Cast Closes Its Stores and Website but Promises a Comeback

By Karen Dybis | June 27, 2025

Less than four years after its debut as a jewelry collective focused on female designers, Cast has held a fire sale, closed its three stores, and shuttered its website.

But Cast cofounder Rachel Skelly—who says she has “reacquired” the brand and all of its jewelry intellectual property, patents, and trademarks—tells JCK she plans to bring the brand back “when the time is right.” So she is keeping the name, web address, and social media platforms intact.

Yesterday, Skelly posted a farewell on Cast’s Instagram but said in her video, “I’m not done!… I’m going to recast Cast.” In the caption, Skelly explained, “Sadly, after a chapter of incredible growth, we faced the same headwinds so many early-stage brands are navigating—especially in times as unpredictable as these. Ultimately, the very hard decision was made to wind the company down.”

When JCK reached out to Skelly, she was finishing packing up the last Cast store, in Palo Alto, Calif.—“a day full of a crazy mix of emotions,” she says.

“I’m already working on my plans for a relaunch with fresh creative energy. I’m excited about the next era of Cast and can’t wait to share,” says Skelly. “I just couldn’t imagine a world where I didn’t get to continue on Cast.

Rachel Skelly Eva Mendes — *Rachel Skelly with actor Eva Mendes, who collaborated with Cast on a line of flip rings in 2024*

“I feel like we were just getting started, and there is still so much that I want to create. I’m beyond thrilled and grateful that my heartbreak has turned into hope. I’m excited about the next chapter for Cast.”

Skelly and serial entrepreneur Eric Ryan cofounded Cast in 2021, to “bring more warmth and wonder to fine jewelry,” according to the company’s mission statement.

“Everyday standouts thoughtfully designed and crafted to be loved for generations. Together, Skelly and Ryan are on a mission to invite everyone to enjoy artful jewelry and the empowering feeling of wearing it,” the Cast LinkedIn profile says.

As of Friday morning, the Cast website showed only a Shopify logo and an area to enter a password to “enter the store.” Earlier this week, the website was offering discounts up to 80%, including on pieces Cast had created in collaboration with actresses Issa Rae and Eva Mendes and fine artist Windy Chien. Cast’s last post on LinkedIn was for Women’s History Month in March.

The Cast brand name came from Skelly’s desire to honor both a craft in jewelry-making and the cast of people involved in the jewelry-making process. The company’s roster of designers included Francesca Villa, Kristy Ford, and Alice Cicolini.

Based in San Francisco, Cast opened its first brick-and-mortar store in October 2022, in Corte Madera, Calif., and later added two other locations in Northern California, in Palo Alto and San Jose.

Prior to starting Cast, Skelly was vice president of creative for Olly vitamins and Plum Organics baby food. Ryan previously founded Olly, household cleaning brand Metho, and Unilever-owned Welly bandages.

Top: Cast’s now-shuttered store in Corte Madera, Calif. (photos courtesy of Cast)