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 1950s Sterle Gold Purse
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by Sterle Circa 1950s 4 x 5 1/2 x 7/8 inches
Diamond, 18k Gold
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Silver Purse Card Case Birmingham 1910, Adie
Located in Toronto, ON
Antique Silver Card Case in form of purse, Birmingham 1910, Adie & Lovekin Ltd. The case of hinge and thumb piece design, richly engraved scro...
Mario Buccellati Vintage Diamond Gold Compact Box
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
This Mario Buccellati vintage diamond 18K yellow gold compact box from 1940's features a diamond accent closure in 18K white gold with rose-cut diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
$1,595
H 4.75 in W 2.75 in L 6.75 in
Art Nouveau Five Maiden Woman Evening Handbag Purse Unger Brothers Sterling Bag
By Unger Brothers
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS AN EXTREMELY RARE STERLING SILVER LADIES HANDBAG OF EXTRAORDINARY BEAUTY WITH THE FACES OF FIVE WOMEN MAIDENS WITH EXTRAORDINARY FLOWING HAIR THAT ENCIRCLES AND ENTWINES THE FIVE MAIDENS BY THE ESTEEMED MAKER UNGER BROTHERS. THE MESH SILVER HANDBAG HAS THE REPOUSSE SILVER DESIGN OF THE WOMEN'S FACES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BAG. This is truly one of the finest Sterling Silver purses we have seen. The purse is hallmarked Sterling with a maker's mark. The beautiful mesh...
Silver, Sterling Silver
1950s Cartier Vintage Gold Eight Day Desk Clock
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
This aesthetically captivating authentic circa 1950 Cartier eight-day desk clock is made with a solid 14K yellow gold case. It is rendered in artfully textured gold, adding a glitter...
14k Gold, Gold
Vintage Diamond Gold Blue Enamel Stripes Multi-Use Case Compact
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exceptional compact features a striped design in 18K yellow gold and vibrant blue enamel. The case opens with a press on the diamond clasp. Inside features a clean yellow gold ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold
Platinum and Diamond Evening Purse
Located in New York, NY
Classic Early 20th century Lady's platinum and diamond evening purse. The clasp set with circular- cut and baguette diamonds, to a curb link chain, measuring approximately 170 x 140...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,645Sale Price|30% Off
H 0.87 in W 2.21 in L 3.98 in
Edwardian 1913 Art Nouveau Enamelled Guilloche Purse In .925 Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
An Edwardian guilloche enamel coins purse made by E. J. Houlston. Very rare early 20th century enamel oval coin purse, created in Birmingham England...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique ‘tam O Shanter’ Beaded Stone Set Ladies Coin Purse
Located in Wilmslow, GB
An outstanding example of an antique purse in the style of a 'tam o shanter' coin purse, so called because their form is similar to the style of hat. This antique purse is a great example with it's fabulous colors and ornate micro beading plus the stylish jewelled top. There is also a small vanity...
$1,400Sale Price|50% Off
Rare Important Estate Early 1900s Mesh Sterling Silver Art Deco Handbag Purse
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Magnificent European Sterling Silver Antique Handbag purse Possibly French. Beautifully done with Interlocked Sterling Silver Rings formi...
Sterling Silver
$3,610
W 5.5 in L 3 in
Egyptian Revival Snakeskin Coin Purse w/14K Gold Jeweled Dual Snake Head Closure
Located in Palm Beach, FL
If only this coin purse could talk. This elegant, Egyptian Revival piece has a 14K yellow gold snake head mechanism for its outer two compartments. The inner compartment has an addit...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Calderoni Silver Gilt Enamel Painted Box
By Calderoni
Located in Firenze, IT
Of rounded corners square shape, the lid painted to depict the theater “La Scala” in Milano Dimension: 7.5 x 7.5 cm Weight: 200 gr Italian silver marks In the Calderoni Gioielli ...
Sterling Silver, Silver, Enamel
Cartier Sterling Silver Lunch Box Purse
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier .925 Sterling Silver Lunch Box Purse, measuring 4 1/8 inches long, 2 3/8 inches wide and 4 1/2 inches tall including the handle, weighing 7 ounces.
Sterling Silver