Sterle of Paris diamond cocktail ring, circa 1970.

Object Description

Sterle of Paris diamond cocktail ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond in an open back claw setting with a weight of 0.80 carats, encircled by thirty one round old cut diamonds in open back grain settings with a combined weight of 4.50 carats, further adorned with seventeen round single cut diamonds in open back grain settings with a combined weight of 0.40 carats. The total approximate diamond weight is 5.70 carats, to a swirling bombé cluster with openwork between the rows, flowing smoothly around to a circular form with intricate backholing and flanked by textured branching tree-like shoulders to a solid D-shape shank. Marked 18 carat yellow gold, signed ‘STERLE PARIS’, numbered ‘A127’, French, circa 1970.

Object Literature

Established in 1934, Pierre Sterlé started producing pieces for some of Paris’s finest jewellery maisons, including Boucheron and Chaumet. By the early 1940’s Sterlé started creating pieces for individuals, and in 1945 he opened his premises on 43 Avenue de l’Opéra near Place Vendôme.

Sterlé thought of himself as a highly exclusive designer and refused to occupy a ground-level location where he would have to display his jewels in window cases, open to public view. His pieces were therefore produced for and seen by, a very select few.

Considered one of the most original and revolutionary jewellers of his time, Sterlé’s visionary pieces are known for being technically advanced and inspired by nature and movement.

In mid-1970’s, the Sterlé boutique closed, and the business was sold to Chaumet, where he continued to work as an in-house designer.

Object Details