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.
Vintage Kieselstein-Cord Black Lizard Belt with Sterling Silver Buckle w Keeper
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
By known American designer, artist and photographer Barry Kieselstein-Cord, this high quality belt with distinctive Kieselstein features is crafted in sterling including its silver b...
Sterling Silver
$1,600
H 1 in D 2 in Dm 2.5 in L 8 in
Vintage Sterling Silver Buckle Bracelet, Mexico, 1970's Unisex 72.31g
Located in North Miami, FL
This beautifully made and substantial signed hallmarked sterling silver buckle bracelet fits many sizes. On the third hole it fits a sm...
Sterling Silver
Barry Kieselstein Cord 2004 Sterling Silver & 14k Gold Frog Flower Cuff Bracelet
Located in Honolulu, HI
Barry Kieselstein Cord Cuff Bracelet in sterling silver and14k yellow gold. The bracelet features a 3-D frog in between 2 3-D flowers with 14k yellow gold petals. Hallmarked "Barry Kieselstein Cord" and stamped "2004," "925," "14K," "Thailand," on the inside. This cuff bangle measures 29 mm wide, 58 mm long and weighs 78.5 grams. This is a pre-owned Barry Kieselstein Cord bracelet...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Barry Kieselstein Cord Bracelet
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
Barry Kieselstein Cord Bracelet Gold link bracelet by Barry Kieselstien cord Stamped: 1988 B Kieselstein Cord and makers mark Approxi...
18k Gold
$520Sale Price / item|20% Off
Black Thread Macrame Rosecut Diamond Bracelet 925 Sterling Silver Handmade Gift
Located in Chicago, IL
Black Thread Macrame Rosecut Diamond Bracelet 925 Sterling Silver Handmade Gift Diamond Weight: 3.69 Cts Approx. Gross Weight: 38.100 Grams Approx. Size: 7 Inch Metal Purity: 925 S...
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage look Natural pave Diamonds oxidized sterling silver horse-bit bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
Embrace the epitome of elegance and sophistication with our exquisite oxidized brush polish horsebit hinged bracelet, adorned with shimmering pave diamonds. Crafted to perfection, th...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$595
H 1.78 in W 2.84 in L 0.99 in
Vintage Southwestern Zuni Turquoise Cabochon Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine turquoise Zuni Pueblo cuff bracelet. In sterling silver. Bezel set with 3 row of small turquoise cabochons. Simply a wonderful Southwestern br...
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Gucci Vintage Sterling Silver Iconic Buckle Bracelet
By Gucci
Located in Nice, FR
GUCCI vintage iconic sterling silver curb chain bracelet featuring a buckle design clasp with browm enamel detailing. Embossed GUCCI ITALY. Sterling silver 925 hallmark. Embossed BR...
Sterling Silver
Vintage 14 Karat and Sterling Silver Diamond Sapphire Mesh Bracelet
Located in Darien, CT
Vintage 14k and Sterling Silver Diamond Sapphire Mesh Bracelet. Sapphire 28.45 cts. Diamonds 1.50 cts. Bracelet length 6.75"
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Pave Garnet Hinged Bangle Bracelet in Sterling Silver
Located in Milford, DE
An antique bracelet decorated with pave garnets. The garnets on the face are open back and set in sterling silver, aligned in a decorative pattern, while the gemstones around the ban...
Garnet, Sterling Silver
$808Sale Price|20% Off
Classic Natural uncut rose cut Diamonds sterling silver bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
This vintage style diamond silver and yellow gold plating hinged bangle consists of: Diamond- 7.50cts Diamond type: Rose cut diamonds and uncut polki diamond Diamond color: white a...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Santa Fe Sterling Silver Belt Buckle Saddlebags Leather
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: sterling silver Dimensions: belt measures 36-inches Weight: 29.50 grams
Sterling Silver
Larimar Sterling Silver Strand Clasp Bracelet, 1990s
Located in Milford, DE
This Caribbean larimar sterling silver strand bracelet showcases an array of beautiful, organic-shaped larimar stone beads strung into a classic luxury wristpiece. Each stone featur...
Larimar, Sterling Silver
A Pair of Diamond Gold Bangle Bracelets
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold and diamond and yellow gold hinged bangle bracelets, Barry Kieselstein Cord 1982. Each is of undulating form with beaded borders, one centers a gradua...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold