About Kara Ross:

One of Kara Ross’s fondest memories of her childhood is a safari in Africa with her parents at the age of thirteen. To commemorate the trip, Kara’s parents allowed her to choose a native gemstone of her choice. When they returned to their home, Kara was told she could design and create a ring with the tourmaline she chose. After a trip to “Jeweler’s Row” in downtown Philadelphia, Kara decided to create a square cut ring on an 18 karat gold band with diamonds. “To know that I could create something wholly original at a young age really affected me.”

It was a concept that would guide her vision as a designer. After graduating from Georgetown University and a brief stint in advertising at Harper’s Bazaar, Kara became a certified gemologist. For many years, she used diamonds, pearls, and 18kt gold to create one-of-a-kind custom pieces for private clients. Her most famous private client to date is President Obama and the First Lady, for whom she created exclusive gifts made from Magnolia wood that originated from the White House lawn. While the initial piece was created for visiting heads of state, the collaboration has continued, and Ross continues to design gifts for esteemed visitors and employees of the White House.

Ross gleans inspiration for her designs all around her, drawing upon travel, art, and architecture. “In architecture I love the simplicity of the lines— very clean, uncluttered, and powerful,” she says. “Initially my Gemstone collection was inspired by Sir Norman Foster’s Hearst Tower [in New York]. The cut surfaces reminded me of the facets on a gemstone.”

New York-based accessories designer Kara Ross is the go-to for unique and beautiful jewelry. A certified gemologist, Ross has a keen eye for exquisite stones and is inspired by her passion for contemporary art. Since starting the company fourteen years ago, her dramatic designs have garnered stylish fans including Anne Hathaway and Thandie Newton. Add style to any outfit with gemstone encrusted cuffs and rings and glimmering gold bracelets and earrings.

In 2003 she founded the company Kara Ross, which has rapidly grown from its origins in fine jewelry and is known for its bold and unique use of exotic skins and gemstones across several jewelry lines, handbags, and belts. The newest addition to the brand is the Kara Ross Gemstone Collection which debuted in fall 2010. Pieces from her fine jewelry can now be seen at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Arts and Design and the San Diego Natural History Museum. An exhibition at the GIA Museum is taking place in 2012.

Kara’s pieces have been featured internationally in top fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W, and Elle. Celebrity fans include Kate Hudson, Hilary Swank, Cameron Diaz, Eva Mendes, Kate Beckinsale, Eva Longoria, Anne Hathaway, Demi Moore, Oprah and Michelle Obama.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kara sits on the Board of Trustees at her alma mater, Georgetown University. She also acts as a Global Ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure; assisting in their global expansion. Kara is an avid supporter of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and their efforts to support research and spread awareness. Kara is involved with the Guggenheim Museum and is a member of the Photography Acquisition Committee at the Museum of Modern Art.