered the medium that felt most natural to me. Working with metal combined sculpture, craftsmanship, and storytelling in a way that immediately resonated.
AJ: How do you approach a new design project?
CSB: Once I have a direction, I begin sketching and refining proportions before moving into wax, where many of my designs are hand-carved. Working in wax allows me to create organic textures and details that feel human and imperfect. It is often in this stage that the piece truly comes to life. Depending on the design, I also hand forge, form, and fabricate directly from metal using traditional metalsmithing and jewelry-making techniques. Many of our pieces are carved and cast using recycled metals that are melted down and transformed into new objects, giving existing materials a second life.
My goal is to create objects that feel timeless and worthy of being passed down. Pieces that are not only functional, but become part of a family’s traditions, celebrations, and stories for generations to come.
Part catchall and part decorative accent, this shell dish brings a subtle coastal reference without leaning into overly themed design.
AJ: Can you describe a project that you’re particularly proud of?
CSB: One project I’m particularly proud of is the evolution of Shelton Metal itself. What began as a small jewelry studio in 2013 has grown into a collection of jewelry and home objects carried by more than 85 retailers across the country, including Bloomingdale’s and Anthropologie.
A recent milestone that feels especially meaningful is being invited to create an exclusive collection for Bloomingdale’s that will launch this Holiday season. The collection builds upon the idea of “jewelry for the table,” blending traditional metalsmithing techniques with elevated entertaining pieces designed to become future heirlooms. Seeing a vision that began at my workbench evolve into a collection for one of the country’s most recognized retailers has been incredibly rewarding.
More than any single product, I am proud that Shelton Metal has remained true to its identity throughout the growth.
AJ: What is your favorite place to find inspiration?
CSB: It’s hard to choose just one place, but I always find myself returning to where it all began: Italy. More specifically, a small village in the Tuscan hills where I studied design over fifteen years ago and where dear friends have become family. Every time I return, I am reminded of the experiences that first shaped my creative perspective. The landscape, the appreciation for craftsmanship, and centuries of history that coexist with everyday life continue to inspire me.
While I’m there, I often travel along the Mediterranean coast. The vibrant fishing villages, the rigid coastline against the sea, and people have left a lasting impression on my work. There is a romance to coastal life in Italy that feels timeless. You can feel the connection between people, the sea, and the objects they use every day. Those experiences continue to influence the materials, textures, and stories behind many of my designs.
I also find endless inspiration in New York City. The energy, creativity, architecture, museums, and diverse mix of cultures continually challenge me to think bigger. While the pace of New York couldn’t be more different from coastal North Carolina, I find it strangely calming. There is something about the constant movement, ambition, and creative energy that feels familiar, almost as if the city is moving at the same speed as my mind.
Hand-cast in unlacquered brass, these cocktail picks turn the spiral shell into a sculptural tabletop detail that will develop an even richer patina with use.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
CSB: I feel incredibly fortunate because, in many ways, I am already living a dream. Long-term, I can envision a fully immersive Shelton Metal experience. My dream project would be designing a hospitality environment where every detail tells a cohesive story. Whether it is a boutique hotel, coastal resort, private club, or luxury restaurant, I would love the opportunity to create an entire world through design.
As someone who works across both jewelry and home objects, I am fascinated by how thoughtfully designed details can shape a guest’s experience. I would love to design everything from the flatware, barware, serving pieces, and lighting to custom hardware, furnishings, decorative objects, and site-specific installations. The goal would be to create an environment where every object feels intentional and contributes to a larger narrative.
For me, the most meaningful projects are the ones that create a lasting memory. To build a space where guests feel transported, inspired, and connected through the objects around them would be the ultimate expression of what Shelton Metal is all about.
AJ: What’s your favorite cocktail?
CSB: A martini, without question. There’s something timeless about it. The ritual of preparing it, the elegance of the glass, the garnish, and the conversations that seem to naturally unfold around it. It feels less like a cocktail and more like an experience. In fact, our Sword Martini Picks were among the very first pieces I designed for the Shelton Metal home collection. Inspired by the classic plastic cocktail swords found in bars decades ago, we reimagined them as heirloom-quality objects cast in solid brass and stainless steel.
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