Jewelry design is both an art and a craft. The craft side stresses technical skill and proficiency, while the art side emphasizes creativity and imagination. Kirk Kara learned the tools of his trade at an early age. The men in his family had been jewelry makers for three generations, so proficiency was never a problem. By the time he could ride a bike, he knew more about jewelry design than most professionals.
After completing his apprenticeship in the late 1960s, Kirk Kara moved to America and opened his own design studio. Working alongside his wife, Lucy, he developed original designs for a growing list of clients. Before long, he was one of the most sought-after designers in Southern California. His collections of vintage-inspired jewelry were a hit with middle-age and older customers in the area. But something was missing. Kirk Kara had been unable to attract younger shoppers.
The entire jewelry industry is fueled by young couples who are looking for that once-in-a-lifetime ring—their engagement ring. A designer who does not appeal to brides-to-be might as well close up shop and call it a day. But Kirk Kara had an ace, or rather two aces, up his sleeve.
His daughters, Angela and Grace, knew everything there was to know about the industry. But even more importantly, they were young women who knew the needs and desires of brides their age. It was his daughters who came up with the idea of developing a new line of bridal jewelry for young women. The collection would feature the same quality and craftsmanship that had made their father famous with a refreshingly modern twist.
After months of market research, Angela and Grace came to a surprising conclusion about younger brides. They discovered that modern women like a little bit of color in their fine jewelry. The old predictable diamond-only bridal designs were on their way out, but nobody had bothered to tell the designers. Though center diamonds were still considered de rigueur, most first-time brides wanted colorful accent stones. The girls selected true blue sapphires because they were fresh, attractive and economical.
Kirk Kara engagement rings can now be seen in the pages of national bridal magazines and on the fingers of the Hollywood elite. Their new collections of polychromatic ornaments that wed vintage styles with modern designs have been a huge hit. Like all of the designer’s rings, these artistic ornaments are made with only the finest materials, including 18k gold, platinum and VS2-SI1 quality diamonds and side stones. Each article is entirely handmade and personally inspected by Kirk Kara before it is engraved with his hallmark and shipped to dealers nationwide.
