21 Questions with... Jewelry Designer Kara Ross

When I get up in the morning the first thing I do is…read WWD! Then I read the New York Post, check emails and Instagram, play a few games with my dog Finn, get myself a coffee and my husband a glass of OJ — although not necessarily in that exact order.
I would never leave my home without…jewelry. It is an essential luxury, no matter where you are going!
When I’m stressed I…step back, take a deep breath and read something to take my mind off the stress.
The item of clothing I’m currently wearing most is…without a doubt, black pants — they make you look thin! I’m also excited for sandal season.
I’m excited for Summer 2014 because…I will spend lots of quality time with my two daughters who are back from school. I’m also looking forward to a new tabletop project I’ve been working on that is lots of fun.
Every woman should own…a cuff bracelet; it’s a classic piece that can be dressed up or down.
What I love most about New York is…the diversity and high energy level — there is never a dull moment.
When it comes to men wearing jewelry I think…less is definitely more.
My beauty essentials include…sunblock and my family — when we are apart, I never quite look the same.
The last thing I googled was…the panda cam at the National Zoo — I can’t get enough of that little Bao Bao!
If my days had one extra hour I’d…sleep! Honestly though, I would probably launch another product category. I have so many ideas.
When I’m looking to get inspired I…travel. It opens a world of creativity because it exposes me to new and beautiful places and ideas. I am inspired by all of the new places, people, customs, clothing and architecture that I see.
My favorite pastimes include…my daughters and I are obsessed with cute photos of animals we find on the Internet — puppies and kittens in teacups, that sort of thing. I also am addicted to shopping for vintage clothes, accessories and jewelry.
The best place I’ve ever traveled…was when I was 15 years old and my parents took my family on a trip to Africa. While we were there, they let us each pick out two gemstones to bring back with us. I chose two emerald cut green tourmaline gemstones. When we got back to Philadelphia, my mother took me to a jeweler so I could design my own ring. I was involved in every step; the wax process, picking accent stones, etc. It was such an amazing experience, and I immediately knew that I had a passion for jewelry design.
My favorite place to shop is…antique markets or vintage stores, because you never know where you might find inspiration. I’ve also been shopping quite a bit on Instagram and eBay.
My biggest jewelry pet peeve is…when people don’t wear their jewelry! I don’t understand people who ‘save’ their jewelry for special occasions. Every day is special, and jewelry is meant to be worn, not to collect dust inside a drawer.
My guilty pleasure is...quality time with my family — they are everything to me.
One luxury item I’m dying for is…a marble handbag from my Fall/Winter 2014 Collection. I am the only designer in North America who is making handbags with actual marble — each bag is one-of-a-kind.
When it comes to staying healthy I…try as hard as I can.
If I had one style regret it would be…dark red lipstick. I have always been way too pale to pull it off. It looks great on the models in the magazines, but definitely not on me!
The best advice I ever got…came from my mother. Throughout my childhood and adolescence, she never let up about how important it is to be true to yourself and how essential it is to persevere.

21 Questions with… Jewelry Designer Kara Ross