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 Crocodile Ring and Pearl Earrings Set
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Barry Cord jewelry set pairs a sculptural sterling silver crocodile ring with a dramatic pair of pearl-accented stars and moons earrings. The earrings feature an elongat...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Kiesselstein-Cord Clip-on Flame Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
Super Barry Kiesselstein-Cord Clip-On Flame Earrings. Signed with name & trade marks & marked 18kt & 750. Dated 1983. Weighs 36.2 Grams. Very bold & m...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,500 / item
Turquoise Diamond Meghna Jewels Flame Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Renowned for its modern & fierce jewelry, "Meghna Jewels" highlights her signature pave diamond arches in these stunning Flame Earrings. These gorge...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Kieselstein-Cord Sterling Silver Alligator Clip On Earrings #14597
By Kieselstein
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage Kieselstein-Cord Sterling Silver Alligator Clip OnEarrings- These elegant alligator earrings by Kieselstein-Cord are crafted in meticulo...
Sterling Silver
Milagrosa Large Flame ball Pearl Earrings
By Aracheli Studio
Located in Monrovia, CA
A large white freshwater baroque flame ball pearl hangs on a gold plated Milagrosa earring post. Size & shape of pearls may vary slightly as they are natural pearls. Statement earrin...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold-filled, Gold Plate
Barry Kieselstein Cord Gold and Diamond Earrings
By KIESELSTEIN-CORD
Located in Darnestown, MD
Rare pair of gold and diamonds earrings by Barry Kieselstein Cord. The earrings have a domed round center surrounded by 8 rectangular plaques, each centered with a diamond. The outsi...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
1980s Diamond Fire Flame 18K Gold Clip-On Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
dd a touch of timeless luxury to your jewelry collection with these stunning 1980s Flame Earrings, expertly crafted in solid 18K yellow and white gold. Their dynamic, sculptural desi...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$310
H 2.01 in W 0.79 in D 0.88 in L 2.01 in
Dangle Earrings with Baroque Tahitian Pearl Earrings in Sterling Silver
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
The Medium Spiral Dangle Earrings are rafted from argentium sterling, and feature 20 gauge ear wires and captivating baroque Tahitian pearls. Unlike traditional round pearls, baroque...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Dangle Earrings in Sterling Silver with Akoya Pearls
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
These pearl earrings are a modern classic. They are Medium Spiral Dangle Earrings from the Orbit collection with sterling silver spirals, a 20 gauge ear wire and a lustrous, 7-8.5mm ...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Art Deco Sterling Silver Paste and Pearl Long Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco sterling silver paste and faux pearl long drop earrings. Clip back fittings set in 835 grade silver. 1920's European. L 2.25", pearl 10mm, pearl l8 mm
Silver
ECHO OF THE DREAMER Pearl, Crystal & Sterling Silver Earrings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful artisan earrings by American designer, Margaret Thurman for her line Echo of the Dreamer. Thurman’s love for organic design is at work in these earrings which incorporate ...
Crystal, Pearl, Sterling Silver
Barry Kieselstein-Cord 18K Gold Earrings Iconic Design Signature Green Gold
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic iconic Barry Kieselstein-Cord earrings in signature green 18K green gold . Classic shell and 'caviar' simulate swirled shells with a row of center spheres. No ...
18k Gold
Opal Green Onyx Diamond Meghna Jewels Flame Drop Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These modern and fiercely gorgeous drop earrings are handcrafted in 18K gold, sterling silver, 33.0 carat Opal, 6.20 carat Green Onyx and 1.32 carat of sparkling diamonds . Exquisite...
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Meghna Jewels Flame Rainbow Moonstone Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These modern gorgeous flame drop earrings are handcrafted in 18K gold, sterling silver, rainbow moonstone and diamonds. Exquisitely frame...
Moonstone, Diamond, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold
1998 Barry Kieselstein-Cord Sterling Silver Mended Broken Heart Earrings #24742
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1998 Barry Kieselstein-Cord Sterling Silver Mended Broken Heart Earrings Distinctive and artful, these sterling silver Kieselstein-Cord earrings blend sculptural design with symboli...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Barry Kieselstein Cord Alligator Earrings Sterling Silver Square Clip
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed pair of Barry Kieselstein Cord alligator earrings, crafted in sterling silver. The retired earrings are circa 1997 with the alliga...
Sterling Silver
Sold
W 1.38 in D 0.5 in L 7.25 in
Kieselstein-Cord Rutilated Quartz Sterling Silver Link Bracelet and Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Barry Kieselstein-Cord oval rutilated quartz charm on sterling silver oval link chain bracelet and hinged clip closure. The matching earrings feature an oval sterling silver piece wi...
Quartz, Sterling Silver
Estate Kieselstein Cord Alligator Earrings 18 Karat Yellow Gold, circa 2000
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed pair of Kieselstein Cord alligator earrings (circa 2000), crafted in 18k yellow gold. The earrings feature hinged clip backings. The earrings are in excellent orig...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kieselstein Cord Gold Drop Earrings with Diamonds
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Darnestown, MD
Sophisticated and elegant dangle earrings by Barry Kieselstein Cord. They 18 karat gold has his signature matte finish. A row of diamonds goes top to bottom in these very sculptural...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Kieselstein-Cord Diamond Gold Drop Pendant Clip Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Austin, TX
A dramatic and elegant pair of pendant clip earrings by Barry Kieselstein-Cord in 18 karat matte gold. Signed and numbered. Of twisted leaf or fl...
Diamond, 18k Gold
BARRY KIESELSTEIN-CORD Earrings Heart Huggie Wear 2 Ways 18K Green Gold Diamonds
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Miami, FL
Iconic BARRY KIESELSTEIN-CORD small heart dangle earrings in signature 18K green gold. Set with lively diamonds. Heart can be removed and be worn as h...
Diamond, 18k Gold