About Pierre Sterlé Brand
In the 1940s, a sign above Pierre Sterlé jewelry atelier read “By appointments only.” As a renowned master jeweler, Sterlé exclusively created pieces for royalty and celebrities.
Pierre Sterlé started to learn how to create jewelry from his uncle, a Parisian jeweler. When Pierre turned 29, he opened his own shop where he crafted jewels for Ostertag, Boucheron and Chaumet. That earned Sterlé a reputation as a skilled master and allowed him to develop his own style and vision. Sterlé prided himself on being independent from the big brands, known for turning metals and gems into poetic works of art.
Pierre Sterle pieces were not limited by the rigidity of the materials he used.
His jewelry making is characterized by its fluidity and movement, treating gold like fabric to create unique textures. His designs are highly engineered due to his technical expertise. He treated gold as if it was fabric, creating unusual textures. In 1957 he invited a new method of working with gold called “fil d’ange” or “angel wire” which were woven and knitted gold fibers. Since then, Sterle pieces became recognizable for their ropes and fringes. Asymmetrical shapes were his signature, as well as gorgeous brooches inspired by nature.
Sterle won the De Beers Diamond Award, the most prestigious award for a jewelry designer, three years in a row, from 1953 through 1955.
By the end of his career Piere Sterle sold his business to Chaumet and remained a consultant to the brand till the end of his life. Many jewelry pieces signed by Chaumet still reflect Sterlé’s incomparable aesthetic.
About French Jewelry
Vintage French jewelry is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistic excellence. French jewelers have a long history of mastering intricate techniques, such as filigree, enameling, and stone setting, resulting in pieces of top-notch quality and beauty.
Timeless jewelry designs created in France transcend fashion trends. The use of classic motifs and harmonious proportions ensures that vintage French jewelry remains relevant across generations. What made France a powerhouse in the world of jewelry? It all comes down to the apprenticeship system. Back in the 1950s, French teens as young as 14 could start learning the trade. This early start gave French jewelers a unique edge, allowing them to amass a wealth of experience from a young age. As a result, even the non-designer pieces were crafted by highly skilled artisans.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, French jewelry was heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau movement. Between 1920s and 1930s, the Art Deco movement took over, influencing French jewelry with its geometric shapes, bold colors, and symmetrical designs.
France is home to several prestigious jewelry houses that have made significant contributions to the world of vintage jewelry. Notable names include Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Boucheron, each with its unique style and heritage.
Coco Chanel made a significant impact on the world of jewelry with her costume jewelry designs. Her use of faux pearls, glass, and other non-traditional materials revolutionized fashion jewelry.
Whether you’re interested in the elegance of Art Deco or the organic forms of Art Nouveau, there’s a wide range of vintage French jewelry styles to explore and appreciate.
Today, the jewelry industry has moved away from this hands-on tradition, with mass-market production taking over. The focus is on efficiency, and jewelry designs are often engineered to minimize the need for manual labor. That’s why today vintage French jewelry is in such high demand. Here, at Nadine Krakov Collection, we offer the most desirable vintage jewelry made by French experts.
