About Kara Ross

“I feel if you keep your eyes and heart open-there is always something that you are going to take notice of.”

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. 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.

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 Collection 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 Ross is a member of Council of Fashion Designers of America, Jewelers of America and American Gem Society. In 2012 Kara has been chosen as one of International Designers of Distinction by The Silver Promotion service and honored with Women's Jewelry Association Excellence In Design Award.

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

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