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 Iconic Gold Heart Crown Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a pair of iconic Barry Kieselstein-Cord heart and crown earrings. Beautifully detailed crown set a top the puffy heart. Created in his signature 18K Green Gold. Cla...
Barry Kieselstein-Cord Square Pyramid Textured Gold Earrings, 1984
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
Barry Kieselstein-Cord Earrings The earrings are 18K Yellow Gold The earrings are from 1984 The hallmarks and year is on the back of the earrings The earrings are Omega Backs with Po...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Barry Kieselstein-Cord Cabochon Citrine and Diamond Ear Clips in 18k Yellow Gold
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Barry Kieselstein-Cord 18k yellow gold diamond and citrine clip-on earrings. These earrings feature 2 cabochon citrines weighing an approximate total of 5.20 carats, surrounded by 3...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
B. Kieselstein-Cord 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ridge Earrings
By KIESELSTEIN-CORD
Located in Philadelphia, PA
B. Kieselstein-Cord's diamond and gold ridge earrings are a mix of diamonds and gold that effortlessly combine sophistication with a touch of edgy allur...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold and Diamond Round Ear Clips
Located in Darnestown, MD
Stylish design of striated gold bands going in three directions highlighted by two rows of diamonds. The earrings are slightly domed. The backs are clips that can be converted to po...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1988 Sterling Silver Alligator Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
These Barry Kieselstein-Cord earrings date to 1988 and feature sculptural alligator motifs rendered with deeply detailed scales, feet, and curved bodies. The dimensional design gives...
Sterling Silver
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Byzantine Stud Earrings
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
These S.Georgios Earrings are 18 Karat yellow gold and all handmade. The earrings are microscopically decorated with granulation workmanship and feature a unique velvet look on the b...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hammered Gold and Diamond Ear Clips
Located in Darnestown, MD
Finely made, hammered gold oval shape earrings surrounded by fine diamonds. The stones are VS-1 quality. The gold dome has a hammered texture; it measures half an inch deep. The earr...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
$5,200
W 0.99 in Dm 0.99 in L 0.99 in
Kieselstein-Cord 18 Karat Yellow Gold Moon and Sun Earclip Earrings Vintage
By Kieselstein
Located in Boca Raton, FL
These 18k yellow gold earclip earrings by Kieselstein-Cord feature a captivating moon and sun motif, showcasing the brand's signature design aesthetic. The earrings, with a diameter ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,400 / item
1.32 Carat Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Ear Climbers
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These stunning ear climbers are handmade in 18-karat yellow gold. It is set in 1.32 carats emerald and 0.27 carats glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
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
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
$369 / set
W 0.24 in L 0.24 in
Pyramid Accent Square Stud Earrings, 14 Karat Yellow Gold Squares EG14013
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
These clean line pyramid studs are made to order and take approximately 4 weeks to make and ship. 14k yellow gold detailed pyramid stud earrings provide a look that is both trendy a...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lagos 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ear Clips with Cabochon Amethyst and Citrine
By Lagos
Located in New York, NY
Crafted by Lagos in 18 karat yellow gold, these ear clips feature a cabochon Amethyst and Citrine in each ear. The earrings are clip on, but a post may be added for pierced ears. The...
Amethyst, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kieselstein Cord Gold Buckle Earrings
By KIESELSTEIN-CORD
Located in Darnestown, MD
Unusual gold earrings by Barry Kieselstein Cord. They are in the form of a buckle, done in the greenish 18 karat gold for which he is known. The details of the earrings have a nice ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Kieselstein Cord Gold Ruby Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Darnestown, MD
This is an unusual pair of gold earrings by Barry Kieselstein Cord. Rarely did he incorporate rubies in his work. The gold has the three dimensional, sculptural quality he often favo...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold
H 0.7 in W 0.4 in D 0.25 in Dm 0.4 in L 0.7 in
Kieselstein Cord Brushed Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Crown Heart Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Kieselstein Cord 18 karat yellow gold crown heart earrings Earrings measuring 14.5mm x 9.7mm, 0.70 inch by 0.40 inch Maker's symbol, 750, ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Barry Kieselstein-Cord White Gold Heart and Crown Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
Authentic signature pair of Barry Kieselstein-Cord heart and crown earrings crafted in 18 karat satin finish white gold and highlighted with round bril...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Barry Kieselstein-Cord Heart and Crown Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
Authentic signature pair of Barry Kieselstein-Cord heart and crown earrings crafted in 18 karat satin finish yellow gold and highlighted with round bri...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kieselstein Cord Gold Ruby Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Darnestown, MD
This is an unusual pair of gold earrings by Barry Kieselstein Cord. Rarely did he incorporate rubies in his work. The gold has the three dimensional, sculptural quality he often favo...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Kieselstein-Cord Gold Clip Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An original pair of gold Kieselstein-Cord earrings, 18K yellow gold with a soft satin finish. Circa 1982. Earring Length: 1 inch Earring Width: 0.75 inch
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kisselstein-Cord Heart Crown 18 Karat Gold Earrings Studs
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Hicksville, NY
1980s Iconic Kisselstein-Cord Heart Crown Earrings - 18 karat Gold, Green Gold Features: Collector's Item, No Longer Produced! Signature 18 Karat Green Gold Matte finish Gold Puffe...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1989 Barry Kieselstein Cord Labrador Retriever Yellow Gold Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Greenwich, CT
Barry Kieselstein Cord is an award winning artist, designer, photographer and entrepreneur. Though he often sees the world through the eyes of the poet, his unique combination and sk...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kieselstein Cord Heart Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Darnestown, MD
Versatile earrings by Barry Kieselstein Cord. They can be worn with a dangling heart wrapped in diamonds or with the heart removed as a small hoop. With the heart, they measure 1 1/...
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
Barry Kieselstein Cord Sterling Silver Moon Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Montreal, QC
Stunning pair of Crescent Moon Sterling Silver Clip-on Earrings; approx. diameter: 0.88"; Marked: (c) KIESELSTEIN CORD 1988 MOON STAR 925; Day or night, step out in Style & Grace!
Sterling Silver