About Kieselstein-Cord

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Founded New York City in 1972, Kieselstein-Cord was the brainchild of Barry Kieselstein-Cord, an artist, designer, and photographer. Born in 1943, Barry's journey into the world of jewelry was anything but ordinary. As a child, he was fascinated by Native American culture, carving totem poles and effigies, and experimenting with “age”, where he buried objects to observe changes in their patina, playing a pivotal role in his later design process. This early passion for art and sculpture would later become the foundation of his jewelry designs.<br><br> Barry's dream was not just to create jewelry but to sculpt wearable art. "I don’t make jewelry; I do sculptures for the body," he would often say. This philosophy was deeply rooted in his love for nature, ancient art, and grand architecture. He saw beyond the mere aesthetics of jewelry; to him, each piece was a statement, a blend of art and fashion.<br><br> The 1970s heralded the rise of Kieselstein-Cord. Barry's sterling silver belt buckles, inspired by his diverse muses, became the talk of the town. They weren't just buckles; they were masterpieces. Their uniqueness caught the eye of the luxury world, leading to a showcase at Georg Jensen’s prestigious Manhattan flagship store.<br><br> The brand's clientele read like a who's who of the entertainment and fashion world. Mick Jagger, for instance, received a silver skull necklace designed by Barry for his 30th birthday. Other notable clients included Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey, Sir Elton John, and even Barack Obama.<br><br> The brand's meteoric rise was punctuated by iconic collections like the Crocodile, Pompeii, and Borgia. These designs, especially those from the 1980s, remain highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. But it wasn’t just the general public who showed interest, pieces from the brand are showcased in prestigious institutions like the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.<br><br> Today, Kieselstein-Cord stands as a beacon of artistic brilliance in jewelry. Each piece tells a story, evokes emotion, and is a testament to Barry's vision. As the famed Indian designer Masaba Gupta once said, "you wear your jewelry, don’t let it wear you." And indeed, Kieselstein-Cord's creations, even those inspired by the fiercest of creatures, truly embody this sentiment, ensuring that the wearer always remains in the spotlight.