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.
H. Stern 18k Yellow Gold Brazilian Rainbow Gemstone Bracelet
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
This vibrant H. Stern bracelet is crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and set with a dazzling array of colorful Brazilian gemstones. The bracelet features a spectrum of natural stones—of...
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Estate French H. Stern 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Mid Century Watch
By H. Stern
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate French H. Stern 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Mid Century Watch. This vintage French H. Stern ladies watch is such a beautiful piece of mid-century design. It’s cra...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H.Stern Rock Crystal Bracelet
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with large rock crystals prong set in 18k yellow gold and 4 small Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by H.Stern Circa early 2000s 8 x 1 1/2 inches. Fits like 7 inches
Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
H. Stern 18k Yellow Gold Multi-Gem Bracelet
By H. Stern
Located in La Jolla, CA
H Stern Multi Gem Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold H Stern Bracelet features 9 semi-precious emerald cut gems set in an 18k Yellow Gold setting. Bracelet measures 7 inches long, .35 in...
Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern 1950's Multi-Gem 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Floral Foliate Link Bracelet
By H. Stern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of hinged gold oval-shaped links each centering an oval cut gemstone Comprised of prong set amethyst, citrine, topaz, tourmalines, and garnet Transparent purple, orange, li...
Tourmaline, Topaz, Garnet, Citrine, Amethyst, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Estate H. Stern Crystal and White Diamond Bracelet and Earring Set in 18K
By H. Stern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous estate H. Stern bracelet and dangle earring set featuring crystal cabochons and good quality diamond rounds. Handmade in 18k yellow gold.
Crystal, Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 2000's 18k Yellow Gold Triple Cable Link Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 2000's 18K Yellow Gold Triple Cable Link Bracelet - The bracelet measures .25 inches wide and 7.25 inches long and features a spring ring clasp. The bracelet is stamped...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,980 / item
W 0.22 in L 6.89 in
18K Yellow Gold 4 MM Square Cut Rainbow Gemstones Tennis Line Pride Bracelet
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 karat gold 4mm squares natural multicolor rainbow gemstone tennis line pride bracelet. This classy and elegant rainbow multicolor gemstone tennis bracelet is eternal. The tennis ...
Multi-gemstone, Other, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Solid Yellow Gold Braided Bracelet.
Located in New York, NY
This classic vintage bracelet features an elegant braided link design crafted in multi-textured 18k yellow gold. Made in United States circa 1970s. Measurements: 0.47" (12mm) width, ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aquamarine Rainbow Sapphire Tzavorite Gemstone Handmade Bracelet 18 Karat Gold
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
Aquamarine Rainbow Sapphire Tzavorite Gemstone Handmade Bracelet 18 Karat Gold This bracelet is handmade in yellow gold. I wanted to create...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Iolite, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Ye...
14K Yellow Gold Multi-Gem Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite Italian-made bracelet in 14K yellow gold showcases a regal panther link design, adorned with a trio of bezel-set cabochon gemstones: a 0.75-carat emerald, a 1-carat ru...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the ultimate luxury with our 18K White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Bracelet. this 51.7 gram bracelet is adorned with 2.13 carats of sparkling diamonds and 24.95 carats of st...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18k White Gold, Aquamarine and Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
18k White Gold, Aquamarine and Diamond Bracelet Details: 18k white gold, centering 3 oval modified brilliant-cut aquamarines approx. 2.85 cts., set throughout with round diamonds ap...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chunky Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet Charm Bracelet.
Located in San Francisco, CA
LOVE this Chunky Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet Charm Bracelet! It would make a fabulous, unique gift for any, and is sure to become a family he...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k yellow gold Link and Diamond Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 18k yellow gold Link and Diamond Bracelet. The 18k solid gold link bracelet has a textured design. There are 12 round brilliant di...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18K Estate Enamel and Coral Charm Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Add a touch of vintage charm to your jewelry collection with this stunning 18K Estate Enamel and Coral Charm Bracelet! Made from luxurious 18k yellow gold,...
Coral, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Wide Mesh Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
1.75 Inch wide 1970's 18k yellow gold mesh bracelet with a pattern of textured and high gloss links. Hidden built in catch and double side lock safety's. 7.5 inches in length. 18k y...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
This fun geometric designed bracelet contains 108 top quality round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 11.86 carats total. In an open work design and beautifully crafted i...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Diane von Furstenberg Rock Crystal Rutilated Quartz Bracelet Gold
By H. Stern
Located in Lisbon, PT
H. Stern (Diane von Furstenberg) Rock Crystal and Rutilated Quartz Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold. A bold and sculptural bracelet from the iconi...
Quartz, Rock Crystal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage H. Stern 14k Gold Black Onyx Large Open Rolo Link Toggle Clasp Bracelet
By H. Stern
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Onyx - Round Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Color - 6.63 mm (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow gold (hollow design) Weight: 26.4 Grams Chain Type: P...
Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 3.25 in L 6.75 in
H.Stern 1950's Tourmaline Diamond 18K Gold Vintage Ribbon Gemstone Link Bracelet
By H. Stern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of hinged basket and scrolling ribbon motif links alternating in pattern Basket links center elongated cushion cut tourmalines set with split prongs Weighing approximately ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
H. Stern Rainbow Tourmaline Citrine Topaz Amethyst 18KYG Line Bracelet
By H. Stern
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This exquisite H. Stern Rainbow Gemstone Bracelet, crafted in 18k yellow gold, radiates vibrant sophistication with its array of 36 carefully selected gemstones. Featuring pink tourm...
Amethyst, Citrine, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern 14k Gold Textured Polished Puffed Design Link Bracelet w/ Toggle Clasp
By H. Stern
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Carnelians - Round Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Brown Color - 6.3mm each (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 37.12 Grams Type: Polishe...
Carnelian, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern 14k Gold Puffed Bismark Link W/ Black Onyx End Caps Bracelet
By H. Stern
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a very well made bracelet designed by H.Stern that is crafted from solid 14k yellow gold. The bracelet features wide puffed Bismark links with an amazing high polished f...
Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.82 in L 7.1 in
H. Stern Gem Set Flexible Bracelet 18Kt Yellow Gold with 58.68 Cts in Gemstones
By H. Stern
Located in Miami, FL
A bracelet designed by H. Stern. Very nice and unusual bracelet created by the Brazilian jewelry house of H. Stern. This piece has been crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats, with high polished finish. It is suited with a boxed push lock and a hinged safety slash for extra security. The entire surface is embellished with a beautiful color gradation composed by 90 natural color tourmalines gemstones, with a total weight of 58.50 carats. All gemstones are fancy cabochon cuts with a mix of different shapes, including, trillions, ovals, sugarloaf, squares and rounds cuts. Accented at the sides with 9 alternates bezels, mounted with round brilliant cut diamonds, 0.18 carats, F color, VS-2 clarity. Has a total weight of 59.3 Grams and a length of 7 Inches (17.75 Cm). The width measure is 22 mm (0.82 Inches). Stamped with the maker's mark, the gold assay hallmark and signed, "S .750". Hans Stern...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Flower and Diamond Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
By H. Stern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous H. Stern estate bracelet with flower beads and 0.01 ct. diamond round bezel in the middle. Handmade in 18k yellow gold. Length is 5.75".
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1960's H. Stern Citrine Topaz Spinel Multi-Gem 18 Karat Gemstone Bracelet
By H. Stern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bracelet features aquamarine, blue topaz, citrine, amethyst, green tourmaline, spinel, and others Gemstones slightly graduate and are oval cut - ranging in size from 7.0 x 5.0 mm to...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Spinel, Topaz, Tourmaline, Blue Topaz, Go...
H. Stern Wire Rings 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet
By H. Stern
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An extraordinary 18k yellow gold link bracelet made by H. Stern. Featuring gold wire rings of various sizes and two diamonds. Stamped with H. Stern mak...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Contemporary 10 Textured Golden Stones Bracelet 18 Karat Gold, 2010s
By H. Stern
Located in Lisbon, PT
H. Stern Contemporary 10 Textured Golden Stones Bracelet in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Brazil, Signed, 2010s. Designed as a sequence of ten unevenly shaped t...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fabulous H. Stern Aquamarine and Diamond Bracelet in 18 Karat White Gold
By H. Stern
Located in Lucerne, CH
This timelessly elegant bracelet by reknown jeweller H. Stern features seven oval shaped aquamarines of high claritiy and vibrant luster. Their total weight is approximately 46.80 ca...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold