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.
1930s Art Deco Platinum Diamond Necklace by Pierre Sterlé
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Roma, RM
An exceptional Art Deco necklace by Sterlé, dating to the 1930s, crafted in platinum and set with old-cut diamonds. The design features an elegant diamond rivière necklace enhanced b...
Diamond, Platinum
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
Sterle Paris Bi-Colored White Yellow Gold Round Twisted Link 30" Chain
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Greenwich, CT
Unchained melody. This collectible Sterle Paris bi-colored 18 karat white and yellow gold round twisted link vintage chain will keep you singing. Circa 1975. 30" in length. Total...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Men's Yellow Gold Diamond Cuban Link Chain
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
14KT yellow gold diamond Cuban link chain with 13.50 ct total weight of pave diamonds This product comes with a certificate of appraisal This...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 14k Yellow Gold 30" Flat Cable Link W/ Knot Sections Chain Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 23 Grams Chain Type: Flat Cable Link w/ Knot Sections Chain Length: 30 Inches Chain Width: 3.4mm (0.4") (at the cable links), 4.7mm (at the kn...
Yellow Gold
1930s Silver & Peking Glass Art Deco 3 Piece Jewellery Set
Located in London, GB
This exquisite 1930s Art Deco Peking Glass 3 piece set with prong set rock crystals is comprised of drop earrings, matching bracelet and necklace with a large drop pendant, and is in absolutely beautiful condition. Peking Glass is very collectable and was created to resemble the jade or jadeite which was so popular in the Art Deco era. This set features rectangular green Peking Glass...
Silver
Art Deco Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Vintage Drop Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of a fancy elongated bar link chain with a pear cut Colombian emerald drop station Weighing approximately 2.83 carats - transparent medium green in color with minor traditi...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
1950s Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Leaf Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow and white gold. Retro brooch, it forms a large amati gold leaf set on one side with two rubies and a diamond. The hanging system is a pin with a safety pump. Diamond weight : about 0.07 carat, total weight of the rubies: about 0.15 carat. Height : 6 cm, width : about 4 cm. Total weight of the jewel : 22.8 g approximately. Authentic retro jewelry...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Brooch 1940s in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Diamonds and Rubies Platinum
Located in Paris, FR
Lapel clip brooch in the shape of an eventful knot in 18K yellow gold and platinum, adorned with diamonds totaling approximately 0.60 carats and 14 rubies of various sizes. Very beau...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Jakob Bengel Art Deco Chrome Plated Blue and Black Enamel Necklace circa 1930s
By Jakob Bengel
Located in London, GB
Wonderful Jakob Bengel Art Deco chrome plated necklace, featuring blue and black enamel painted brickwork links, and a twist and ball design. Measuring length 40.6 cm / 16 inches and...
Jakob Bengel Art Deco Chrome Plated Red and Black Enamel Necklace circa 1930s
By Jakob Bengel
Located in London, GB
Wonderful Jakob Bengel Art Deco chrome plated necklace, featuring red and black enamel painted brickwork links, and a twist and ball design. Measuring length 40.6 cm / 16 inches and ...
Antique 15k Yellow Gold Long Chain Necklace, Longuard, Rope Twist Link
Located in NEWARK, GB
You can't go wrong with a beautiful antique long chain like this Edwardian 15kt gold longuard chain necklace. The lush, rich 15kt gold is warm and and inviting with a hue that is highly sought after and 15kt gold pieces are always in high demand simply due to the rarity of the now discontinued carat. It has elegant rope twist links with a 15kt gold dog clip...
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 18 Carat Yellow Gold Double Round Bar Link Long Chain Necklace
Located in London, GB
This fancy 18 carat yellow gold chain necklace is beautifully designed with alternating textured double bar links and small textured square links. The sturdy necklace secures with a ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950's Cartier Ruby Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Turtle Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooch is designed as a turtle with articulated platinum limbs Shell is highly domed and comprised of carved shell Translucent honey yellow with dark brown spotting Accented by caboc...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
An Art Deco chrome and glass two row necklace, French, 1930s
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
A classic Art Deco chrome and glass bead two row necklace, made from small chrome metal 'cups', fitting one inside another , to create a very fluid an...
Base Metal
Sold
W 1.02 in D 0.91 in L 2.56 in
Pierre Sterlé 1970 Modernist Bird Brooch In 18Kt Yellow Gold Diamonds And Shell
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Miami, FL
Modernist bird brooch designed by Pierre Sterlé. Very rare sculptural brooch in the shape of a stylized pigeon bird, created in Paris France at the workshop of Pierre Sterle, back i...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterlé Paris Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Feasterville, PA
An impressive Pierre Sterle Paris necklace showcasing graduating links adorned with round brilliant cut diamonds in shimmering 18k yellow gold. T...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1950s Sterlé Paris De Beers Diamond Award Diamond Necklace
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in London, GB
The highly articulated necklace designed as a graduated double row ribbon twist encircling the neck with contrasting strands of sparkling round brilliant and icy baguette cut diamond...
Diamond, Platinum
1960s Pierre Sterle Diamond Platinum "Ribbon" Necklace
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in London, GB
Superb double row diamond "Ribbon" motif necklace set with baguette and round cut diamonds Pierre Sterle circa. 1960 Paris, France 93 round b...
Diamond, Platinum
PIERRE STERLE Diamond, Yellow Gold & Platinum Necklace
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exquisite and feminine necklace created by Pierre Sterle in Paris in the 1960's. It is made of elaborately shaped yellow gold and set with old cut diamon...