PRESS RELEASE

New Exhibit Series “Aluminati” Spotlights Gem and Jewelry Stars

Kara Ross bracelet
Image courtesy of Kara Ross
“Shirt Cuff” bracelet made with magnolia wood, sterling silver and amethyst. The piece was made exclusively for U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama.

GIA Museum to feature designer Kara Ross as first Aluminati

CARLSBAD, Calif. – March 5, 2013 – The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Museum announced today the launch of a new exhibit series, “Aluminati: Students to Stars,” which will highlight the talents of Institute alumni who have made waves in the gem and jewelry industry. The first exhibit in the series, featuring designer Kara Ross, will debut in April at GIA’s world headquarters in Carlsbad, CA.
 
“We’re thrilled to be able to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of our alumni,” said Terri Ottaway, GIA Museum Curator. “So many talented students have emerged from GIA, and we are thrilled to share their success with the public. We are fortunate to have Kara Ross and her uniquely creative pieces as our premier Aluminati exhibit.”
 
The Kara Ross Aluminati exhibit will run from the beginning of April through November. Ross’ trendsetting and inspired designs will fill the atrium cases at GIA’s Carlsbad campus. A highlight of this exhibit are the custom pieces Ross created for First Lady Michelle Obama out of wood from a fallen tree near the White House.
 
Ross holds a GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma, the Institute’s highest credential, and is a world-renowned jewelry and handbag designer. Working with all types of gemstones (often in their natural state), crystals, wood and other organic material, her designs are favored by celebrities and public figures. Ross and her work have appeared in numerous national and international magazines, and she was honored in 2012 as the Design Award Winner by the Women’s Jewelry Association.
 
“I’m honored to kick off this exciting new exhibition series. Through GIA, I developed my passion and knowledge for gemstones, and these inform and enhance all the designs I create today,” said Ross.
 
The Aluminati series will feature GIA graduates from various parts of the gem and jewelry industryfrom miners and gem carvers to gem dealers, designers, jewelers and more. 
 
The GIA Museum is free and open to the public by appointment. 

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.
 
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism.