Greek silversmith Sotirios Voulgaris arrived in Rome in 1881 and set up his own shop there in 1884, calling it Bulgari, an Italianization of his last name (in the brand's logo, it's styled BVLGARI, using the classical Latin alphabet in a nod to ancient Roman culture). In 1905, he opened the company’s flagship boutique on Rome’s Via dei Condotti. Since then, Bulgari has looked to Rome as a source of reference for its fanciful and decidedly romantic designs for necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other accessories.
Although the iconic jewelry house found success with its silverwork and Art Deco designs, popular through the 1920s, Bulgari’s signature style — bold, often using yellow gold embellished with big colorful gemstones — began to emerge when Sotirios’s sons inherited the business, in 1932.
The brand truly hit its stride in the dolce vita era of the 1950s and ’60s, when the founder’s grandsons Paolo, Gianni and Nicola Bulgari decisively departed from demure traditional styles to develop the house’s exuberant multi-gem looks, attracting celebrity collectors like Elizabeth Taylor.
In the 1940s, Bulgari debuted perhaps its most famous design, the Serpenti bracelet watch. The piece’s snakelike coils were made possible by the tubogas jewelry technique, which links a flexible series of thin horizontal bands. Both the sleek, modern tubogas construction and the sinuous snake motif continue to be synonymous with the Bulgari brand.
On 1stDibs, the collection of vintage Bulgari jewelry includes rings, pendant necklaces, watches and other accessories.
Bulgari black sunglass with signature logo
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari black lucite sunglasses with tinted lens las signature "Bulgari" name on both sides and also on each 'ear' ends. Silver hardware.
Front height: 2 1/4"
Front acr...
Bulgari Women's Black Square-Frame Sunglasses with Metal Accents
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Add some edge to your look with these square-frame sunglasses by Bulgari, in black with metal embellishments. This item comes with a protective case. Colour: Black Material: Plas...
Bvlgari Oversized Square Sunglasses
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bvlgari Oversized Square Sunglasses Black enamel framed sunglasses designed with thin arms detailed with textured gold micro-studs inspired by the brand's iconic jewellery lin...
Bvlgari 8220F Sunglasses Black Brown Gradient
By Bulgari
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Bvlgari 8220F Sunglasses in Black Brown Gradient – a stunning combination of luxury, versatility, and timeless design. These square-frame sunglasses from Bvlgari are ...
Bulgari Oversized Red Gardient Crystal Flower Embellished Sunglasses
By Bulgari
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Bulgari Oversized Red Gradient Crystal Flower Embellished Sunglasses are a striking statement piece that effortlessly combines luxury and bold fashion. These sunglasses feature an ov...
Swarovski Contemporary Black Unisex Sunglasses, Italy, New Condition
By Swarovski
Located in Capri, IT
Swarovski black with swarovski sunglasses NWOT
Bulgari Y2K Tortoise Shell Sunglasses
By Bulgari
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Bulgari Y2K Tortoise Shell Sunglasses, a perfect blend of classic style and luxurious glamour. These sophisticated sunglasses feature a timeless brown tortoise shell pattern with sleek rectangular frames, making them a versatile addition to your eyewear collection. The brown lenses offer excellent sun protection while seamlessly blending with the tortoise shell design. The thick arms boast a striking gold tone and silver tone Bulgari logo on the side, adding a touch of luxury. To complete the glamorous look, the arms are embellished with sparkling rhinestones, giving these sunglasses a subtle yet eye-catching finish. These Bulgari sunglasses...
Bottega Veneta Signature Detailed Large Black Lucite Sunglasses
By Bottega Veneta
Located in New York, NY
Bottega Veneta signature large black lucite sunglasses are wonderfully detailed with the iconic woven design on the arms. The arms is also accented with gold hardware studs as...
Yves Saint Laurent Thick Black Lucite Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent thick black lucite sunglasses are accented with his signature "YSL" in gold hardware along the arms. The front measures 5 3/8" across, height is 2", arms are 5...
Georgio Armani Thick Black Lucite with Silver "Weave" Hardware Sunglasses
By Giorgio Armani
Located in New York, NY
Georgio Armani thick black lucite sunglasses are accented with detailed "Weave" in silver hardware along the arms of these glasses. The width acr...
Jewelry historian Vanessa Cron combed 1stDibs and selected some dazzling pieces with timeless appeal.
From Elizabeth Taylor to Zendaya, the Serpenti has been the accessory of choice for generations of it girls.
