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 Filaments 18ct Yellow Gold and Diamonds Flexible Band Ring
By H. Stern
Located in London, GB
An elegant H. Stern “Filaments” flexible band ring, crafted in solid 18ct yellow gold and accented with 24 natural diamonds. Part of the celebrated Filaments collection, this desig...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,350
Multi Stone Fifties Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1950s, 18k, possibly H. Stern. This bold retro fifties ring features vibrant tourmaline, citrine, amethyst, garnet, and aquamarine, stones bezel-set and cheerfully scattered on...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Garnet, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Vintage H Stern 18k Yellow Gold 9.92ct Amethyst Cocktail Ring
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
This vintage H Stern cocktail ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a bold 9.92 carat amethyst as its centerpiece. The richly saturated purple hue of the amethyst creates a...
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Diane Von Furstenberg Rutilated Quartz 18 Karat Yellow Gold Power Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a wide yellow gold shank topped with a substantial fancy shaped rutilated quartz Faceted and measuring 22.0 x 36.0 mm - transparent light brown with gold needles Edges of...
Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eighties H. Stern Gold Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, by H. Stern, Brazil. Effortlessly dressing up or down, this is the perfect wear-it-anytime, anywhere ring. The visual narrative is Brazilian style at its eighties ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
H. Stern 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Wrap Ring
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless, this H. Stern diamond wrap ring is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and showcases three gracefully overlapping bands. Each band is pavé set with brilliant-cut d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold and Smoky Quartz Ring by H Stern
By H. Stern
Located in Stockholm, SE
This vintage ring is crafted in 18-karat gold and set with a large, faceted smoky quartz in a pronounced teardrop shape. The stone shows a deep translucent brown tone with crisp refl...
Quartz, 18k Gold
$3,198Sale Price|20% Off
H. STERN Triple Band Ring In Solid Hammered 18Kt White Gold With 40 Diamonds
By H. Stern
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds ring designed by Hans Stern. This is a beautiful triple bands ring, created by the Brazilian jewelry house of Hans Stern. The contemporary ring was crafted with a bold look...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
H. Stern Gold and Amethyst Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Darnestown, MD
Everything about this H. Stern ring is unusual. The shape of the amethyst is anything but ordinary. The cut of the stone is indescribable. Within the stone, one can see what appears ...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold
$7,988Sale Price|20% Off
H. STERN Cluster Cocktail Ring In 18Kt White Gold With 2.85 Ctw In VVS Diamonds
By H. Stern
Located in Miami, FL
Cluster cocktail ring designed by H. Stern. Beautiful sparkling cluster ring, created by the Brazilian jewelry house of Hans Stern. This contemporary cocktail ring is a statement pi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
H. Stern By Diane Von Furstenberg Geometric Power Rock Crystal Cocktail Ring
By H. Stern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A bold expression of modern luxury, this striking geometric cocktail ring was created by the renowned Brazilian jewelry house H. Stern, circa 1990. Part of the coveted Power Collecti...
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern 18k Yellow Gold Aquamarine and Garnet Double Band Ring
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
This striking H. Stern ring features a modern double band design crafted in 18k yellow gold, offering a rich and radiant finish. At the center, a cool-toned aquamarine and a deep gar...
Aquamarine, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Cobblestone 18k yellow Gold Rock Crystal & Diamonds Square Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Elevate your jewelry collection with the H. Stern Cobblestone Clear Quartz & Diamond Ring, a masterpiece of elegance crafted in 18k yellow gold. This exquisite piece showcases a ...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stern 1960s 7 Carats Citrine Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. This vintage ring features a domed band with a rectangular basket setting on top, secured by four flat prongs, holding an emerald-cut citri...
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$21,192Sale Price|20% Off
H. Stern Bezel Set Cognac Brown 1.55 Carat Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By H. Stern
Located in Tampa, FL
A beautiful statement ring by H. Stern, featuring a warm cognac colored round brilliant cut diamond center stone, bezel set in matte finished 18 karat yellow gold by the master craft...
Brown Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
H. Stern 1950's Orange Topaz Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Fanning Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a mixed cushion-cut topaz weighing approximately 3.32 carats - transparent light orange in color Prong set in basket and flanked by cathedral shoulders tiered with fanning ...
Diamond, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,988Sale Price|27% Off
H. Stern 18k White Gold Amethyst Smoky Quartz & Diamond Cobblestone Noble Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Amethyst - Cushion Cut -Dual Prong Set - Purple Color - 15.5x10.1mm (approx.) (1) Natural Genuine Smoky Quartz - Cushion Cut - Dual Prong Set - Brown ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,880Sale Price|20% Off
H. Stern Architectural Geometric Cocktail Ring 18Kt White Gold 1.05 Cts Diamonds
By H. Stern
Located in Miami, FL
Architectural geometric ring designed by H. Stern. Gorgeous three dimensional piece, created by the Brazilian jewelry designers H. Stern. This contemporary sculptural cocktail ring was crafted with an architectural cathedral shape in solid white gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. Diamonds: Mount with a pave setting of 42 calibrated round brilliant cut diamonds, 1.05 carats, white colorless F color, VS-2 clarity. Weight: 11.4 Grams, (7.3 Dwt). Size: 7.5 - 8 and is sizeable. Measurements: 28 mm by 27.5 mm by 38 mm (1.10 x 1.08 x 1.49 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the gold assay mark and signed, "S. 18KT". EMERALD_MD_MD562030 1703..1723 Hans Stern...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$56,000Sale Price|20% Off
H. Stern 18K Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking designer ring by H. Stern, crafted in 18K yellow gold and set with a vibrant emerald and high-quality diamonds. The ring features a richly colored natural emerald of appr...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. STERN 18K Oval Diamond Fantasy Cut Amethyst Saddle Cocktail Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A unique ring by great Brazilian designer, H. Stern. Done in 18K yellow gold, this ring has been set with two side-by-side fantasy cut natural amethysts and surrounded by approximat...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Harmony Diane von Furstenberg Diamond Gemstone Yellow Gold Ring
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous H. Stern ring from the Harmony collection for Diane Von Furstenberg is crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with ruby, tourmaline, aquamarine and citrine gemstones and 36...
Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
H. Stern 18K Gold Ring with Smoky Quartz, Diamonds & Sapphires, Brazil
By H. Stern
Located in BILBAO, ES
H.Stern ring "Sunrise colours" collection 18K noble gold 10.2 gr Central smoky quartz in brilliant cut 15.26k brilliant-cut diamond on the ring's side 0.07k brilliant-cut sapphire on...
Diamond, Quartz, Blue Sapphire, Gold
H. Stern 18k Yellow Gold 5.01ct Green Tourmaline Ring
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
This vintage H. Stern ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a stunning 5.01-carat green tourmaline as its centerpiece. The gemstone displays a rich, deep green hue with bea...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s H. Stern 1.30 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with a center GIA certified, Emerald cut Diamond weighing 1.30 carats, N color, SI2 clarity, GIA#5141335485. The ring also features two side Trillio...
Diamond, 18k Gold
H. Stern 18K Gold Ring with Smoky Citrine, Diamond, Sapphire, Brazil
By H. Stern
Located in BILBAO, ES
H.Stern ring "Sunrise colours" collection 18K noble gold 10.52 gr Central smoky citrine in brilliant cut 15.19k brilliant-cut diamond on the ring's side 0.06k brilliant-cut sapphire ...
Citrine, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold
H.Stern 18k Yellow Gold Triple Row Knife Edge Band Ring - Size 6
By H. Stern
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Crafted by the renowned H. Stern, this 18k yellow gold band ring exudes timeless elegance with its triple row knife edge design. The exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail a...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Tourmaline Rock Crystal Toi et Moi Cocktail Ring 18K Yellow Gold Brazil
By H. Stern
Located in Lisbon, PT
H. Stern Tourmaline and Rock Crystal Toi et Moi Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, Brazil. A striking Brazilian cocktail ring by H. Stern, designed as a contemporary reinterpretation ...
Rock Crystal, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern 18ct White Gold Diamond Ring Set With 0.45ct of Diamonds
By H. Stern
Located in London, GB
This stunning diamond ring set in 18ct white gold features 19 natural round-cut diamonds, with a total diamond weight of 0.45ct. A classic ring for a wedding or anniversary. Total Di...
Diamond, White Gold
H. Stern Triangular Pink Topaz Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a triangular-shaped mixed-cut topaz - transparent medium pink Bezel set partially down band with flush set diamonds Weighing 0.06 carat total - eye clean and bright Scatter...
Diamond, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$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...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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...
Diamond, Tourmaline, White Gold
H-Stern Vintage 23.07 GIA Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Gold Cocktail Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Miami, FL
A look into a wave in the bluest ocean! A striking, appx. 23.07-carat Cushion cut Aquamarine H-Sten ring with GIA lab Report adorns the center of this incredibly mesmerizing ring. T...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, Platinum
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,...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
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...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold