Kara Ross's passion for design evolved from her love of literature and art (she studied both at Georgetown). Her career took off when a stint at a pearl-distribution company led her to create a small collection. Her interest in gemstones broadened the palette and soon she was making one-off items for private clients. Now her distinctive bold pieces in materials like jet, rock crystal, and rose quartz have their own corner at Bergdorf Goodman. From top to bottom: White quartz and gold cuff, $5,300; rock-crystal and gold ring with blue topaz, $2,500; starfish bracelet, $25,000; rock-crystal and gold ring with diamonds, $2,500; necklace with pendant, $4,500. 212-872-8744.