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Barry Kieselstein-Cord

American, b. 1948

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.

Average Sold Price
$4,601
Styles
Related Creators
Barry Kieselstein Cord Sterling Silver Lily Frog 0.55 Inch wide Cuff Bracelet
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the exquisite Barry Kieselstein Cord Sterling Silver Lily Frog Cuff Bracelet, a true testament to fine craftsmanship and artistic elegance. Crafted in 2004 in the USA, th...
Category

Early 2000s American Contemporary Barry Kieselstein-Cord

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Kieselstein Cord Stylized Flower Silver Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Darnestown, MD
Sterling silver earrings in the form of stylized flowers by America's premier 20th century designer, Barry Kieselstein Cord. The earrings have domed centers and swirling petals. They...
Category

1990s American Modern Barry Kieselstein-Cord

Materials

Sterling Silver

Kieselstein Cord Stylized Flower Silver Earrings
Kieselstein Cord Stylized Flower Silver Earrings
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W 0.88 in L 0.88 in
Barry Kieselstein-Cord 20 Century Sterling Silver Alligator Head Belt Buckle
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Exquisite Barry Kieselstein-Cord 20th Century Sterling Silver Alligator Head Belt Buckle! Elevate your style with this timeless masterpiece from the esteemed designer...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Contemporary Barry Kieselstein-Cord

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Kieselstein-Cord 18 Karat Gold Toggle Link Necklace
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
Timeless Elegance: Kieselstein-Cord 18 Karat Gold Toggle Link Necklace This luxurious 18 Karat gold toggle link necklace by the renowned des...
Category

Late 20th Century Barry Kieselstein-Cord

Materials

18k Gold, Gold

Barry Kieselstein Cord Gold Disc Necklace
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
Barry Kieselstein Cord Gold Disc Necklace A beautiful gold link necklace by Barry Kieselstein-Cord featuring 6 gold discs embossed with face mo...
Category

1990s Barry Kieselstein-Cord

Materials

Gold

Barry Kieselstein 0.6 Carat Diamond Toggle Large Link Bracelet 18 Karat In Stock
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This unique and large solid link bracelet is perfect for anyone looking to make a statement. This bracelet truly stands out thanks to its carved crystal station and diamond set toggl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Barry Kieselstein-Cord

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Kieselstein-Cord Sterling Silver Link Alligator Vintage Bracelet, circa 1995
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Aspen, CO
Barry Kieselstein-Cord sterling silver alligator link bracelet, c 1995. While the alligator is a recurring motif, this bracelet is an unusual because of the link chain - usually one...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Contemporary Barry Kieselstein-Cord

Materials

Sterling Silver

Barry Kieselstein-Cord Knot Large Stud Earrings - Sterling Silver 925 Clip-Ons
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Barry Kieselstein-Cord Year: 1997 Design: Knot Metal Content: Sterling Silver Style: Large Stud Fastening Type: Clip-On Closures Measurements Tall: 27/32" (20.8mm) Wide: 13...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Barry Kieselstein-Cord

Materials

Sterling Silver

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Barry Kieselstein-cord jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Barry KIESELSTEIN-CORD jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Barry Kieselstein-Cord jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Barry Kieselstein-Cord diamond jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 8, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 46 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Daniel Swarovski, KIESELSTEIN-CORD, and Anne Klein. Prices for Barry Kieselstein-Cord jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $380 and tops out at $29,400, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $4,175.

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