STERLÉ

Pierre Sterlé was born in 1905 to a family of high powered Civil Servants and first opened his salon in 1934, rue Saint-Anne. He never drew himself but employed a talented team who brought to life his vow to wage war on the jewel as a mere financial asset. Pierre Sterle’s connections and charisma led him to become a widely respected name and an important figure in the luxury jewellery market. He quickly acquired an elite clientele from all over the world and undertook some historically important commissions including being asked to remodel the crown jewels of Egypt by Queen Narriman and complete what was acclaimed at the time as the whitest necklace to date with over 250 stones, for the daughter of German businessman. His dedication to innovative jewellery design was also admired from within the trade and he was awarded De Beers Diamond Corporation’s ‘Diamond Award’ in 1953, 1954, and 1955. Unfortunately Sterle found himself in financial difficulties several times in his career. The launch of his perfumes in 1955 ‘huit-huit” and then later “2 Diam” spelt financial ruin. Choosing, as was Pierre Sterle’s habit, to strive for quality regardless of the costs led the scents to be sold below cost. Sterle lost paintings and his beloved property North of Paris. Financial soucis and family sadness behind him, by 1961 he was designing under his name and also for Chaumet. Following success at the 1966 Paris Biennale, Sterle opened his first shop, a move which he had avoided all these years. However, despite the increase in stock and presence, this move proved disastrous and Pierre Sterlé was forced to liquidate the company in 1976. Chaumet bought any remaining stock signing anything that was not already so, resulting in pieces as early as 1962 now having a Chaumet signature. Pierre Sterle stayed with Chaumet as a technical consultant where he charmed a new generation, not least the young designer Beatrice de Plinval with whom he struck up a creative bond. During his last years, 1976 and 1977, they worked closely together on the famous Lotus parure.