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...
Vintage Rolex Watch Presentation Box, Circa 1930s to 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Rolex watch presentation box dating circa 1930s to 1950s. A genuine period Rolex box, ideal for the display or storage of a vintage Rolex wristwatch. Dimensions External: ...
Other
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
$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
$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
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...
Antique 9 Carat Yellow Gold Miniature Mesh Coin Purse/ Pendant, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
A small antique gold mesh purse, crafted in 9 carat yellow gold and dating to the early 1910s. The purse features an intricately woven mesh body, formed entirely from fine gold link...
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Flat Mesh Petite Purse
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an 18kt gold flat mesh petite coin purse. It is made of multiples interwoven tiny rings. It closes and opens easily with a kiss-lock clasp. It is a s...
18k Gold
19th Century Smith & Bartlam EPNS Finger Coin Purse
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Smith & Bartlam EPNS Finger Coin Purse. It depicts a rectangular electroplated non sterling silver purse decorated with a high relief of scrolls of acanthus leaves, small a...
Silver Plate
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
500 GM OF 18K Yellow Gold Woven Mesh Clutch Handbag NO MIRROR, JUST GOLD PURSE
Located in New York, NY
STUNNING AND RARE! this purse can fit my I phone 15 pro This exquisite Vintage Clutch Purse from ART DECO TIME was designed with a soft texture...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co Cufflink Box, 1950s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage cufflink presentation box by the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company, London, circa 1950s. Slim fitted form designed to hold a pair of cufflinks. The Goldsmiths and Silver...
Silver