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.
Vintage H Stern 18k Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
This vintage H. Stern ring centers a 1.50ct emerald in a refined 18k yellow gold setting accented by 0.13ctw of diamonds. The rich green center stone is complemented by the warmth of...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,988Sale Price|20% 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
$15,894Sale Price|40% 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 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
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 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
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
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
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...
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Topaz, 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 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
1950s 2.30 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning vintage diamond emerald cut diamond engagement ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The pierced decorated mount displays a feature collet set 1.85ct emerald cut diamond. The feature diamond is flanked on either side with two collet set baguette cut diamonds, in a tiered formation. The subtly elevated, plain ring shoulders blend seamlessly with the hinged plain 18k white gold shank. This impressive mechanism allows the ring to fit comfortably to the base of your finger, undeterred by knuckle size; the ring can be resized to meet your personal requirements and the facilitating hinge removed upon request. This vintage diamond ring has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18 karat gold. This impressive ring is supplied with a European Diamond Report (EDR) certificate for the feature diamond, in addition to an IDGL diamond grading report card for the supporting stones. Images do not always reflect the true colour and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual colour and showcases each stone. Condition This exceptional vintage emerald cut solitaire diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Oscar Heyman Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1980s Maker: Oscar Heyman, Hallmark and Serial Numbers on inner shank. Item Details: Ring Size: 6 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 6.2 g...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pink and Green Tourmaline Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6.75 Total Weight: 10.1 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: pink and green tourmaline Condition: Preowned, Excellen...
Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise and Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1960s Item Details: Ring Size: 9 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 13.8 grams Diamond Details: Round Brilliant, .50ct total weight, G Col...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,381Sale Price|25% Off
1.55 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Classic solitaire diamond engagement ring Tiffany style setting. 1.55 carat round brilliant diamond, approximately G color gr...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Handmade 18K Yellow Gold Platinum 2.5 Ct. Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This breathtaking diamond and emerald ring was hand made in 18k buttery yellow gold and white platinum. The center stone is a square cut , 2.5 carat, vivid green emerald that catches...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier 1.55 Carat Diamond Trinity Rolling Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Cartier Trinity rolling ring features three intertwined 18k yellow gold bands set all the way around with approximately 1.55 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds. Each band i...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in New York, NY
This 18k diamond and emerald ring is perfect for everyday wear.It weighs 6.88 grams and is a size 6.75. The center emerald weighs 0.70 carats...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
David Yurman Albion 18K Yellow Gold Rutilated Quartz Diamond Ring Size 7 #24971
By David Yurman
Located in Washington Depot, CT
David Yurman Albion 18K Yellow Gold Rutilated Quartz and Diamond Ring Size 7- This extraordinary 18K yellow gold ring by David Yurman features a 14mm cushion cut rutilated quartz st...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.55 Carat Natural Diamond Engagement Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
1.55 Ct Natural Round Cut Diamond Engagement Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way 1.55CT G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong set style 2.30 grams 1/4 inch...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Estate Emerald Diamond 18K Yellow and White Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful, classic three stone emerald and diamond 18K yellow and white gold ring 20th Century Emeralds: bright green, lively, the center emerald approximately 1 TCW and the two flan...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Retro Yellow Gold H.Stern Multi Gemstone Ring
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
Retro Gold Opal Diamond Ring by H. Stern. This unique ring is crafted in 13k gold. It features a cabochon cut opal with a captivating white hue. The design is accentuated by round cu...
Diamond, Opal, Peridot, Tourmaline, Gold
H. Stern 5.00 CTW French Cut Topaz 18 Karat White Gold Channel Band Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering five French cut topaz weighing approximately 5.00 carats total Transparent bright blue in color with light saturation Set east to west in a raised channel With high polish ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
H. Stern Green Tourmaline and Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
By H. Stern
Located in Towson, MD
One 18-karat yellow gold brushed finished ring, designed by H. Stern, set with one 11x9mm emerald cut light green tourmaline and one round brilliant cut diamond, approximately 0.03 c...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Emerald, Sapphire, and Diamond Ring by H. Stern
By H. Stern
Located in San Francisco, CA
This gorgeous Vintage Emerald, Sapphire, and Diamond Ring truly is a special piece, made by a special maker - H. Stern! Crafted in 18K Yellow Gold, the design is a lovely swirly by p...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Diamond Solitaire Ring 18k White Gold 0.30 Ct.
By H. Stern
Located in MIAMI, FL
Gorgeous simplistic design from famed designer H. Stern. This beautiful creation is crafted from 18k white gold. The focal point of this ring is the solitaire set round brilliant cut...
Diamond, White Gold
H Stern Vintage 5 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Ring 18 K Gold Estate Fine Jewelry
By H. Stern
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed H Stern aquamarine & diamond ring (circa 1950s to 1960s), crafted in 18 karat white gold. Faceted oval cut aquamarine measures 10.5mm x 9mm (estimated at 5 carats),...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1950s H.Stern 4 Carat Citrine Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 5.3 grams Center Color Stone Details: Shape: Oval Mixed Cut Carat Weight: 4 carat Color: orangey-brown Side...
Citrine, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold