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.
Vintage 1970s Sterlé Coral and Diamond Earrings
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in New York, NY
The earring is finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Coral and Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 8.00 carats. Signed by Sterlé Circa 1970 1 1/4 x 1 inches
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
1970s Tiffany & Co. Emerald and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Centered by four perfectly matched green Zambian Emeralds totaling 9.08 Carats, accented by 112 Round-Brilliant Cut Diamonds totaling 12-13 Carats, and set in lush 18K Yellow Gold. T...
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1970s Vintage Coral Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Shrimp Style Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
1970s Vintage Coral Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Shrimp-Style Earrings. Feel spacial with these chic diamond natural salmon red coral earrings. These stylish vintage Diamond shrimp coral ...
Coral, Diamond
Coral Onyx Diamond Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful earrings are meticulously crafted in 18-karat gold and sterling silver. It is hand set in 17.11 carats onyx, Coral and .40 carats of diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS ...
Diamond, Coral, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage Art Deco Coral and Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Vintage Art Deco Red Coral and Diamond Gold Drop Post Earrings. Hand set with awesome 6tcw Cabochon Red Coral Gemstones and enhanced with Briolette ...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Drop Earring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition.. Total weight 12.7 grams.. Dimention is diamond totally 0.90 carat.. Clearity is diamond G color and s1-s2.. Box is not included. Please contact for any quest...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Italian Triple Drop Earrings 1970s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A stunning pair of statement Vintage Italian Triple Drop Earrings. Gorgeous molten 'gold' detailing to the front contrasting to perfection with the jet-black back. Simply spell-bindi...
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Salmon Coral Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A refined pair of vintage earrings crafted in 14k yellow gold, featuring richly colored oval salmon coral cabochons with beautiful natural striations and a warm, glowing luster. Each...
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mid Century Modern Coral and Diamond Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Vintage Red Coral and Diamond Gold Drop French Clip Earrings. Hand set with awesome cabochon Red Corals, weighing approx. 6tcw and enhanced with Dia...
Coral, Diamond, Gold
Vintage Circa 1970s 18KT Onyx, Ruby, and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A bold and beautifully crafted pair of circa 1970s vintage drop earrings, made in 18KT two-tone gold and showcasing a striking combination of materials and design. Each earring featu...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold
1970s Tiffany & Co. Emerald and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Earrings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Tiffany & Co. Emerald and diamond drop earrings set in 18k solid gold. Centered by four perfectly matched green Zambian Emeralds totaling over 9 Carats, accented by 114 round-brill...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angeletti Coral and Rose Gold Italian Diamond Earrings
By Angeletti
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Angeletti Coral Earrings. The earrings are 18K Rose Gold. The earrings have 0.85 Carats in Diamonds F VS. Natural Mediterranean Coral. The earrings measure about 1.75" x .7...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Vintage Circa 1970s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Drop Earring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 9 grams. Totally is diamond about 2 ct. The diamond is has H color and s1-s2 clarity. Box is not included. Please contact for any questions.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Sold
W 1.02 in D 1.02 in L 1.1 in
Pierre Sterle 1960 Retro Modern Clip on Earring in 18kt Yellow Gold with Lapis
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Miami, FL
French retro modernist earrings attributed to Pierre Sterle. Exceptional pair of sculptural clip on earrings, created in Paris France back in the 1960. This rare and voluptuous pieces are attributed to the workshop of Pierre Sterle. They was carefully crafted in a bombe shape in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. Fitted with French hinged omega backs for fastening clips and the addition of posts can be easily done. Gemstones: Mounted with 2 fancy fluted cabochon...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pierre Sterlé, Paris 18 Karat Gold Clip-On Earrings
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in New York, NY
Stunning work from famous French jeweler Pierre Sterle’. stamped Sterle -Paris. and Serial numbered This art on the ears is made up of 24 grams 18k yellow and white gold. The intric...
18k Gold
Pierre Sterle 18 Carat Yellow Gold and Diamond Domed Spiral Clip Earrings
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in London, GB
A stylish pair of 18ct yellow gold and diamond earrings by Pierre Sterlé c.irca 1970s, designed as an open work domed spiral set throughout with round brilliant cut diamonds to clip ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Pierre Sterle Paris Diamond Gold Ear Clips
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Chicago, IL
Superb 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Ear Clips by Pierre Sterle, Paris, a twist rope design surrounds 2 rows of round, very fine brilliant cut Diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sterle Coral Diamond Gold Earrings
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Sterle circa 1970; two gold earrings set with cabochon coral and diamonds (24,35grs) 3634
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Pierre Sterle Paris 1950s Mabe Pearl Diamond White Gold Earrings
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stunning elegant earrings created by Pierre Sterle in Paris in the 1950's. Feature two mobe pearls framed in elegant diamond swirl. Mobe pearls are 18.39 mm in diameter. Diamonds are...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
STERLE Retro Diamond & Gold Leaf Earrings
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in New York City, NY
Rare and unusual 18K yellow gold and diamond earrings by Sterle, circa 1950s. They resemble gold leaves, with high quality round brilliant cut diamonds at the bottom. Hallmarks: Ste...
Diamond, 18k Gold
STERLE PARIS Diamond Gold Earrings
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in New York City, NY
Whimsical 18K yellow gold and diamond earrings by Sterle, circa 1950s. They feature a wire design embedded with platinum prong set diamonds of approx. 1.0cts of round brilliant cut d...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sterle Diamond, Sapphire & Yellow Gold Pin and Clip-on Earrings
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This graceful set consisting of a brooch and earrings was created by designer Pierre Sterle , Paris in the 1950's. The pieces are designed in the shape of the leaves which was one of...
Pierre Sterlé Sapphire and Diamond Gold Flower Earclips
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in New York, NY
French 18 karat gold, diamond and sapphire “flower” earrings by Sterlé and manufactured by Montreaux, featuring center blue sapphires with an approximate total weight of 5.30 carats...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sterle Gold and Diamond Earrings
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 18 karat yellow gold and diamond earrings. Signed Sterle and numbered 819. The earrings are designed as circles composed of articulated gold wires and centering wavy line...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sterle Diamond and Gold Earrings
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pierre Sterle designed for the prestigious jewelry houses of Boucheron, Ostertag, and Chaumet before opening his own successful salon on the Avenue de L'Opera in Paris. His jewels h...