Jewelry Designer and Gemologist
After picking up a tourmaline stone on an African safari and designing it into a ring at the age of 13, Kara Ross knew she had a vision and would love to design. Kara Ross is now known for her exotic one-of-a-kind handbags, her gorgeous jewelry, and her use of precious and semiprecious gemstones. Kara expects a woman who wears her designs to have an "independent and unique sense of style and be classic yet willing to take risks and stand out."


Kara Ross Large Oval Malachite Cuff
An oversized stone of a verdant hue punctuates a dramatic ridged bracelet.
• 18k gold plating over brass
• 2½" cuff
$380

In 2002, Kara launched a fine jewelry line which was and still is a huge success.
For more than fourteen years, Kara Ross has translated her passion for contemporary art, literature, and fashion into a unique collection of jewelry and handbags. What sets her apart is her ability to take gemstones and meld them into surprising shapes and settings, creating stunning earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Each piece of handcrafted jewelry is a true work of art.


Kara Ross Lapis Bezel Earrings
Square cerulean stones make an ethereal match with settings of gold plated brass.
• 18k gold plating
• Clip-on backings
$165

Ms. Ross has been featured in top fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, W, and Elle, as well as on A-list celebrities including Oprah, Charlize Theron, Catherine Zeta-Jones, kate beckinsale, and Eva Longoria. And with top young Hollywood fashionistas like Mischa Barton and Nicole Richie being photographed wearing her jewels, Kara Ross has become a designer that is known for her fun twists on luxury fashion. Her collection, sold through Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks, showcases her distinctive style.


Kara Ross Small Orange Shirt Cuff
A lizard-skin inset and tiger's eye stones make an exotic match on an 18k gold plated bracelet.
• Brass with gold plating
• 2 tiger's eye stones
• About 2½" long
• Magnetic closure
$295

Before launching her first full fine jewelry collection in 2002, Ross got certified as a gemologist at the Gemological Institute of America, and her eye for color is a strong element of her work . Set to hit stores this fall, the lower-priced fashion jewelry collection also includes the gem-laden cutout cuffs she initially designed for a J. Mendel runway show.

Artist Statement

One of my fondest memories of my childhood was a safari to Africa with my parents at thirteen. To commemorate the trip, they allowed me to choose a native gemstone of my choice. When we returned home, my parents let me design my own ring with the tourmaline I chose. I still have the ring today. To know that I could create something wholly original at a young age really affected me.

I think fashion is such a personal thing - just like appreciation for art - you may love it and the person sitting next to you may hate it. It doesn't make one right or wrong or better or worse - it's just a personal feeling. I find as I get older I am not as concerned with how people view me as long as I feel as if I'm in a good place. I do what I feel is right and comfortable for me. I like, most importantly, feeling comfortable, I hate feeling confined and fussy.