The loss of his father in World War I led to Pierre Sterlé’s mentorship under his uncle, who supported his ascension into the jewelry design world. At the height of his success, Sterlé designed for jewelry titans Boucheron, Chaumet and Ostertag. He won the De Beers Diamond Award three years in a row and operated out of an exclusive boutique in Paris that served the elite and royal families by appointment only.
His uncle was a Parisian jeweler on the rue de Castiglione. Sterlé started his own workshop at the age of 29 and spent five years designing for eminent Parisian jewelry houses on rue Sainte-Anne. By the mid-1940s, Sterlé had moved his atelier closer to the Place Vendôme to better serve his wealthy patrons, who included French author Colette, King Farouk of Egypt, the Maharani of Baroda and the Begum Aga Khan.
Sterlé had a remarkable ability to “knit gold” into woven masterpieces. His technical prowess was unmatched by anyone in Paris, and arguably the world. His “angel wire” technique, considered his signature style, incorporated gold into fine ropes that became link bracelets, cocktail rings and accents on decorative pins and brooches. The effect gave a sense of movement and life to the pieces, something Sterlé strived for in his attempts to make metal and precious gemstones less rigid and cold.
Two misfortunes derailed his business. The first was a failed venture into perfume, which resulted in having to sell many of his designs to Chaumet and New York jeweler Montreaux. Sterlé rebounded with a successful display at the 1966 Biennale in Paris, where he was the first modern jeweler ever invited. His second misstep was more damaging. He opened an exclusive shop on the rue Saint-Honoré in 1969. It was unsuccessful, and he was forced to declare bankruptcy, selling most of his stock to Chaumet in 1976.
Sterlé stayed on with the company as a consultant until his death two years later in 1978.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Pierre Sterlé rings, earrings, bracelets and more.
Sterle Paris Sapphire Diamond Turquoise Flower Brooch, 1950s
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Dallas, TX
Spectacular and highly collectible 1950s brooch by Pierre Sterlé designed as flower in full bloom and featuring round blue sapphires, cabochon turquoise and round brilliant-cut diamo...
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage Signed Sterlè Coral Child & Dog one off brooch
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Napoli, IT
Pierre Sterlè Paris Unlike others before it, the Pierre Sterle brand began its journey to prominence in the 1950s. He embraced Naturalism and went on to produce masterpieces that dem...
Coral, Jade, Turquoise, 18k Gold
$5,500
Sterle Gold Pin
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in New York, NY
18K Y/gold pin, engraved Sterle Paris, 5861 French hallmarks. pin measures 1 1/4 x 2 1/2 inches, weight 7.8 dwt.
Gold
Diamond Gold Flower Pin Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A sweet pin of a two-flower bouquet. They feature 0.75 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18k white and rose gold. Small enough to be worn daily and with multiple outfits....
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Coral Flower Brooch
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage 18K Gold Coral Flower Brooch Marked: 18K Approximate Dimensions: 5.8 cm ( Length) 3.7 cm (Width) 10.1 grams in weight
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Paris Carved Coral Diamond Sapphire Rose Flower Gold Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite 18k gold brooch, crafted by Cartier Paris, featuring two rose flowers, executed in angel skin and orange coral, with blue sapphire in the center and approx. 0.40ctw G/Vs diamonds. Comes in original vintage Cartier box...
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Large Gold Ruffled Pin
Located in New York, NY
18kt Yellow Gold Oversize Pin assembled with 7 Trefoil & Segmented Elements. Big fashion statement - suitable for a Blazer, Overcoat, or your Basic Black Evening Dress. Very 3 ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage TRIFARI signed gold tone faux pink coral rhinestones designer brooch
By Trifari
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed TRIFARI • gold tone with faux coral and rhinestones • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs o...
Topaz Diamonds Rubies Sapphires Flowers Basket Brooch Boxed, 1950
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Vintage brooch depicting a basket (vase) holding a bouquet of flowers set with fine precious stones. Diamonds, cabochon Rubies & Sapphires. The vase is made of fine transparent T...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz
Vintage 12k Yellow Gold Carved Coral Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage brooch is crafted in 12k yellow gold and features a beautifully hand-carved coral flower, showcasing exceptional detail and natural artistry. The coral display...
Coral, Gold, Copper
Mid Century Natural Turquoise Diamond Sapphire Flower Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
Past Signature Piece Large, impressive, colourful signature piece of the 50’s skilfully hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold in a marvellous composition of fine gemstones forming an uniq...
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Vintage Herbert Rosenthal Coral & Diamond Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in San Francisco, CA
This 18k gold bee brooch, by Rosenthal - one of the best of the 1970's - is a hard-to-find coral example. Designed with angel skin coral body, wings set ...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Pearl Enamel Gold Golfer Pin
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Charming pin in 18 karat yellow gold with bright enamel in primary colors. Excellent condition and bearing a full compliment of hallmarks.
18k Gold, Enamel
SPHINX signed vintage gold tone poodle dog figural designer brooch
By sphinx
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed SPHINX • gold tone • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku A67 ❤️❤️ VINTAGE DE...
1950s Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Double Clip Bow Brooch
Located in Roma, RM
A striking and highly elegant double clip brooch from the 1950s, crafted in platinum and designed in the form of an elaborate ribbon bow. This sophisticated jewel showcases exception...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Sold
W 1.02 in D 0.59 in Dm 16 in L 2.56 in
Sterlé Paris 1960 Paradise Bird Brooch In 18Kt & Platinum With 6.72 Ctw Diamonds
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Miami, FL
Paradise bird brooch necklace designed by Pierre Sterlé (1905-1978). An impressive piece of jewelry, created in Paris France at the jewelry ateli...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sterle Vintage Gold and Diamond Four Leaf Clover Brooch
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU CT-1666 Brand Sterle Date circa 1950 _________________________________________________ Metal Yellow Gold Weight Approx. 98.4g Measures approx 2.3W cm ___________________________...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Ruby and Diamond Brooch by Sterlé Paris
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Zurich, CH
Ravishing 18 karat yellow gold, platinum, ruby and diamond brooch, by Sterlé, Paris, circa 1950s Delightful, drop-shaped clip brooch/pendant, composed of twisted and polished 18 ka...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold
W 1.65 in D 0.47 in L 2.66 in
Sterle Paris 1960 Brooch 18Kt and Platinum 12.67 Ctw Diamonds and Burmese Rubies
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Miami, FL
Brooch designed by Pierre Sterle (1905-1978). This sculptural brooch is an important French piece of jewelry for a any collector. Was made in Paris at the atelier of Pierre Sterle d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sterlé Paris 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Brooch
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Weston, MA
Known as the “couturier of jewelry,” Pierre Sterlé was inspired by the asymmetry of the natural world. He often paired the warm tones of yellow gold with vibrant gemstones, as in thi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterle Paris 18k Floral Branch Natural Pearl and Diamond Brooch
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in MIAMI, FL
Gorgeous design from famed designer Pierre Sterle. This vintage brooch is crafted in 18k yellow gold. The brooch shows exquisite detail as it depicts a branch set with natural pearl...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Sterlé Diamond Flower Brooch, circa 1950s
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Sterlé Diamond Flower Brooch, ca. 1950s A beautiful minimalistic diamond dandelion brooch pin from the 1950s made by Pierre Sterlé. The pin beautifully combines baguette cut diamond...
Diamond, Platinum
Pierre Sterlé 1960s Diamond Sapphire Emerald 18 Karat Gold Flower Brooch
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Philadelphia, PA
With twisted gold wire flowers petals and leaves and textured gold stem One centering round cut sapphires weighing approximately 0.70 carat, bright deep blue and very well matched ...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sterlé Gold Diamond and Gem Set Bird Brooch Circa 1965
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in London, GB
A rare gold, diamond and gem set bird brooch by Sterlé. The gold textured wings are spread as if the bird is in flight. The body is carved out of citrine quartz suspending multi gold...
Citrine, Diamond, Gold
Pierre Sterlé 1950s Pair of Gold Feather Clip Brooches
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in London, GB
A pair of 18 carat gold clip brooches by Pierre Sterlé designed as a pair of abstracted feathers. The rounded form of these brooches has a bold 3-dimensional feel with twisted wirew...
18k Gold
Sterle Paris Gold Leaf Pin Brooch Clip
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
French chic leaf clip created by an exquisite Jewelry House Pierre Sterle in Paris in the 1950's. Perfect proportions, gracious lines and beautiful texture are the highlights of this...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterle Paris Large Diamond Gold Brooch
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A continuum of excellence and style from Sterle Paris. The brooch is made of swirls of ribbon like braided gold containing 4 symmetrically placed white di...
Diamond, 18k Gold