Pierre Sterlé (1905–1978) was a French jeweler, known as the ‘couturier of jewelry’.
Sterlé may be one of the most important jewelry designers you’ve never heard of.
His lyrical, highly-engineered creations are some of the most distinctive designs of the 20th Century—and some of the most collectible.
But because his business was so exclusive and his clientele so elite, his name isn’t as widely known as some of his contemporaries.
Considered during his lifetime to have been an inspired innovator, he reached his apogee in the 1940’s and 50’s.
His work with precious stones and metal – often inspired by nature – still commands strong interest at auction.
His well-crafted jewelry often used motifs from nature; birds, flowers, leaves and feathers.
Coupled with personal tragedy which plagued him throughout the 1960’s, he ultimately was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1976 and liquidate his stock.
Most of the stock was acquired by Chaumet, who retained Sterlé as a ‘technical consultant’ until his death in 1978.
.
I’m not a bloke who wears jewellery, but these are exquisite,
LikeLike
It is a pity he went bankrupt — but designing exquisite pieces like these he does have a place in jewelry history.
LikeLike
Gorgeous organic forms. I particularly like the bird pieces.
LikeLike
I do too. His pieces are hard to find, but are very delicate.
LikeLike