Kara Ross jewelry has ties with White House, celebrity fans
VENICE, Italy, September 2013 – One of Kara Ross’s fondest memories of her childhood is a safari to 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.
Pieces from her fine jewelry can now be seen at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Kara’s pieces have also been included in Ruth Peltason’s book “Living Jewels – Masterpieces from Nature”.
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 various collections can be purchased internationally at stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Net-A-Porter, Holt Renfrew, Harvey Nichols and Harrods.
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 2012 Kara won the WJA Excellence in Design Award.
The Women’s Jewelry Association recognizes women who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields and who have provided a significant contribution to their organizations, business and the jewelry industry as a whole.
The jewelry from this collection are all one-of-a kind pieces, handmade in New York City.
The collection reflects Kara’s passion for incorporating unique materials with innovative techniques.
All items are price upon request, which are based on current market values of 18k Gold and Diamonds.
Kara exhibited this month at the “about J” luxury jewellery event in Venice, organized by the Vicenza fair.
