Kara Ross knows a good thing when she sees (and sells) it,
which is why she’s recently unveiled the second incarnation of her Gemstone
collection, launched last year during Jewelry Week in Las Vegas. The Gemstone
collection features chunky silhouettes of 18k gold or sterling silver seemingly
chiseled into the organic shapes of uncut stones. Price points ranged from $200–$7,000,
featured 20 SKUs (including some gorgeous 18k gold, diamond, and mother-of-pearl cuffs, below), and according
to Ross’ camp, some retailers seriously dug it: “We decided to do exclusive
launch partners—Neiman Marcus for the U.S., Holt Renfrew for Canada, Harrods
for the UK, TSUM for Russia, and Net-A-Porter for online,” says a spokesperson.
To follow up on that success and appeal, Ross expanded offerings this fall by debuting Gemstone II. In it are
50 SKUs with suggested retail prices starting at
a modest $215 for a pendant necklace or $235 for a pair of gemstone stud earrings in silver with 18k gold
accents. There are also—fittingly enough—more gemstones in GII; from citrine to
turquoise to quartz, the latest collection is loaded with smooth-surfaced, randomly
faceted, and doggone bright and cheerfully colored gemstones. Some pieces are
even dusted with pavé—take your pick in colorless sapphire, aquamarine, or
green spessartite—giving styles the look of stained glass. The collection is a
delight for its affordability, whimsical design effect, and breadth
of product range (earring studs, double drops, skinny bangles and chunky cuffs,
stack rings, and on and on). Like a good book, it’s a collection to get lost in
because there’s much to see…and buy.
Gemstone II ships in two months, and Gemstone III—in stores
Fall 2011—is already in the works. What do you think?
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