Kara Ross fell in love with the art of jewelry a teenager when she designed a square cut ring on an 18 karat gold band with diamonds using stones she brought home from a family vacation. Ross has said that creating something wholly original at a young age really affected her and has guided her vision as a designer.

Following graduation from Georgetown, she decided to pursue a career in jewelry; she became a certified Gemologist and for many years created one-of-a-kind custom pieces for private clients.

Ross launched her eponymous company, KARA ROSS NEW YORK, in 2003 with the vision to create jewelry that has character and imagination.   The company debuted with a stunning Fine Jewelry Collection, which received rave reviews from editors and clients alike.

Ross has been awarded 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.

Recognized as pieces of art, Ross’s fine jewelry can now be seen at museums around the country, including the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and the San Diego Natural History Museum.

In 2014, Ross redesigned her own engagement ring which sparked an idea to create a brand that surrounds and supports a cause which she strongly believe in – women’s empowerment.  In 2015, she launched DIAMONDS UNLEASHED whose mission is to inspire women’s self-worth and create educational opportunities for girls, because if you provide a girl with an education it not only changes her world, but the world of those around her.  100 percent of the net profits from the sale of products and sponsorships is donated to organizations that provide educational scholarships for girls.

Kara Ross has been a CFDA Member since 2008.