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.
BOUCHERON 18K Gold & Platinum 3.35ct Diamond Vintage Cocktail Ring, 1960s
By Boucheron
Located in PARIS, FR
Exceptional Boucheron ring crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and platinum, dating from the 1960s, centering an outstanding 1.55-carat Old European-cut diamond, graded H color and VS1 c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Retro Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Fashion Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carats yellow gold, owl hallmark. Asymmetrical on the top this voluminous ring is made of a domed gadrooned pattern, attached to a flower whose heart represents a dome set...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Italian 1.12 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An unusual and impressive vintage Italian 1.12 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry collections. This f...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier diamond dress ring, French, 1963
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier diamond dress ring. Set with eight round brilliant cut diamonds in open back claw settings with an approximate combined weight of 1.60 carats, to an elegant curving marquise ...
Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Gold and Diamond Ring, mid 20th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vintage ring in 14 karat gold with a sculptural, domed top. The surface is built in three layered rows of textured, overlapping elements, resembling a stylised pine cone. Each laye...
Diamond, 14k Gold
1940s 1.18 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Platinum Set Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage French 1.18 carat diamond (total) and 18 karat yellow gold, platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive vintage French diamond ring...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Naturalistic Designed Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring, circa 1960s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant and intricate naturalistic diamond ring from the 1960s is crafted in 14K yellow gold and features a striking branch motif. The design evokes the organic beauty of nature...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Dress/Cocktail Ring, circa 1970
Located in Zurich, CH
Ravishing 18 karat yellow gold and diamond dress/cocktail ring, circa 1970. Of abstract asymmetric floral design, the textured gold leaves highlighted with 10 brilliant-cut diamonds ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Belle Époque 1.60 carat diamond 18k yellow gold platinum navette ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant French Belle Époque navette ring is a beautifully elongated jewel from the 1910’s, set with 23 old European cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.60 carats in total. Gra...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 3.20 carat diamond 14k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This bold vintage cocktail ring showcases an impressive cluster of 24 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling approximately 3.20 carats, displaying bright F color with a lively, dynami...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
MODERNIST 1970 Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 1.70 Ctw In Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Retro modernist cocktail ring with diamonds. This is a very interesting cocktail ring, created in Italy during the modernist period, back in the 1970. The ring has been crafted with...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Italian Mid Century Bombe Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold Platinum With 5.30 Ctw Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring with a pave of diamonds Gorgeous cocktail ring, created during the mid-century period, circa late 1960's. This fabulous ring has been crafted with a bombe shape in sol...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
ITALIAN Mid Century Bombe Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold & Platinum 5.60 Cwt Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Italian cocktail ring with a pave of diamonds. This is a fabulous cocktail ring, created during the mid-century period, circa 1960. The piece has been masterfully crafted in a bold ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
JOSE HESS Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 4.64 Ctw In VS Diamonds
By Jose Hess
Located in Miami, FL
A cocktail ring designed by Jose Hess. This is an absolutely gorgeous cocktail ring created in New York City by the American designer Jose Hess. The massive ring was masterfully cra...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
LEO PIZZO Milano Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 3.36 Ctw Diamonds
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Miami, FL
A cocktail ring designed by Leo Pizzo. This is a gorgeous cocktail ring created in Italy by the jewelry house of Leo Pizzo. The ring has been masterfully crafted with a bold massive...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
CARTIER Paris Maillon Panthère Cocktail Ring In 18Kts Gold With 2.65 Cwt Diamond
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A Maillon Panthère ring with diamonds designed by Cartier. This is a magnificent vintage cocktail ring created in Paris by the legendary French jewelry house of Cartier during the l...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
