In the mid-1950s, there were children who read comic books and built forts and then there was Barry Kieselstein-Cord, a now-critically acclaimed New York City–born jewelry designer whose early hobbies included carving totem poles.
In fact, Kieselstein-Cord was proficient at carving by the time he was eight years old. His hobby fueled what would become deep interests in Native American art and in the natural world around him. Kieselstein-Cord made more carvings, and eventually began to explore metalwork and craft jewelry in his teens. Today he creates rings, necklaces and other jewelry and accessories so divine that they are as much wearable sculptures as they are personal adornment.
Kieselstein-Cord studied at Parsons School of Design and the American Craft Institute. He has long been enamored of illustration, architecture, photography and other disciplines, and even as a world-renowned jeweler, Kieselstein-Cord has always considered his true identity as a sculptor. ”I don’t make jewelry; I do sculptures for the body,” he has said.
Kieselstein-Cord designed his first sterling silver collection in 1972, and a year later, the collection was presented for sale at Georg Jensen’s Manhattan flagship store. Kieselstein-Cord’s partnership with the legendary Danish silverware firm meant that his work would reach an international audience. It was also around this time that the designer began to work with fashion titans Perry Ellis and Calvin Klein.
By the late 1970s, Kieselstein-Cord had begun to integrate gold and gemstones into his work. During this decade he designed much-lauded belt buckles, and some of his most sought-after collections — including Crocodile, Pompeii and Borgia — followed a decade later. On today’s secondary market, those 1980s-era designs are enjoying a resurgence. Names like Henry Dunay and Kieselstein-Cord are being reappraised as icons of contemporary design.
Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey, Sir Elton John, Jack Nicholson, Barack Obama and Giorgio Armani are all known collectors of Kieselstein-Cord’s work. His designs have found their way into the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
On 1stDibs find a collection of vintage Barry Kieselstein-Cord belts, earrings, bracelets, handbags and other jewelry and accessories.
Barry Kieselstein Cord Sterling Silver Alligator Belt Buckle
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Wallkill, NY
Vintage B. Kieselstein-Cord Sterling Silver Alligator Belt Buckle – Iconic Designer Statement Own a piece of wearable art with this vintage Kieselstein-Cord sterling silver belt buck...
Barry Kieselstein Cord Vintage Black Moon Charm Sunglasses
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Barry Kieselstein Cord Vintage Black Moon Charm Sunglasses in excellent condition. Black acrylic body with black lenses trimmed with matte silver hardware upon each arm. Unique Moon ...
Barry Kieselstein Cord Sterling Silver Belt Buckle Frog Toad
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Wallkill, NY
Vintage B. Kieselstein-Cord Sterling Silver Frog Belt Buckle – Iconic Designer Statement Own a piece of wearable art with this vintage Kieselstein-Cord sterling silver belt buckle, f...
Kieselstein Cord Huge Tortoise Shell & Embossed Croc Calfskin Sunglasses
By KIESELSTEIN-CORD, Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
Kieselstein Cord wonderfully elegant huge tortoise shell lucite frame is detailed with embossed croc calfskin arms, and finished with their signature name plated with their c...
$792Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Barry Kieselstein Cord Sterling Silver Duck Buckle, Green and Red Belt
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Featuring circa 1981, sterling silver duck buckle with interchangeable and adjustable animal skin green and red belt straps. All...
Barry Kieselstein Cord Lizard Skin Pink & Purple Belt W/ Sterling Silver Belt
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Barry Kieselstein Cord Lizard Skin Pink & Purple Belt W/ Sterling Silver Belt Bands. In excellent condition Measurements: Longest length - 3...
$485Sale Price|29% Off
Kieselstein Cord Shades of Olive Green "The Saint" Tortoise Frame Eyeglasses
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1, KIESELSTEIN-CORD
Located in New York, NY
Kieselstein Cord "The Staint" tortoise frame in shades of olive greens are accented with "The Sun & The Moon" in gilded 18k plated gold hardware inserted with...
Vintage Thierry Mugler from the 90's
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Paris, FR
Thierry Mugler sunglasses from the 1990s, featuring a sculptural and assertive design that perfectly embodies the house’s avant-garde aesthetic. This model stands out with its narrow...
Bourgeois sunglasses green pilot, FRANCE
By Bourgeois
Located in Valencia, CA
Bourgeois Eyewear is an established industry brand that has earned its reputation by offering consistency of quality and fashion styles to the industries most demanding eyewear provi...
2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Rimless Blue Metallic GG Rhinestone Sunglasses Y2K
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These Gucci sunglasses from the early 2000s by Tom Ford are crafted in a rimless silhouette with metallic blue-tone hardware. The design is accented by a rhinestone “GG” logo at the ...
NEW S/S 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Pony Hair Appliqué Sunglasses
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These Versace sunglasses from the Spring/Summer 1999 collection by Donatella are fully wrapped in brown and white pony hair with a rectangular frame and dark lenses. Purple and green...
US Army 80s square vintage sunglasses
By U.S. Army
Located in Valencia, CA
These are vintage Romco BCG Military Issue eyeglasses frames with polarized lenses produced by US Army in U.S.A. since 1960s. Iconic glasses that America doesn't make anymore. MAKE:...
US Military vintage sunglasses, made in U.S.A. Famous BCG glasses polarized
By U.S. Army
Located in Valencia, CA
These are vintage Romco BCG Military Issue eyeglasses frames with polarized lenses produced by US Army in U.S.A. since 1960s. Iconic glasses that America doesn't make anymore. MAKE:...
rare MARTIN MARGIELA ARTISANAL black fabric fringed tassel pom pom belt
By Maison Martin Margiela
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare MARTIN MARGIELA ARTISANAL black fabric fringed tassel pom pom trim self tie belt Reference: TGAS/F01083 Brand: Martin Margiela Designer: Martin Margiela Model: Repurposed Furnit...
Judith Leiber Foo Dog Stone & Gold-Tone Brown Leather Vintage Waist Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Judith Leiber Foo Dog Stone & Gold-Tone Brown Leather Vintage Waist Belt is a striking accessory that combines artistry with luxury. Crafted with high-quality brown leather,...
Bulgari Black Rectangular Frame Grey Tinted Sunglasses
By Bulgari
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Bulgari Black Rectangular Frame Grey Tinted Sunglasses are the epitome of modern sophistication and timeless style. Crafted with a sleek black rectangular frame, these sunglasses...
US Military vintage sunglasses, made in U.S.A. Famous BCG brown polarized lenses
By U.S. Army
Located in Valencia, CA
These are vintage Romco BCG Military Issue eyeglasses frames with polarized lenses produced by US Army in the U.S.A. since the 1960s. Iconic glasses that America doesn't make anymore...
Gucci Enamel Logo Belt
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gucci Enamel Logo Belt from the 1970's. Enamel Logo links in black and gold with adjustable links. Can be worn as necklace as well. Signed...
S/S 1996 Gucci by Tom Ford Ad Blue Genuine Snakeskin G Circle Buckle Belt 75/30
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This iconic Gucci belt, designed by Tom Ford, is a standout piece from the Spring/Summer 1996 collection. Featuring a black snakeskin strap and a large round silver 'G' buckle, it ma...
Barry Kieselstein-Cord Sterling Heart Buckle and Black Lizard Belt Never Worn
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New Hope, PA
This sterling silver buckle, a heart pierced through by Cupid's Arrow, is perfect for all you romantics, and would be romantics. The buckle is fully marked on the back, and the bla...
Vintage BARRY KIESELSTEIN-CORD 1995 Size 2 Brown Leather Sterling Alligator Belt
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage BARRY KIESELSTEIN-CORD 1995 belt comes in a brown alligator leather featuring a sterling silver alligator buckle. Very Good Pre-Owned Condit...
1990s Barry Kieselstein Cord Alligator Purple + Silver Chrome Vintage Sunglasses
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and chic late 90s BARRY KIESELSTEIN CORD purple and matte silver oblong / rectangle novelty rimless sunglasses! The hinge of each side of the frames feature the brand’s signatur...
Vintage Barry Kieselstein-Cord Wide Sun Buckle Silver Tone
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
The winking sun buckle is one of Kieselstein-Cord's early designs and one of the most popular. This vintage wide sun belt buckle comes in silver tone hardware...
Vintage Barry Kieselstein Cord Wide Buckle Black Leather Slim Belt Silver Tone
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
Vintage wide fancy buckle with a leather belt is one of Kieselstein-Cord's early and popular designs. This vintage wide fancy buckle with leaves design comes in silver tone hardware ...
Barry Kieselstein Cord Wide Buckle Black Leather Slim Belt Gold Tone
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
The wide fancy buckle with a leather belt is one of Kieselstein-Cord's early and popular designs. This vintage wide fancy buckle comes in gold tone hardware with a slim black leather...
Vintage Barry Kieselstein-Cord Wide Sun Buckle Brown Leather Belt Gold Tone
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
The winking sun buckle with a brown leather belt is one of Kieselstein-Cord's early designs and one of the most popular. This vintage wide sun belt buckle c...
Barry Kieselstein-Cord Black Sterling Silver Alligator Buckle On Lizard Strap
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 1192000 Made In: New York Measurements: Length: 33" Width: 1" Height: " Belt Strap Measurements: Adjustable 26"-30" OVERALL GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION (6...
Barry Kieselstein-Cord Sterling Silver Sun & Moon Brown Alligator Belt c 1990
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in University City, MO
Barry Kieselstein-Cord Sterling silver moon & sun sleek brown alligator belt c 1990 The stylish belt is designed with a chunky large-scale sterling silver buckle The celestial buckle...
Barry Kieselstein Cord Sterling Silver Turtle Buckle & Belt, 1996
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Atlanta, GA
Buckle?...Sculpture?...Jewelry? How about all three! Barry Kieselstein-Cord describes himself as an artist and refers to his work as sculpture. This charming sterling silver turtl...
Barry Kieselstein-Cord Black Belt W/ Gold Buckle
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Barry Kieselstein-Cord Black Belt W/ Gold Buckle. Vintage belt from 1990s in excellent condition Measurements: Longest length - 32.1 inches Smallest length - 28.2 inches Height ...
Barry Keiselstein Cord Sterling Belt
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
Barry Keiselstein Cord Sterling belt with signature carved buckle and loop in heavy sterling silver on an alligator grain leather belt band. Heavy cas...