Sure, they’re chic, elegant and intricate, but if we were to define Kara Ross’ jewelry designs in a single word, it would be: thoughtful. The New York-based jewelry and accessories designer takes cues from nature, art and architecture in designers pieces for all three of her collections including the flagship Kara Ross Fine Jewelry, a fashion jewelry collection labeled Kara by Kara Ross and The Gemstone collection.
Here, the designer who will mark her 10-year anniversary in the business next year sat down with SaksPOV to talk about baubles and then some.
I get ideas by… Just by keeping my eyes open. I’m lucky in that I get to travel with work and with my family. When I got back from Morocco I was determined to build my fall/winter Kara by Kara Ross [collection] around the scarab motif. The elaborate scarabs in onyx, malachite, hematite, amethyst and tiger’s eye are enhanced with by different textures in various lizard and python skins and ebony resin. The pieces have vintage 70’s aura.
The Gemstone Collection is inspired by… Modern architecture. I love the simplicity of the lines — very clean, uncluttered and powerful. I am a fan of Sir Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaas, David Childs, Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava.
We hear you are a fan of post-war and contemporary art… My favorite artist of all time is Francis Bacon.
His use of color is incredible. His paintings are almost grotesque but yet, somehow, are the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I also love Louise Bourgeois. Her spider sculptures would be my second favorite art pieces.
The woman who wears Kara Ross is… is worldly and artistic. Acquiring a piece of fine jewelry is not about a fleeting moment – it’s an emotional experience when you commit to something that is extension of your personality. That can last a lifetime.
The Gemstone Collection is all about… The stones. I felt there was a need to give more focus to precious stones such as lapis, rhodocrosite, turquoise, zebra jasper and many others. There are so many gorgeous stones that nature offers. Silver and gold serve as beautiful frames to showcase their beauty. These are very special pieces – something to last and to be worn every day. They are not too serious but elegant. These styles are for women who know where they are in life.
Which Kara Ross pieces do you love? Pin your favorites from Saks.com and Tweet @Saks with a link to your board!
