CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
IndependentsJan 06, 2017
Kara Ross to Transform Boutique into Designer Collective
This month, the jewelry designer will debut a shared space for rotating groups of designers to sell their work.
Kara Ross is giving jewelry designers the opportunity to live the Madison Avenue brick-and-mortar experience for a four-month period as part of her new designer collective, #655Madison.
New York--Designer and philanthropist Kara Ross is taking her Madison Avenue boutique for an innovative turn.
On Jan. 16, Ross will launch the #655Madison Curated Collective, a concept in which eight jewelry designers will share the 350-square-foot space and divide the monthly cost equally among themselves.
Every four months, a new group of designers will move in and take over.
“I was recently at a CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) board meeting with fellow jewelry designers,” Ross explained. “Everyone was speaking about the challenging state of retail and how best to get ‘direct to the consumer.’ That’s what sparked the idea. I can use our jewel box of a store to highlight all the amazing talent in jewelry design that’s out there.”
Participating designers will donate 10 percent of proceeds earned at the collective to Diamonds Unleashed, Ross’ foundation that supports organizations that work toward female empowerment.
“I’ve completely reconfigured my business to be a vehicle for philanthropic initiatives supporting girls and women around the world,” said Ross of incorporating Diamonds Unleashed with the collective.
For the initial four-month period, Ross and seven other CFDA jewelers who participated in Ross’ “Jewelers Unite” auction at Art Miami will inaugurate #655 Madison: Dean Harris, Simon Alcantara, Anndra Neen, Stephen Dweck, Kenny Hwang of KH Studio Designs and Katrin Zimmerman, plus one last designer who is yet to be named.
Each designer participant will showcase approximately 15 to 25 pieces at the store in their own designated case. The store’s center case will rotate between the designers weekly.
“Through this creative collaboration, we can redefine the retail landscape.” - Kara RossOn the marketing front, the collective will provide social media exposure, monthly e-mail blasts via the Diamonds Unleashed e-mail, monthly store events and the ability to switch product out on a weekly basis.
Each designer will have the opportunity to take over the store for a special trunk show for one day during the four-month session.
During the length of their participation, designers also will receive support in the form of two store sale associates, trained in each designer’s product, plus all housekeeping amenities from surveillance and security to visual merchandising per each designer’s direction.
Ross is looking for designers to participate in the second session of the #655Madison Curated Collective, which will begin in May 2017, and future sessions.
She will personally select each group of designers.
“I truly believe that by uniting top talent in the industry through this creative collaboration, we can redefine the retail landscape and creatively display fine jewelry offerings in a unique way. With the collective, we are looking at retail through a new lens,” said Ross.
Brands interested in learning more about participation in the collective should contact Jessica Gamblin at jessica@skoogproductions.com.
Brands interested in learning more about participation in the collective should contact Jessica Gamblin at jessica@skoogproductions.com.
More on Independents
The Latest
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
