Kara Ross
Kara Ross
Unleash Your Mind
Each "bindi” represents the universal connectivity of humanity. The circles represent notions of totality, wholeness, original perfection. Our memories are not discrete files which can be identified, but instead, a complex mosaic produced by different parts of our brain working in tandem. We had sought to create layers of connections, binding individual fragments into one, unleashing a synergy. Just like the brain, memories and humans are all different but the same. All of our paths and stories are connected. Our connections to the world and our relationships with others are what make us timeless. There is no single place where a given memory lives in the brain; it’s scattered across many different regions.
Sponsored by:
- Shanitha Kachan & Gerald Sheff
About The Artist
Kara Ross fell in love with the art of jewelry as a teenager after bringing a native gemstone from Africa home to Philadelphia. Her mother took her to Jeweler’s Row where she designed a square cut ring on an 18 karat gold band with diamonds. 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 and a short stint in advertising, Ross became a certified Gemologist and for many years she used diamonds, pearls, and 18kt gold to create one-of-a-kind custom pieces for private clients.
Her most famous private client to date is former U.S. President Barack Obama and the First Lady, for whom she created exclusive gifts made from magnolia wood that originated from the White House lawn.
Ross launched her eponymous company, Kara Ross New York, in 2003. The company debuted with a stunning Fine Jewelry Collection, which received rave reviews from editors and clients.
Recognized as pieces of art, Ross’s fine jewelry can be seen at museums around the United States, including the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and the San Diego Natural History Museum. A special exhibition recently took place at the GIA museum in Carlsbad, Calif. Ross’s pieces have also been included in Ruth Peltason’s book “Living Jewels – Masterpieces from Nature.”
In 2014, she won the GEM Award for Design from the Jewelry Information Center. In 2012, Ross was chosen as one of the International Designers of Distinction by The Silver Promotion service and was also honoured with the Women’s Jewelry Association Excellence in Design Award.
In 2015, Ross launched DIAMONDS UNLEASHED whose mission is to inspire confidence and create educational and microfinance opportunities for women and girls globally.