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.
Kieselstein Cord Sterling Silver Turtle Necklace
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Ferndale, MI
Sterling silver Kieselstein Cord necklace with turtle decoration. Stamped Kieselstein Cord 1998 and 925 silver. 17.75 " overall length.
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Pillbox
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A chic and practical way to carry your pills; this sterling silver pillbox. It has a polygon shape and sleek with no decorative qualities. The top is a perfect place to have it mon...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Platter
By Redlich & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver platter (tray) by Redlich & CO of New York. It is a large serving tray with old world detail around the edges. It has a scalloped rim with fl...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Tray
By Graff, Washbourne & Dunn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a beautiful sterling silver tray with an elegant reticulated design going around the border. It’s an oval piece with handles on each side and stands on a pedestal. ...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Tray
By Graff, Washbourne & Dunn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful sterling silver tray has a reticulated border and a fluted rim. It has a pedestal so it’s propped off the surface. It is an octagon shaped...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Salver
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver salver by J. E. Caldwell of Philadelphia. This lovely antique piece is oval shaped and has a row of beads going aroun...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Compotes
By Graff Washbourn & Dunn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a pair of sterling silver compotes by Graff, Washbourne and Dunn of New York. If you appreciate detail and fine craftsmanship, these compotes are yours for the taki...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Candlesticks
By Redlich & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a pair of sterling silver candlesticks by Redlich & Company. Manufactured during WWII, they have an austere and simple shape and design. This was the period th...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Platter
By Durham Silver Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A striking example of refined utilitarian design, this sterling silver platter by the Durham Silver Company embodies the understated elegance associated with fine “hotel silver”—a st...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Tazza
By Graff, Washbourne & Dunn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a large sterling silver tazza. It has an old-world pattern going around the scalloped edge and base. Wreaths, flowers and bows come together in an elaborate feast ...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Menorah
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver menorah that is contemporary and beautiful. Poised on an oval base the branches curve upwards and align evenly while the center arm is raised an e...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Decanter
By The Mauser Manufacturing Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Offered is an elegant estate decanter featuring exquisite sterling silver overlay in a classic grapevine motif. The intricate design showcases detailed clusters of grapes intertwined...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Antique sterling silver makeup box
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Antique Sterling Silver Makeup Box This is an antique silver makeup box, with a compact, rectangular design. Its surface is decorated with a motif of fine, engraved vertical lines, g...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 3.5 in W 3.5 in D 0.5 in
Barry Kieselstein Cord Vintage Sterling Crocodile Alligator Belt and Buckle
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Barry Kieselstein-Cord sterling silver alligator belt buckle and brown crocodile skin belt. Belt - 26.5” to 30.5” x 1.5” / Buckle - 3.5” ...
Sterling Silver
Barry Kieselstein-Cord Belt Buckle, Sterling Silver, Snake, Signed
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
Barry Kieselstein- cord belt buckle, sterling silver, snake, signed. Hallmarked: 234 ©B. Kieselstein-Cord, 1994.
Sterling Silver
Signed Kieselstein Cord Sterling Silver Box / SATURDAY SALE
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely round polished sterling silver small box is by the master jeweler Kieselstein Cord. This is hallmarked on the bottom as shown in the photos. It is the sun and the moon. Done in 1999. This is a more obscure and rare small box...
Sterling Silver