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 18k gold to create one-of-a-kind custom pieces for private clients.

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 at Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Net-A-Porter, Holt Renfrew, Harvey Nichols, Harrods and TSUM.

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, Alicia Keyes, Oprah and Michelle Obama.