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 Diamond Snow Flake 18 Karat Yellow Gold Drop Dangle Earrings
By H. Stern
Located in Boca Raton, FL
H. Stern Snowflake Collection diamond drop earrings crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and set with 98 round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.75 carats. The sculptural sn...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern 1980's Garnet Tourmaline 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Cabochon Earrings
By H. Stern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a geometric pattern comprised of bullet shaped cabochons separated by fluted gold Featuring tourmaline cabochons measuring 10.0 x 13.0 mm - transparent dark green Mounted...
Garnet, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. STERN Blue Aquamarine Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous H. Stern earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with rectangular-shaped sparkling blue aquamarines weighing an estimated 20.00 carats, accented with full-cut ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Yellow Gold
$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...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
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 (...
Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$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 ...
Chrysophrase, Gold, 18k Gold
H. Stern Faceted Briolette Citrine and 18K Gold Earrings
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
This pair of faceted briolette citrine and 18 karat yellow gold earrings by H. Stern evokes the warmth of a golden summer sunset in Rio. Measuring 3” x 0.75” and weighing 13.4 grams,...
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Tourmaline Vintage Large Stud Earrings - Yellow Gold 18k Rnd 2.52ctw
By H. Stern
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: H. Stern Era: Vintage Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Tourmalines Carat(s): 2.52ctw Cut: Round Color: Green Total Carats: 2.52ctw Style: Large Stu...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tourmaline Diamond 18 Karat Gold Star Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18K gold, these beautiful star earrings are hand set in 1.18 carats tourmaline, multi sapphires and .19 carats of diamonds FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the lat...
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Diamond, Tourm...
Elizabeth Gage Aquamarine & Fluorite Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Elizabeth Gage
Located in Dallas, TX
Elizabeth Gage Aquamarine & Fluorite Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold. The earrings measure 1.50" x 0.80" and weigh 25 grams. Signed Gage.
Aquamarine, Fluorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$468Sale Price / set|20% Off
W 0.14 in D 0.09 in L 0.5 in
Handcrafted 1.16 Ct Pear-Cut Yellow Sapphire Drop Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
These elegant drop stud earrings feature six pear-cut yellow sapphires totaling approximately 1.16 carats, set in luminous 14K yellow gold. Each gemstone measures around 4×3 mm and i...
Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,970
H 1.54 in W 0.32 in D 0.08 in Dm 0.32 in L 1.54 in
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Circle Dangle Drop Earrings
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
These S.Georgios designer earrings are hand made from 18 Karat Yellow Gold and decorated with Byzantine-era style granulation workmanship done microscopically. This stunning pair of ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Blac...
$3,073Sale Price|40% Off
H 1.57 in W 0.51 in D 0.28 in L 0.67 in
Amethyst Yellow Gold Earrings Cabochon Gems
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold earrings with natural amethyst cabochon amethyst origin - Morocco amethyst weight - 28.15 carats earrings weight - 10.6 grams earrings length - 1.57 in / 40 mm stone ...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond White Gold Flower Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous pair of diamond flower earrings. Tons of sparkle set on 4 delicately designed flower petals. 4.16 carats of high quality F color VS clarity...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Bvlgari 18k Gold Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
18k gold earrings, signed Bulgari Size/Dimensions: 2.6 x 2.2 cm (1 x 7/8 in) Gross Weight: 36.1 grams
18k Gold
$2,408Sale Price|30% Off
H 1.94 in L 1.94 in
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Dangle Drop Earrings
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
These S.Georgios designer earrings are hand made from 18 Karat Yellow Gold and decorated with Byzantine-era style granulation workmanship done all microscopically. This stunning pair...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, E...
18 Karat Gold 0.89 Carat Diamond Dangle Drop Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Gold 0.89 Carat Diamond Dangle Drop Earrings This fantastic invisible set emerald cut diamond long hanging earring is classic. The invi...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Chrysoprase Boulder Opal Diamond Drop Dangle Earrings
By Joon Han
Located in Delray Beach, FL
One-of-a-kind drop earrings of chrysoprase, boulder opals and diamonds, handcrafted in 18 karat yellow gold. These vibrant apple green chrysoprase gemstones, designed with ocean hue...
Chrysophrase, Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Go...
Vintage Lagos 18 Karat Yellow Gold Caviar Earrings with Tourmaline and Diamonds
By Lagos
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Lagos from their signature Caviar collection. These earrings feature their Iconic fluted drop hearts along with carved ribbed Pink Tourmaline and square cut Chrome Tourm...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond Flower Earrings
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k white gold ruby and diamond earrings containing 2 round rubies of gem quality weighing .46pts. and 80 round full cut diamonds of very fine quality weighing .80pts. paved in a flo...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Cartier 14k Yellow Gold Aquamarine Swirl Screwback Earrings with Box
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage Cartier 14K Yellow Gold Aquamarine Swirl Earrings These gorgeous Cartier earrings are from the 1950"s Set in 14K yellow gold with screw back posts Genuine aquamarine stones Eight round cut aquamarine stones measure approx. 4.87 x 4.63 x 3.09 Total aquamarine carat weight is 3.20 cts. Aquamarine stones are eye clean and medium greyish blue in color These earrings are made for non pierced ears...
Aquamarine, Yellow Gold
Vintage Pomellato Capri Cabochon Garnet Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold
By Pomellato
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Pomellato Capri Cabochon Garnet Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold A pair of cabochon garnet earrings by Pomellato from the Capri collection, each centering a large, domed cabochon ga...
Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Rough Morganite Pink Opal Diamond Drop Dangle Earrings
By Joon Han
Located in Delray Beach, FL
One-of-a-kind dangle earrings of rough pink morganites and cabochon pink opal drops with natural black matrix, accented by white diamonds. Handcrafted in 18 karat yellow gold. These stunning pink and black earrings make a glamorous statement when worn. The unique matrix of the pink opals gives it a sophisticated flair and the natural rough morganites...
Diamond, Morganite, Multi-gemstone, Opal, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yello...
H. Stern 5.09tcw Multi Gemstone 18K Yellow Gold Sputnik Clip On Earrings 1960s
By H. Stern
Located in Towson, MD
These H. Stern sputnik earrings are crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and set with a lively mix of gemstones, including aquamarine, garnet, peridot, amethyst, citrine, and tourmaline, ...
Citrine, Tourmaline, Peridot, Multi-gemstone, Garnet, Aquamarine, Amethy...
Sold
H 1.2 in W 0.63 in
H. Stern 18k White Gold Mixed Cut White Quartz w/ Diamond Cobblestone Earrings
By H. Stern
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (2) Natural Genuine Quartz- Square Mixed Cut - Dual Prong Set - White Color - 17.2x16.2mm each (approx.) (10) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - ...
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold
H 1.1 in W 0.54 in
H. Stern Moonlight Victorian Style 18k Yellow Gold Citrine Diamond Drop Earrings
By H. Stern
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (2) Natural Genuine Citrine- Cushion Cut - Prong Set - Shifty Faint Yellow - 12.5x12.5mm (approx.) (4) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Nice Bri...
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 1.2 in W 0.63 in
H. Stern 18k White Gold Mixed Cut White Quartz w/ Diamond Cobblestone Earrings
By H. Stern
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (2) Natural Genuine Quartz- Square Mixed Cut - Dual Prong Set - White Color - 17.2x16.2mm each (approx.) (10) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - ...
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
H. Stern Iris 18K Rose Gold Diamond Earrings HS38-051426
By H. Stern
Located in Southampton, PA
Like all pieces from the designers collection, these H.Stern Iris earrings draw inspiration from the Greek goddess of the sea. The 18K Rose Gold settings mimic natural shapes found o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
H.Stern Pérolas 18K Noble Gold Rose Pink Gold Diamond Pearl Stud Earrings
By H. Stern
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: H.Stern Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Rose Gold Length: 0.50 inches Weight: 5.76 grams H.STERN Ladies designer made 18K rose gold, diamond and pearl stud earrings with p...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
H. Stern Noble Gold Cobblestone Drop Earrings
By H. Stern
Located in Coral Gables, FL
H. Stern 18 karat noble gold drop earrings featuring 2 Cobblestone quartz accented by 10 round cut diamonds with VS clarity and H color totaling 0.10 carats. Pierced post with fricti...
Quartz, Gold
H. Stern Rainbow Collection Gemstone Earrings 18k Yellow Gold
By H. Stern
Located in Orlando, FL
Maker: H. Stern Collection: Rainbow Metal: 18K yellow gold Gemstones: Channel-set French-cut baguette semi-precious gemstones including peridot, citrine, garnet, amethyst, iolite, an...
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Iolite, Peridot, Imperial Topaz, 18k Gold, Ye...
H. Stern Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brushed Spiral Grupo Corpo Drop Earrings
By H. Stern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as dimensional fabric-like yellow gold swirl drops Finely engraved with linear texture throughout Bezel set with diamonds at surmounts Weighing approximately 0.05 carat tota...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Gold Natural Diamond and Rock Crystal Dangle Earrings by H. Stern
By H. Stern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set with six natural full cut round brilliant diamonds weighing approximately 0.06 carats and two faceted rock crystals measuring approximately 13x16mm. Total weight of the earrings ...
Diamond, Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Retro H. Stern 18k Yellow Gold Amethyst Wreath Earrings
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
These elegant vintage earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold and designed in the shape of delicate wreaths, symbolizing eternity and grace. Each earring features a circle of rich pu...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern 18K Yellow Gold Tourmaline Earrings
By H. Stern
Located in Southampton, PA
These H. Stern earrings exude a timeless sense of sophistication. At the center of the multi-hued 18K Yellow Gold setting, a triangular Tourmaline gemstone serves as a stunning focal...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern 18K Yellow Gold 2.07ct Diamond Dangle Earrings
By H. Stern
Located in Southampton, PA
These H. Stern earrings are both delicate and dramatic. The lustrous 18K Yellow Gold setting comes to life thanks to inset Diamonds with a total weight of 2.07 carats. Each one measu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Aquamarine Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Earrings
By H. Stern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring oval mixed-cut aquamarines weighing approximately 13.32 carats total Transparent light blue with medium saturation - prong set in curving basket Accented by oval shaped for...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
H. Stern Earrings 18k Hammered Gold
By H. Stern
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
DESIGNER: H. Stern CIRCA: 1990s MATERIALS: 18k Yellow Gold WEIGHT: 9.5 Grams MEASUREMENT: 5/8" x 5/16" HALLMARKS: 750 ITEM DETAILS: A pair of H. Stern earrings of huggie design, ma...
18k Gold