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
$3,276Sale Price|20% Off
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
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 Turquoise Earrings, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful set of earrings are crafted from 18 carat yellow gold and feature four turquoise on each earring. The larger turquoise are 8mm and have three smaller turquoise of 4.5m...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Natural Coral & Diamond Drop Earrings
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
These elegant 18-karat white gold earrings are a charming expression of timeless beauty and artistic design. Each earring features a delicately carved coral heart at the top, complem...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1960s Red Coral, Onyx and Diamond Articulated Earrings
Located in Lexington, KY
This is an exceptional pair of 1960s earrings, set in 18K White gold, that features bright red coral, bold geometric onyx, and bright white diamonds. This beautiful pair of earrings ...
Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
$2,105Sale Price|20% Off
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 Coral Briolette Drop and Diamond Platinum Dangle Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Stylish and finely detailed Vintage Deep Red Coral Briolette Drop and Diamond Platinum Earrings. Hand set with 6 Red Coral gemstones, weighing approx. 0.39tcw and 1...
Coral, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Coral Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and refined, these vintage 18 karat white gold drop earrings showcase a striking combination of luminous angel skin coral drops and sparkling diamonds. The design begins with...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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 Coral and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
These fun earrings contain 14 oval cabochon coral and 84 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.25 carats total. Mounted in 18 karat yellow gold, these earrings are pe...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Vintage Diamond Bombe Button Earrings, circa 1970s
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Approximately 7.0 carats total Size: 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) in diameter. Creator: Cartier Metal: 18K yellow gold Weight: 11.84 grams. Period: Vintage (1970s). Condition...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold