Don't be put off by Kara Ross because she's gorgeous and always looks flawless. And don't be intimidated because she's won the GEM Award for Design from the Jewelry Information Center, the Women’s Jewelry Association Excellence in Design Award, and Fashion Group International’s “Rising Star” Award for Jewelry Design. And again, forget about the fact that she has created exclusive gifts for none other than the Obamas. OK, whatever, we're a little in awe, too. And that's fine with us, because Kara is one cool chick who hosts a smashing dinner party and makes kick-ass jewelry and handbags that are more art than accessory. Read on!
Kara Ross
“Bill Blass – I collect his vintage pieces.”
Let's have dinner at your favorite neighborhood restaurant – where do we go and what do we eat?
A Voce – pasta of course!
If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another jeweler, what would it be and why?
JAR – the breadth of his designs as well as material usage never cease to amaze and inspire.
The vacation spot that you keep going back to over and over?
The Ocean Club in the Bahamas – it's where my husband proposed.
What’s the last book you couldn’t put down?
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
If you could sit front row at any fashion show, what would it be and why?
Bill Blass – I collect his vintage pieces.
The gemstone you’re currently lusting after is . . .
Hemimorphite – it’s very hard to find extremely saturated pieces and when you do, you can’t look away.
It’s your birthday and your favorite flower arrangement arrives – what does it look like?
All white anything.
What’s your favorite piece that you made in the last year and why?
Fan Earrings - with 18-karat gold and White Bi-troydal Chalcedony Drusy – I wear them almost every day. They go with every occasion – dressy or casual.
You have 30 minutes to work out – what do you do?
Soul Cycle and sneak out early or Tennis on the weekend.
What was the first piece of jewelry you bought for yourself?
A vintage watch that had a big square face that had pavé diamonds all over it.
If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Rothko – his use of color is just breathtaking.
Take a picture of the most sentimental piece of jewelry you own and tell us the back story.
A ring I designed when I was 12 – it's a green tourmaline my parents let me choose in Africa.
What's your favorite museum in the world?
Top 5 bands in your playlist - go!
Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and whatever my daughters have bought on our Apple account.
You’re having guests for the weekend. What’s your signature dish that you cook for them?
I pour the wine.
Be honest – who’s your celebrity crush?!
Hugh Jackman – I think I’ve seen everything he’s been in – movies, Broadway – sooooo unbelievably talented and obviously super handsome.
What's your favorite beauty tip – could be skin care, a procedure, makeup, etc.?
Stay out of the sun ALWAYS.