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 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
$4,140Sale Price|20% Off
L 30 in
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
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
Givenchy Twist Link Chain Necklace
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Attractive and chunky twist link gilt chain necklace by Givenchy, Paris. Embossed logo clasp. 18" x .75". 1980's France. Excellent condition.
Gilt Metal
Twisted Link Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Attractive and large twisted gilt chain link necklace from the 1980's, USA. 17" x 1". Excellent condition.
Gilt Metal
18 Karat Yellow Gold Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona Design Collection, Hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold, Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design and for the excellent quality of the gemstone...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,999Sale Price|20% Off
L 30 in
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 30" Long S Link Chain Necklace w/ Spring Ring Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 12.19 Grams Chain Type: "S" Link Chain Length: 30 inches (measured next to ruler) Chain Width: 2mm (0.08")(approx.) Closure: Spring Ring Cla...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Link Paperclip Chain Link Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
This 14k yellow gold paper-clip small link chain comes with plenty of options, specifically your choice of length. Buy one and wear it as a simple standalone (with or without a penda...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Faceted Link Chain Necklace
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold links creates an elegant radiance for this necklace, which is secured with a knot and toggle clasp. The necklace measures 17.13 inches (length) by .24 inches (width).
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$22,239 / item
W 0.32 in D 0.06 in L 17.33 in
Alex Jona Two Tone Yellow & White 18 Karat Gold Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, two tone woven white and yellow 18 karat gold link chain. Dimensions : L x 44 cm, W x 0.8 ...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$3,118Sale Price|20% Off
L 36 in
UnoAErre 14k Italian Yellow Gold Pearl Twisted Wire Link 36" Long Chain Necklace
By UnoAErre
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (29) Genuine Cultured Pearls -Round Shape - White Color w/ Nice Luster - 6mm to 6.4mm (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 29.3 Grams Chain Type: 36” - 3.46m...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Link Chain
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Dimensions: necklace measures 17-inches in length Weight: 4.79 grams
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$61,483
W 0.79 in L 17.33 in
Vintage Cartier Double Twisted Chain Link Necklace Set in 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful Cartier chunky twisted necklace set in 18k yellow gold. The necklace is composed of a number of infinity style polished twisted links and sits beautifully once on the ne...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold