H. Stern Jewelry

Born into a Jewish family in Essen, Germany, Hans Stern (1922–2007) fled with his parents to Rio de Janeiro at the onset of World War II. There he landed a job working for the precious stone and mineral exporter Cristab. Thus began Stern’s rise to become “the king of the colored gems,” as the media would dub him, and founder of the family-owned H.Stern jewelry business that now has over 150 stores worldwide.

While working for Cristab, Stern regularly visited mines on horseback. At the remote mines of Minas Gerais, Brazil, he cultivated relationships with many of the miners, developing professional connections that would endure for decades. He also embraced a fascination with the colorful semiprecious stones harvested in the area. In 1945, he started his own company, H.Stern, with the goal of marketing Brazilian gemstones — then virtually unknown on the global stage — to an international audience.

Though the company began as a trader in gemstones, it soon expanded to jewelry, with Stern assembling and training a team of young jewelers. A frequent motif in the company’s designs was the star, as Stern is “star” in German. In 1949, H.Stern opened its first jewelry shop in Rio de Janeiro, but a storefront was not his customers’ only view into the brand’s jewelry-making process. In the 1950s, Stern became one of the first major jewelers to offer tours of his workshop, showing off the creative process and elevating the role of craftsmanship in jewelry design.

Stern’s approach and his vibrant jewels, which favored organic settings designed to show off colorful gems, earned international recognition and put Brazil’s topaz, amethyst and tourmaline on the map. Tourmaline was reportedly Stern’s favorite, and the company’s Rio de Janeiro vaults are also home to Paraíba tourmalines, which are mined in the mountains of Paraíba, Brazil. He recognized the burgeoning tourism industry in the country as an opportunity to promote the beauty of these stones, opening stores in the lobbies of Brazil’s leading hotels and investing in vehicles to bring visitors to the H.Stern headquarters. By the mid-1990s, the company was opening stores abroad and selling jewelry at international department stores.

In the 1980s, the brand debuted its first celebrity collaboration, with French actress Catherine Deneuve. Since then it has worked with partners such as designer Diane von Fürstenberg and architect Oscar Niemeyer. In 2016, Assouline published a book on the 70-year history of H.Stern, from its humble founding to its worldwide acclaim. Today, the company is run by Stern’s son, Roberto, who has introduced a broad range of new collections and styles.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of H. Stern necklaces, rings, earrings and other accessories.

Creator: H. Stern

H. Stern Multigem Band Ring

$1,950

H. Stern Multigem Band Ring

By H. Stern

Located in Darnestown, MD

H. Stern band ring with a variety of semi precious stones makes it wearable with virtually anything. The rectangular stones include citrine; amethyst; peridot; tourmaline and blue to...

Category

1980s Brazilian Modern Vintage H. Stern Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Blue Topaz, Tourmaline, Peridot, Citrine, 18k Gold

H. Stern Chryoprase Gold Earrings

$1,900 / set

H. Stern Chryoprase Gold Earrings

By H. Stern

Located in Darnestown, MD

H. Stern rectangular chrysoprase earrings surrounded by a gold collar. The stone is a translucent, warm soft green tone. Chrysoprase is considered a stone that brings prosperity and ...

Category

Late 20th Century Brazilian Modern H. Stern Jewelry

Materials

Chrysophrase, Gold, 18k Gold

H. Stern 18 Karat White Gold & Diamond 'Metropolis' Ring

$4,495

H. Stern 18 Karat White Gold & Diamond 'Metropolis' Ring

By H. Stern

Located in Brisbane City, QLD

This rather unusual ring was manufactured in Italy and retailed by famed Brazilian jewellery firm, H Stern. The flexible ring is crafted from satin f...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern H. Stern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

H Stern 18k Yellow Gold Multi Gemstone Stars and Moon Design Ring

$2,995

H Stern 18k Yellow Gold Multi Gemstone Stars and Moon Design Ring

By H. Stern

Located in New York, NY

This H. Stern ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and decorated with a colorful celestial arrangement of stars and moon motifs. Garnet, amethyst, peridot, topaz, and citrine introduce...

Category

20th Century H. Stern Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

H. Stern 2.28 Carat Diamond Double Heart Necklace & Ear-Clip Earrings Set in 18K

$38,400Sale Price|20% Off

H. Stern 2.28 Carat Diamond Double Heart Necklace & Ear-Clip Earrings Set in 18K

By H. Stern

Located in Chicago, IL

An elegant and romantic signed jewelry set by H. Stern, crafted in rich 750 (18K) yellow gold and designed around the timeless symbolism of the double heart motif. This refined parur...

Category

2010s American H. Stern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

H. Stern Constance Collection 18K Noble Gold Princess Cut Diamond Band Ring

$2,365

H. Stern Constance Collection 18K Noble Gold Princess Cut Diamond Band Ring

By H. Stern

Located in Houston, TX

Brand: H Stern Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K White Gold Ring Size: 7.25 Width: 5.70 mm Weight: 8.85 grams H. STERN Ladies rhodium-plated 18K white gold diamond anniversary,...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown H. Stern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

H. Stern Diamond Pink Tourmaline White Gold Ring And Earrings Set

$10,890

H. Stern Diamond Pink Tourmaline White Gold Ring And Earrings Set

By H. Stern

Located in Southampton, PA

18k White Gold Diamond And Pink Tourmaline Set Of Ring & Earrings by H. Stern With ring: 1x Pink Tourmaline - 13mm x 9.5mm 10x Emerald Cut Diamonds 8x Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Ea...

Category

1990s Brazilian H. Stern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, White Gold

H. Stern Ring GIA .40ct Faint Pink VS1 18k White Gold Genesis Sz 7

$7,356Sale Price|20% Off

H. Stern Ring GIA .40ct Faint Pink VS1 18k White Gold Genesis Sz 7

By H. Stern

Located in Northbrook, IL

This exquisite 18k white gold H. Stern ring is a true masterpiece of fine jewelry. The stunning .40ct diamond is GIA certified and boasts a beautiful faint pink color and a very slig...

Category

Late 20th Century H. Stern Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

H. Stern Amethyst and Diamond Earrings

$2,950 / set

H. Stern Amethyst and Diamond Earrings

By H. Stern

Located in Darnestown, MD

Tailored amethyst earrings by H. Stern with a hint of sparkle. Eight small diamonds surround the sugarloaf cut amethyst center. Backs are clips and posts. Measurements are 5/8 inches...

Category

Late 20th Century Brazilian Contemporary H. Stern Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

H Stern Spessartite Garnet Solitaire Pendant- Yellow Gold 14k Pear 2.10ct

$1,080

H Stern Spessartite Garnet Solitaire Pendant- Yellow Gold 14k Pear 2.10ct

By H. Stern

Located in Greensboro, NC

Brand: H Stern Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Spessartite Garnet Carat(s): 2.10ct Cut: Pear Total Carats: 2.10ct Style: Solitaire Measurements Tall (...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary H. Stern Jewelry

Materials

Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

H. Stern 18k Gold Blue Topaz Garnet Iolite Diamond Calla Lily Flower Pin Brooch

$7,998Sale Price|20% Off

H. Stern 18k Gold Blue Topaz Garnet Iolite Diamond Calla Lily Flower Pin Brooch

By H. Stern

Located in Montclair, NJ

--Stone(s):-- (16) Natural Genuine Blue Topaz - Calibre & Square Custom Cut - Channel & Prong Set - Blue Color (3) Natural Genuine Garnets/Tourmalines - Round Cabochon Cut - Bezel S...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary H. Stern Jewelry

Materials

Garnet, Iolite, Tanzanite, Tourmaline, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yello...

H. Stern jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of H. Stern 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 H. Stern jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that H. Stern diamond jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 50, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 96 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 21st century and contemporary. Prices for H. Stern jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $750 and tops out at $33,999, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $4,200.

Questions About H. Stern Jewelry

Are Sterns diamonds real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
Yes, Sterns diamonds are real. However, the vast majority of the pieces produced by the jewelry maker feature lab-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, as they are identical in composition to natural gems obtained through mining operations. The difference is that lab-created diamonds are man-made, while natural diamonds are formed within the earth. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage diamond jewelry.
What is the history of H. Stern?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
The history of H. Stern begins with Hans Stern, who fled with his parents to Rio de Janeiro at the onset of World War II. There, he landed a job working for the precious stone and mineral exporter Cristab, regularly visiting mines on horseback. At the remote mines of Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil, he cultivated relationships with many of the miners, developing professional connections that would endure for decades. He also developed a fascination with the colorful semi-precious stones found in the area. In 1945, he started his own company, H. Stern, with the goal of marketing Brazilian gemstones. Though the company began as a trader in gemstones, it soon expanded to jewelry, with Stern assembling and training a team of young jewelers. In 1949, H. Stern opened its first jewelry shop in Rio de Janeiro. During the 1980s, the brand debuted its first celebrity collaboration with French actress Catherine Deneuve. By the mid-1990s, the company was opening stores abroad and selling jewelry at international department stores. Today, the company is run by Stern's son, Roberto, who has introduced a broad range of new collections and styles. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of H. Stern jewelry.
Who owns H. Stern jewelry?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Hans Stern owns H. Stern jewelry. The jewelry designer founded the company in 1945 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where its headquarters remain today. Stern's son, Roberto Stern, serves as the Creative Director and President as of January 2022. Shop a large selection of H. Stern jewelry on 1stDibs.
Is H. Stern a good brand?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
Yes, H. Stern is a good brand. In fact, the Brazilian company is one of the leading jewelry houses in the world. Founded by Hans Stern in 1945 in Rio de Janeiro, the jewelry house has focused over the decades on the natural resources of South America, like gold and semi-precious stones, in striking sculptural pieces. Its collaborations include statement pieces made with leading designers like Oscar Niemeyer, Diane von Furstenberg and the Campana Brothers. Artisans at H. Stern continue to carefully select colorful gems and precious metals for its pieces and use time-honored techniques to make each piece of exceptional quality. Online reviewers frequently cite the beauty, durability and creativity of the jewelry maker's pieces. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of H. Stern jewelry.