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 18k Gold Carved Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An 18k gold signet ring by Kieselstein-Cord featuring an oval carved carnelian intaglio depicting a heraldic crest. The ring is designed with the brand’s signature fleur-de-lys–inspi...
Carnelian, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Roberto Coin Diamond Basket Weave Ring VHK#551
By Roberto Coin
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 2000s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: 18k white gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 6.0 grams Diamond Details: .50ct, total weight. F Color, VS Clarity, Round Bril...
White Gold
Men ring, Lion ring for men, Lion Men's Ring, Luxury Men's Ring, Men signet ring
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Experience the allure of majestic strength and timeless style with our "Lion Men Ring." Expertly crafted from 25 grams of superior 14K gold, this exceptional...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Castellani Ancient Banded Agate Peacock Intaglio Gold Ring
By Castellani
Located in New York, NY
A lovely Ancient Roman gem. The orange and white banded agate intaglio is over 2000 years old. In tondo (carved on the horizontal), we find a peacock between two cornucopias and abov...
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 9ct Yellow Gold, Oval Shaped Plain Signet Ring, Hallmarked Birmingham
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Signet Ring 9ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham Makers Mark DJ A classic mid-century signet ring in 9ct yellow gold. The ring features a flat, oval plain circular f...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,579 / item
Personalized Signet 18ct Gold Renewal Ring
Located in London, GB
Made to order, our Renewal Signet ring is inspired by signets of the past, reimagined with a hand-engraved floral pattern symbolizing renewal, hope, growth, and resilience. Designed ...
18k Gold
Imperial 18 Karat Gold Signet Ring, by Martyn Lawrence Bullard
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Unisex 18k rose gold square Signet ring, perfect for engraving Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard Can be made in any size in white, yellow or rose 18 k gold, lead time 4 weeks
18k Gold
Lois D. Sasson Design Sterling Silver Signet Men's Ring
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the exquisite Sterling Silver Men's Signet Ring by Lois D. Sasson Design. This timeless piece combines classic elegance with modern sophistication, crafted with meticulou...
Sterling Silver
Intaglio Onyx 14 Karat Yellow Gold Roman Soldier Gents Signet Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This refined signet style ring is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and features a striking onyx intaglio carved with the profile of a Roman soldier, evoking classical antiquity and ti...
Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,265 / item
22 Karat Solid Gold Customizable Signet Ring
By Romae Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
22K Solid Yellow Gold Monogram Ring by ROMAE Jewelry Inspired by Ancient Roman Designs. Our classic and delicate "Victoria" ring modeled after an...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Minerva intaglio ring in 22 karat gold, signet ring
Located in PARIS, FR
Minerva intaglio ring in 22 karat gold. Ring centered with a carnelian intaglio probably depicting the goddess Minerva, holding a spear in her right hand and accompanied by a bird on...
Carnelian, Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Love Heart Puzzle Ring, United States, 16.6g
Located in Jupiter, FL
A vintage 14K gold puzzle ring with two hands holding a heart inside that is engraved "I love you". This ring consists of two hands held together and united as one by the shank of th...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,865 / item
22 Karat Gold Cartouche Ring
By Romae Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
22K Yellow Gold Cartouche Ring by ROMAE Jewelry Inspired by Ancient Roman Designs. Our tiny and exquisite "Priscilla" ring features a cartouche with a b...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kieselstein Cord Ring 18k Gold Green Tourmaline Intaglio
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
DESIGNER: Barry Kieselstein-Cord CIRCA: 1992 MATERIALS: 18K Gold GEMSTONE: Green Tourmaline WEIGHT: 18.8 Grams RING SIZE: 7 MEASUREMENT: Top - 3/8" x 9/16" HALLMARKS: 1992, Kiesels...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
1993 Kieselstein-Cord 1.25 CT Round Brilliant Diamond Sapphire Ruby Band Ring
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Gorgeous large diamond, sapphire, and ruby ring by designer Kieselstein-Cord handcrafted in 18 karat green gold. The ring features a bezel set round brilliant cut diamond weighing ap...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kieselstein Cord Heliodor Golden Beryl Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Ring
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a rectangular step cut heliodor beryl gemstone weighing approximately 2.70 carats Transparent with strong orangey yellow color Surrounded by a diamond halo with round bri...
Diamond, White Diamond, Beryl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kieselstein-Cord Platinum Green Tourmaline Cocktail Ring
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Dallas, TX
This platinum ring features a large apx. 35 cts. Tourmaline and .33 carats of diamonds. The top of the ring measures 1/2 inch wide and 3/4 inches long. It weighs 25.2 grams and the r...
Barry Kieselstein-Cord Gold Winking Sun Moon Ring
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Barry Kieselstein-Cord ring crafted in satin finish 18 karat yellow gold features a charming winking sun/moon design. Signed B. Kieselstein Cord, 18K, 1990, with hallmarks....
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Barry Kieselstein Sterling Silver Stallion Ring
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Cincinnati, OH
By designer B. Kieselstein- this ring is perfect for anyone, especially those who love horses! Sterling silver. Oval stallion in running position. Top of ring approximately 23.5mm ...
Sterling Silver
Kieselstein Cord Gold Ring
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Darnestown, MD
Wonderful tailored design ring by Barry Kieselstein Cord. The ring is 5/8" at the front and tapers to 5/16" at the back making it very comfortable to wear. It is hallmarked both insi...
18k Gold
Barry Kieselstein Cord Alligator Ring Blue Chalcedony Sterling 14 Karat Gold
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Torrance, CA
Estate Barry Kieselstein Cord blue chalcedony alligator ring, crafted in sterling silver and 14 karat yellow gold. Blue chalcedony is cabochon cut measuring 8mm. The chalcedony is ...
Chalcedony, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Barry Kieselstein-Cord Frog with Diamonds Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in MIAMI, FL
Kieselstein-Cord frog wide band ring with round diamonds in 18 karat yellow gold. Made in 2001. Ring size 7.5. Approximately .45 total carat weight. The width is 15 mm and weight is ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Kieselstein-Cord 3.05 Carat Andalusite Tourmaline 18 Karat Gold Band Ring
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a wide band ring with deeply ridged edges and matte gold finish Centering a bezel set oval mixed cut andalusite weighing approximately 2.55 carats Andalusite displays i...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
B. Kieselstein Cord Diamond Lemon Citrine 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
B. Kieselstein Cord Diamond Lemon Citrine, 9.70x7.80x5.70 mm crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Signed B. Kieselstein Cord 2000 stamped 750 with trademark. Ring size 5 1/2. Top of t...
Kiesselstein Cord Peridot, Diamond and Gold Ring
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, peridot and diamond ring, Kiesselstein Cord. Centering a bezel set circular cut peridot, weighing approximately 2.65 carats, within a pave set diamond surrou...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold