Born into a Jewish family in Essen, Germany, Hans Stern (1922–2007) fled with his parents to Rio de Janeiro at the onset of World War II. There he landed a job working for the precious stone and mineral exporter Cristab. Thus began Stern’s rise to become “the king of the colored gems,” as the media would dub him, and founder of the family-owned H.Stern jewelry business that now has over 150 stores worldwide.
While working for Cristab, Stern regularly visited mines on horseback. At the remote mines of Minas Gerais, Brazil, he cultivated relationships with many of the miners, developing professional connections that would endure for decades. He also embraced a fascination with the colorful semiprecious stones harvested in the area. In 1945, he started his own company, H.Stern, with the goal of marketing Brazilian gemstones — then virtually unknown on the global stage — to an international audience.
Though the company began as a trader in gemstones, it soon expanded to jewelry, with Stern assembling and training a team of young jewelers. A frequent motif in the company’s designs was the star, as Stern is “star” in German. In 1949, H.Stern opened its first jewelry shop in Rio de Janeiro, but a storefront was not his customers’ only view into the brand’s jewelry-making process. In the 1950s, Stern became one of the first major jewelers to offer tours of his workshop, showing off the creative process and elevating the role of craftsmanship in jewelry design.
Stern’s approach and his vibrant jewels, which favored organic settings designed to show off colorful gems, earned international recognition and put Brazil’s topaz, amethyst and tourmaline on the map. Tourmaline was reportedly Stern’s favorite, and the company’s Rio de Janeiro vaults are also home to Paraíba tourmalines, which are mined in the mountains of Paraíba, Brazil. He recognized the burgeoning tourism industry in the country as an opportunity to promote the beauty of these stones, opening stores in the lobbies of Brazil’s leading hotels and investing in vehicles to bring visitors to the H.Stern headquarters. By the mid-1990s, the company was opening stores abroad and selling jewelry at international department stores.
In the 1980s, the brand debuted its first celebrity collaboration, with French actress Catherine Deneuve. Since then it has worked with partners such as designer Diane von Fürstenberg and architect Oscar Niemeyer. In 2016, Assouline published a book on the 70-year history of H.Stern, from its humble founding to its worldwide acclaim. Today, the company is run by Stern’s son, Roberto, who has introduced a broad range of new collections and styles.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of H. Stern necklaces, rings, earrings and other accessories.
Eighties H. Stern Gold Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, by H. Stern, Brazil. Effortlessly dressing up or down, this is the perfect wear-it-anytime, anywhere ring. The visual narrative is Brazilian style at its eighties ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Stern 1960s 7 Carats Citrine Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. This vintage ring features a domed band with a rectangular basket setting on top, secured by four flat prongs, holding an emerald-cut citri...
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
H. Stern Sunrise Colours Ring in Noble Gold with Quartz, Diamond and Sapphire
By H. Stern
Located in BILBAO, ES
Striking designer ring from the renowned H. Stern Sunrise Colours Collection, crafted in 18-karat noble gold and centered by an impressive smoky quartz of exceptional size and presence. The ring showcases a magnificent cushion-cut smoky quartz weighing 15.26 carats, secured in an elegant claw setting that maximizes the stone’s warm, translucent tones. The substantial gold mounting features a clean, contemporary silhouette, enhanced by a brilliant-cut diamond discreetly set into the side of the shank, adding a refined touch of sparkle. A signature detail of the design is the sapphire hidden within the interior of the band, a distinctive feature often found in H. Stern creations, reflecting the house’s attention to craftsmanship and symbolism. Bold yet sophisticated, this ring embodies the elegant modern aesthetic that characterizes the Sunrise Colours collection, making it an exceptional statement piece for collectors and admirers of fine designer jewelry. - Designer: H. Stern - Collection: Sunrise Colours - Year: 2006 - Metal: 18K Noble Gold - Gold Weight: 10.2 grams - Gemstones - 1 Cushion-Cut Smoky Quartz — 15.26 ct - 1 Brilliant-Cut Diamond — 0.07 ct - 1 Sapphire (inside shank) — 0.03 ct H Stern ring, Sunrise Colours collection, smoky quartz ring, designer gemstone ring, 18k gold ring, H Stern jewelry...
Diamond, Quartz, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold
H. Stern 18 Karat White Gold & Diamond 'Metropolis' Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This rather unusual ring was manufactured in Italy and retailed by famed Brazilian jewellery firm, H Stern. The flexible ring is crafted from satin f...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sixties H. Stern Aquamarine & Diamond Modernist Snake Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, by H. Stern, Brazil. Set with a brilliant blue .75 carat aquamarine, this eighteen-karat ring by H. Stern is tastefully chic with understated glamour. Renowned for ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 12.91 Carat Sapphire Cocktail Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Yellow Gold 12.91 Carat Sapphire Cocktail Ring A exquisite mix of mastery and innovation, this ring is captivating. Featuring an oversized Yellow Sapphire cradled in a four-prong setting, which gives an illusion that it is floating. Shaped to perfection and finished with a yellow gold frame and a sleek band, this ring can be worn solo for an equally dramatic yet graceful effect. This ring is a part of the exclusive collection by Gems Paradise...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s 1.17 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1960s 1.17 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold bow shaped cocktail ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive vintage diamond bow ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The bow design setting displays a feature 0.42Ct modern brilliant round cut diamond, bezel set in relief to the center. The flared setting is embellished with twenty eight diamonds, channel set in a combination of baguette and tapered baguette cuts. The subtly elevated, flared ring shoulders integrate with the main setting and meld seamlessly with the plain ring shank. The ring is hallmarked to the outer surface of the shank, however this is worn and illegible in keeping with age and therefore the ring has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18k gold. This vintage 1960s cocktail ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading certificate for the feature diamond in addition to an independent diamond grading report card for the supporting stones. Images do not always reflect the true color and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual color and showcases each stone. Condition This impressive vintage bow ring...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Santa Maria Aquamarine Diamond Ring
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The exquisite ring from the MOISEIKIN's Harmony collection is made of Santa Maria Aquamarines and shimmering diamonds. The lightful harmony of aquamarines mounted in traditional and ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
H. Stern Cobblestone 18k yellow Gold Rock Crystal & Diamonds Square Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Elevate your jewelry collection with the H. Stern Cobblestone Clear Quartz & Diamond Ring, a masterpiece of elegance crafted in 18k yellow gold. This exquisite piece showcases a ...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcraft Malachite 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Citrine Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Citrine, Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.82 Carat Russian Demantoid Yellow Diamond 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Luxurious 18 Karat Gold Ring featured rare 5.82 ct Russian Demantoid accented with Yellow pear cut Diamonds 1.48 ctw and round Demantoids 1.11 ctw. Demantoid is called a star of gar...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
Antique Ladies Gold Ring, with Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique ladies gold ring, with sapphires and diamonds. The central diamond solitaire has about 0.4 carats. US ring size about 6 1/2. Including certif...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$969Sale Price / item|44% Off
Pear Emerald 14k Gold Ring, Emerald Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear Emerald 14k gold ring. Emerald gold ring. Genuine emerald ring. Gold leaves ring. Emerald leaves ring. Floral gold ring. Delicate gold ring. Open ended ring. Adjustable gold ring. May birthstone ring. Natural emerald ring. Emerald jewelry. Emerald vintage ring. Emerald and diamonds gold ring. Minimalist emerald ring. Emerald engagement ring. Emerald promise ring. Gift for her. Emerald ring for woman...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
White Gold Ring with Diamonds and Multicolour Sapphires
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
Diamonds: 110 pieces; cut: brilliant; weight: 0.50 carat; colour: F-G; purity: VS; grinding quality: very good; Sapphires: 28 pieces; Weight: 1.25 carats; Cut: Brilliant; Colour: Mul...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
$1,057Sale Price / item|40% Off
Amethyst 14k Gold Ring, Genuine Amethyst Ring, Amethyst Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst 14k gold ring. Genuine Amethyst ring. Amethyst gold ring. Oval Amethyst ring. Amethyst, diamonds, emerald 14k gold ring. Flower design ring. Gemstone engagement ring. Amethy...
Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Amethyst, 14k Gold
$969Sale Price / item|44% Off
Pear Garnet 14k Gold Ring, Garnet Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear garnet 14k gold ring. Garnet gold ring. Genuine garnet ring. Gold leaves ring. Garnet leaves ring. Floral gold ring. Delicate gold ring. Open ended ring. Adjustable gold ring. January birthstone ring. Natural garnet ring. Garnet jewelry. Garnet vintage ring...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
Snake Ring Aquamarine Ruby Marquis Serpent Double Head Gold Plated Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aquamarine Ruby Snake Ring Serpent Double Head Gold Plated Silver Ouroboros Double Serpent Ring Aquamarine Ruby Gold Plated Silver Ouroboros Coiled Snake Statement Designer: J DAU...
Aquamarine, Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver, Brass
Multi Stone Fifties Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1950s, 18k, possibly H. Stern. This bold retro fifties ring features vibrant tourmaline, citrine, amethyst, garnet, and aquamarine, stones bezel-set and cheerfully scattered on...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Garnet, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
18K Gold H. Stern Golden Stones Ring with Rock Crystal
By H. Stern
Located in Venice, CA
Designed by Brazilian jeweler H. Stern, this 18k gold rock crystal ring is part of the Golden Stones collection. It is a sculptural piece with a very high dome: the rock crystal cabo...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold
H. STERN 18K Rainbow Multicolor Gemstone Band Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Henderson, NV
H. Stern 1980's "Rainbow" collection band ring crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with a colorful gradient of faceted rectangular-cut gemstones of an estimated 7.5 carats - amethyst,...
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Tourmaline, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Flower Power Diamond Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2000s, 18k, by H. Stern, Brazil. This diamond-set yellow gold ring is brilliant everyday fashion. Flower power sparkles with .75 carats of white diamonds (G color, VS clarity) ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Gold Ring Leaf Shape with Diamonds
By H. Stern
Located in BILBAO, ES
H.Stern Ring from the "HERA" Collection Leaf Shape 18 k yellow noble gold 17.81 gr 7 brilliant cut diamonds 0.07 k
Diamond, Gold
H. Stern White Gold Ring
By H. Stern
Located in BILBAO, ES
H.STERN ring from " FILAMENTS" Collection 18 K white gold 10.06 gr
White Gold
18K Yellow Gold VintageH. Stern Oval Aquamarine Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Lexington, KY
This 18K yellow gold vintage ring from H. Stern features a stunning oval cut aquamarine. H. Stern is the best known luxury jewelry brand first founded in Brazil in 1945 by Hans Stern. Even though the brand initially specialized in precious stones, with this ring being no exception to either. The petit 2.41 ct aquamarine boast a rich sky blue color with captivating dark vibrant blue hues. The combination of blue hues as well as the richness of 18k yellow god makes this ring pure, while still preserving the calm nature of aquamarine. 18K Yellow Gold Contemporary H. Stern Oval Aquamarine Ring...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Hypermodern 29.0-Carat Citrine Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, by H. Stern, Brazil. Spilling off the runway and onto our fingers, H. Stern rocks our world with bold looks for everyday glamour. The sultry 29.13-carat citrine is set on a heavy eighteen-karat gold ring. Meticulously fabricated, it is in excellent condition. Stone Details: Custom-cut, very unusual Remark: “Brazilian designs blend fashion and art in a way that delights the imagination.” SIZE: 7 3/4 WEIGHT: 23.9 grams STONES: 29.13 carat citrine and .15 carat G...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Hyper Modern Tourmaline Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, by H. Stern, Brazil. Set with a fine 2.60-carat tourmaline, this abstract ring is a fine example of the edgy design work H. Stern is known for. Verve for days, one...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H.Stern Noble Gold Ring with Quartz
By H. Stern
Located in BILBAO, ES
H.Stern Rign "Golden Stones 1" Collection 18K yellow noble gold 8.98 gr Central quatz in cabochon cut 18.51K
Quartz, Gold
H. Stern 18k Gold Multi-Gemstone Sputnik Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Towson, MD
One 18-karat yellow gold Sputnik design dome ring by Brazilian designer H. Stern, set with nineteen (19) 3.5mm bezel set round gemstones. The ring contains four (4) amethyst, four ...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Garnet, Multi-gemstone, Peridot, 18k Gold...
1960s 18K Yellow Gold H. Stern Multi-Stone Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a stunning vintage ring signed by famed H. Stern, crafted in beaming 18K yellow gold showcases a dazzling group of vibrant gemstones. This ring is set with six multicolored g...
Amethyst, Peridot, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold