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 1982 Omega Collection 18K Green Gold Scroll Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Miami, FL
A rare vintage treasure from Barry Kieselstein-Cord’s celebrated 1982 Omega Collection, these retired clip-on earrings are a coveted find for collectors of iconic American designer j...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
BARRY KIESELSTEIN CORD Signed Square Wave Designer Gold Clip-on Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Montreal, QC
Iconic Barry Kieselstein-Cord Designer Square Wave Deco design. Hand crafted in 18K Yellow Gold. Measuring approx. 0.75” x 0.75”. Clip–on closure. Marked: ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Vintage 18K Barry Kieselstein Cord Circular Wheel Diamond Omega Back Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A bold and sculptural pair of earrings crafted in rich 18K yellow gold by the celebrated American designer Barry Kieselstein-Cord. These striking 1993 creations feature a luxurious ...
Diamond, 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
$450
H 2 in W 1.1 in D 0.45 in Dm 2 in L 2 in
Robert Leed Morris Wabi Sabi Collection, Giant Verdigris Pebble Earring, 1986
By Robert Lee Morris
Located in New York, NY
The Wabi Sabi theme of soft pebbles, gives way to many Verdigris earrings which were a ground breaking color for jewelry that Robert Lee Morris launched in 1981 with Calvin Klein. Th...
Brass, Other
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
Vintage Schiaparelli Crystal & Pearl Arc Climber Earrings 1950s
By Schiaparelli
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Pair of Vintage Schiaparelli Pearl Arc Earrings. As the Parisian House of Schiaparelli once again leads the haute couture pack with Daniel Roseber...
Bow Design Silver Plated Clip On Earrings with Clear and Mid Blue Rhinestones
Located in London, GB
Beautiful silver plated bow design clip on earrings, with round and marquise clear rhinestones and mid blue baguette rhinestones. Measuring length 4.3 cm / 1.7 inches by width 2.7 cm...
Tiffany & Company Elsa Peretti 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ear-Clip Vintage Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
These elegant 18k yellow gold Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti ear clip earrings feature Peretti’s iconic sculptural design, gracefully curving along the ear in a sleek, ear-climber si...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
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
$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
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
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
1990s Kieselstein Cord Diamond 18K Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Miami, FL
1990s collectable Kieselstein Cord Diamond Statement Gold Clip-On Earrings These striking 18K Green gold clip-on earrings from Kieselstein Cord make a bold statement with their beau...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Kieselstein-Cord 18k Yellow Gold Ear Clips
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in San Antonio, TX
These sculptural B. Kieselstein-Cord Ear Clips are crafted in solid 18k Yellow Gold that has a signature green gold- satin-matte finish. They are signed 1988, 18k, Kieselstein-Cord.
18k Gold
Barry Kieselstein-Cord Sterling Silver Alligator 1.5 Inch Long Earring
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Barry Kieselstein-Cord Sterling Silver Alligator 1.5 Inch Long Earring – an exquisite piece of jewelry that effortlessly combines artistry, luxury, and nature-inspire...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Kieselstein Cord Crown Heart Earrings Gold Ruby Diamond
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
DESIGNER: Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1 CIRCA: 1987 MATERIALS: 18K Yellow Gold GEMSTONE: Ruby, Diamond WEIGHT: 14.4 grams MEASUREMENT: 15/16" x 9/16" HALLMARKS: 1987, Kieselstein-Cord ITEM DETAILS: A pair of Barry Kieselstein-Cord earrings from Crown Heart collection, made of 18k gold. The hearts are embellished with round cut, flush mount set...
Diamond, Ruby, 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
Rare Barry Kieselstein-Cord Marlin 18 Karat Yellow Gold Clip-on Earrings .04ctw
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Fairfield, CT
The Barry Kieselstein-Cord Marlin Clip-On Earrings exemplify distinguished design and quality craftsmanship. Rendered in 18K yellow gold, they feature a detailed depiction of a marli...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Barry Kieselstein-Cord Gold and Diamond Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold and diamond earclips, Barry Kieselstein-Cord. Each earclip designed as a stylized floral form with a domed center and set with eight (8) brilliant cu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
1983 Kieselstein-Cord 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dangle Clip On Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1983 Kieselstein Cord 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dangle Clip On Earrings These beautiful earrings are set in 18K yellow gold with Kieselstein...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage Barry Kieselstein-Cord Yellow Gold Alligator Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in New York, NY
A pair of authentic and iconic vintage Barry Kieselstein-Cord alligator earrings crafted in matte 18 karat yellow gold. Signed Kieselstein-Cord, 199...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kieselstein Cord Shell Swirl 18 Karat Green Gold Stud Clip-On Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in Miami, FL
These classic Barry Kieselstein-Cord's designer shell and 'caviar' earrings are crafted in 18-karat yellow gold. Circa 1980's, they are designed to simulate swirled shells with a row...
Gold
B Kieselstein Cord Diamond Frog Gold Earrings
By Barry Kieselstein-Cord 1
Located in London, England
A quirky pair of Kieselstein Cord frog ear clips in 18ct yellow gold. Each earring comprises of a frog pave set with twenty three round brillian...
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