Hans Stern founded H Stern in 1945 in Rio de Janeiro.  The company focused on colored stones and started wholesaling when they opened in 1945.  The company grew and transitioned to retail opening their first location on the Rio de Janeiro docks in 1949.  This location turned out to be fruitful as this was the point of arrival for international passengers on cruise ships.  The business expanded and grew over the next few decades then Roberto Stern took the helm.  He took the company on an extensive restructuring process in the 1990's.  In the late 1990's they began to focus on fashion trends and launched collections inspired by celebrities.  Today the company has 150 stores from Latin America to the US and Europe as well as Asia.