Born into a Jewish family in Essen, Germany, Hans Stern (1922–2007) fled with his parents to Rio de Janeiro at the onset of World War II. There he landed a job working for the precious stone and mineral exporter Cristab. Thus began Stern’s rise to become “the king of the colored gems,” as the media would dub him, and founder of the family-owned H.Stern jewelry business that now has over 150 stores worldwide.
While working for Cristab, Stern regularly visited mines on horseback. At the remote mines of Minas Gerais, Brazil, he cultivated relationships with many of the miners, developing professional connections that would endure for decades. He also embraced a fascination with the colorful semiprecious stones harvested in the area. In 1945, he started his own company, H.Stern, with the goal of marketing Brazilian gemstones — then virtually unknown on the global stage — to an international audience.
Though the company began as a trader in gemstones, it soon expanded to jewelry, with Stern assembling and training a team of young jewelers. A frequent motif in the company’s designs was the star, as Stern is “star” in German. In 1949, H.Stern opened its first jewelry shop in Rio de Janeiro, but a storefront was not his customers’ only view into the brand’s jewelry-making process. In the 1950s, Stern became one of the first major jewelers to offer tours of his workshop, showing off the creative process and elevating the role of craftsmanship in jewelry design.
Stern’s approach and his vibrant jewels, which favored organic settings designed to show off colorful gems, earned international recognition and put Brazil’s topaz, amethyst and tourmaline on the map. Tourmaline was reportedly Stern’s favorite, and the company’s Rio de Janeiro vaults are also home to Paraíba tourmalines, which are mined in the mountains of Paraíba, Brazil. He recognized the burgeoning tourism industry in the country as an opportunity to promote the beauty of these stones, opening stores in the lobbies of Brazil’s leading hotels and investing in vehicles to bring visitors to the H.Stern headquarters. By the mid-1990s, the company was opening stores abroad and selling jewelry at international department stores.
In the 1980s, the brand debuted its first celebrity collaboration, with French actress Catherine Deneuve. Since then it has worked with partners such as designer Diane von Fürstenberg and architect Oscar Niemeyer. In 2016, Assouline published a book on the 70-year history of H.Stern, from its humble founding to its worldwide acclaim. Today, the company is run by Stern’s son, Roberto, who has introduced a broad range of new collections and styles.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of H. Stern necklaces, rings, earrings and other accessories.
H. Stern 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Wrap Ring
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless, this H. Stern diamond wrap ring is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and showcases three gracefully overlapping bands. Each band is pavé set with brilliant-cut d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern 18k Yellow Gold Aquamarine and Garnet Double Band Ring
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
This striking H. Stern ring features a modern double band design crafted in 18k yellow gold, offering a rich and radiant finish. At the center, a cool-toned aquamarine and a deep gar...
Aquamarine, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage H. Stern 18K White Gold Green Tourmaline Diamond Ring Band Sz 12.25
By H. Stern
Located in Addison, TX
Details: • Authentic H. Stern • Size 12.25 • Solid 18K White Gold • Natural Green Tourmaline Center Stone • Emerald Cut / Octagonal Step Cut Tourmaline • Approx. 0.30 CTW Natural Dia...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
H.Stern 18k Yellow Gold Triple Row Knife Edge Band Ring - Size 6
By H. Stern
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Crafted by the renowned H. Stern, this 18k yellow gold band ring exudes timeless elegance with its triple row knife edge design. The exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail a...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Constance Collection 18K Noble Gold Princess Cut Diamond Band Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: H Stern Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K White Gold Ring Size: 7.25 Width: 5.70 mm Weight: 8.85 grams H. STERN Ladies rhodium-plated 18K white gold diamond anniversary,...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.00 Carat Three-Row Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Wedding Band Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Elegantly crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, this stunning wedding band showcases approximately 1.50 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds arranged in three dazzling rows. The classic...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$4,179Sale Price|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
A sculptural band in yellow gold, its softly domed profile curves gently to follow the natural contour of the finger. The surface is set with a mosaic of gemstones in varied shapes, ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern 18k Yellow Gold Fancy Brown Diamonds Covered Leaf Floral Wrap Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Fancy Brown Diamonds - Vibrant & Brilliant Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Shank & Rose Gold Desig...
Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
7.56 Carat Rhodolite Garnet and Diamond Band Ring in Engraved 18k Yellow Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This engraved bezel ring features a 7.56 carat, rich port-wine color rhodolite garnet and sparkling diamonds in a handmade 18k yellow gold design. This setting was custom made for th...
Rhodolite, Diamond, Garnet, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$1,110Sale Price|40% Off
GUCCI 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Garnet 5mm Band Ring
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Gucci band ring finely crafted in Italy and made in 18 karat yellow gold featuring a domed cabochon garnet center inside a 5 mm band. Fully hallmarked with l...
Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Cobblestone 18k yellow Gold Rock Crystal & Diamonds Square Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Elevate your jewelry collection with the H. Stern Cobblestone Clear Quartz & Diamond Ring, a masterpiece of elegance crafted in 18k yellow gold. This exquisite piece showcases a ...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$340Sale Price / item|20% Off
Aquamarine Stackable Half Eternity Band in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Aquamarine half eternity band ring in 18K gold symbolizes the everlasting love between a couple. It shows the infinite love you have for your partner. The half circular shape represe...
Aquamarine, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
2/5 Carat 18K White Gold Men's Princess Cut Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This 18k white gold handcrafted Men's band showcase six (6) perfectly matched Princess cut diamonds scattered on a nine (9) MM wide band. The band's thin edges are polished, and the ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold Turkish Band Ring
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an 18K gold ring made in Turkey. It depicts a wide band with a pierced longitudinal center that is adorned with few scrolls of floral branches and some beads in line framed t...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$864Sale Price / item|20% Off
Marquise Aquamarine and Round Aquamarine Wedding Ring Band in 18K White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Alternating round and marquise aquamarine create an alluring pattern across the top of this elegant and distinctive ring. Specifications: 8 Round ...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold
$328Sale Price / item|20% Off
Stackable 1 MM Round Aquamarine Band Ring 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Stackable 1 MM Round Aquamarine Band Ring in 18K Gold symbolizes the everlasting love between a couple. It shows the infinite love you have for your partner. The round shape represen...
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Louise Wide Three Row Hammered Band Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This bold and elegant H. Stern Louise ring is crafted in luxurious 18 karat yellow gold. Designed with a distinctive hammered finish, it features three wide rows that create a striki...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Adjustable & Flexible 18k Gold Belt Ring w/ Diamonds Sz 8 or 6
By H. Stern
Located in Orlando, FL
H. Stern Belt Ring – 18K Yellow & White Gold with Diamond Accents Specifications: Metal: 18K yellow gold with 18K white gold hardware Width: 10.8mm Diamonds: 13 round brilliant...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
H. STERN Triple Band Ring In Solid Hammered 18Kt White Gold With 40 Diamonds
By H. Stern
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds ring designed by Hans Stern. This is a beautiful triple bands ring, created by the Brazilian jewelry house of Hans Stern. The contemporary ring was crafted with a bold look...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
H. Stern 14K Yellow Gold 1.25ct Diamond Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Southampton, PA
Let this ring bring an extra bit of shine to your style. This piece is by Hans Stern, a German-Jewish businessman who founded his jewelry brand in Brazil in 1945. The ring is rendere...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
H. Stern Triple Row Diamond Band Ring with Star Designs in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By H. Stern
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 6.75 This beautiful H. Stern diamond band ring set in 18 karat yellow gold is a stunning piece that exudes elegance and sophistication. Featuring three rows of dazzling d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern Eternity Band Ring In 18Kt White Gold With 2.70 Ctw In Blue Sapphires
By H. Stern
Located in Miami, FL
Eternity ring designed by H. Stern. Beautiful eternity ring, created by the Brazilian jewelry house of Hans Stern. This classic ring was carefully crafted in solid white gold of 18 ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
H. Stern 18K White Gold Emerald & 1.60 TCW Diamond Bow Ring with Box Size 5.5
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 4.5 Grams Stone: Emerald (3 mm) & Approx 1.60 TCW (0.02 ct) Diamonds Face Of Ring: 19.0 x 10.5 x 6.9 mm Ring Size: 5.5 Hallmark: 18K S Item #: BR-1067-101023-16
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
H. Stern 18k Gold and Diamond Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Lake Worth, FL
H.Stern Diamond and white gold ring Delicate and beautiful 18k withe gold band flexible ring set with three rows total of 42 round brilliant cut diamonds. Ring size 6.25, Gross weigh...
Diamond, 18k Gold
H. Stern Diamond Wide White Gold Band Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Wide Band Ring by H. Stern. With 152 round brilliant cut diamonds VS1 clarity, G color total weight approximately 1.20ct= Details: Weight: 16.3 grams Width: ...
Diamond, White Gold
H. Stern 5.00 Carats French Cut Topaz 18 Karat White Gold Channel Band Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering five French cut topazes weighing approximately 5.00 carat total. Transparent bright blue in color with light saturation. Set East to West in a raised channel. With high pol...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
H. Stern Band Ring in 18Kt White Gold with 3.91 Ctw in Blue Topaz and Diamonds
By H. Stern
Located in Miami, FL
Gems set ring designed by H. Stern. Beautiful piece, created by the Brazilian jewelry house of H. Stern. This contemporary band ring was crafted with a bold look in solid white gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. Blue Topaz: Mount in a channel setting, with 11 calibrated Emerald faceted cut of natural Brazilian vivid blue topaz with a combined weight of 3.85 carats. Diamonds: Mount in a flush setting with 2 round brilliant cut diamonds, 0.06 carats, white colorless F color, VS-2 clarity. Weight: 13.95 Grams, (8.94 Dwt). Size: 6.5 and is sizeable. Measurements: The width is 12 mm (0.47 Inches) and raise 5 mm over the finger. Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the gold assay and signed, "S. 18KT *690AL". EMERALD_MD_MD562030 1703..1723 Hans Stern...
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
H. Stern Blue Topaz and Yellow Gold Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Coral Gables, FL
H. Stern 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring Featuring A 0.40 Carat Oval Blue Topaz. Finger Size 6.5; Purchase Includes One Sizing Service Prior to Shipment. Finished Weight Is 2.8 Grams. Matc...
Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern 1.95 Carats Sapphire 18 Karat White Gold Channel Band Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Eternity band ring is channel set fully around by calibrè cut sapphire Very well matched in strong royal blue color While weighing in total approximately 1.95 carats Completed by ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold