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.
Bvlgari Serpenti Forever Teal Leather Chain Medium Shoulder Bag
By Bulgari
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301675 Comes With Dandelion Authenticity Guarantee Card Only Model Serpenti Forever Serial Number 27****** Metal Gold-Plated Materials Calfskin Stones Enamel Condition Excellen...
$664Sale Price|31% Off
Miu Miu Blue Matelasse Nappa Leather Shoulder/Hand Flap Bag
By Miu Miu
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Mui Mui blue matelasse nappa quilted leather flap bag features a slim, adjustable leather crossbody strap. Silver hardware lock closure with keys and a leather tag with a hidden mi...
$1,103Sale Price|30% Off
Balenciaga 33cm blue leather structure handle bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Balenciaga blue leather structure handle bag. Classic in a very nice rare blue colour leather "Birkin" style handbag. - Boxy shape. - Gold hardware turnlock flap closure. - F...
Bvlgari Serpenti Forever Small Leather Top Handle Crossbody Bag Black
By Bulgari
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
CONDITION: VERY GOOD Light rubbing around the corners, leather creases and scratches to the leather. Scratches to the hardware. Light stains. DETAILS Bvlgari Serpenti Forever Lea...
Bvlgari Serpenti Forever Trifold Wallet in Navy Blue Leather
By Bulgari
Located in Amman, JO
Bvlgari Serpenti Forever trifold wallet in navy blue leather Sophisticated with a bold signature finish, this Bvlgari Serpenti wallet is craft...
Bvlgari Serpenti Forever Small Leather Top Handle Crossbody Bag White
By Bulgari
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
CONDITION: EXCELLENT Light rubbing around the corners, leather creases and scratches to the leather. Scratches to the hardware. Light stains. DETAILS Bvlgari Serpenti Forever Lea...
BVLGARI Serpenti Forever Flap Bag Green Calfskin Leather Shoulder Bag
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Fair,Signs of normal use overall, with worn corners. There is minimal leather damage, scuffed chai...
Bvlgari Serpenti Forever Small Leather Top Handle Crossbody Bag Green
By Bulgari
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
CONDITION: VERY GOOD Light rubbing around the corners, leather creases and scratches to the leather. Scratches to the hardware. Light stains. DETAILS Bvlgari Serpenti Forever Lea...
$2,300
H 10.63 in W 17.33 in D 6.3 in
LORO PIANA electric blue leather MEDIUM CLUISEE G ODESSA Shoulder Bag
By Loro Piana
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Loro Piana 'Medium Cluisee G.Odessa' top-handle tote bag in electric blue grained calfskin featuring silver-tone hardware. Unlined with two roomy interior compart...
$1,595
H 10 in D 5.75 in L 13 in
Early Jason Wu Blue Leather Structured Tote Handbag with Shoulder Strap
By Jason Wu
Located in Morristown, NJ
A striking and architecturally refined example of early Jason Wu handbag design, this rare two-handle tote from the designer’s Pre-Fall 2012 collection exemplifies the polished sophi...
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.
