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.
Retro 14K Yellow and Rose Gold Bracelet
Located in New Orleans, LA
This bold Retro bracelet exemplifies the sophisticated design of mid-century jewelry. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it showcases a unique alternating pattern of three ...
Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Pink Sapphire Bracelet, 7.09 Carats
Located in New Orleans, LA
Glamour and elegance define this striking bracelet, which presents a dazzling chain of pink sapphires and white diamonds. The links sparkle on the wrist with a total of 7.09 carats o...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold
Mary Tyler Moore’s Cartier Gold Trinity Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite Cartier Trinity bangle not only belonged to the iconic Mary Tyler Moore, but it also exemplifies the timeless elegance of one of the world's most recognizable jewelry ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Diamond Bracelet, 42.33 Carats
Located in New Orleans, LA
A striking statement of brilliance, this flexible bracelet is completely paved with bright white diamonds totaling an impressive 42.33 carats. Its unique stretchable design allows it...
Diamond, White Gold
Retro Rose and Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in New Orleans, LA
This stunning French retro bracelet showcases the bold, geometric elegance that defined mid-century jewelry. The alternating links and bars of 18K rose and yellow gold create a capti...
Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Rose and Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in New Orleans, LA
This striking Retro bracelet embodies the bold and sophisticated aesthetic of mid-century jewelry. It features an alternating pattern of four 14K rose gold links followed by three 14...
Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI Serpenti Scaglie Pave Diamond Rose Gold Large Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous large-sized Bulgari one-coil Viper bracelet from the classic Scaglie Serpenti collection is crafted in 18k rose gold and demi pave-set with brilliant-cut round D-E-F VV...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Fiorever 18K Rose Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet Size Small #5206
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
An exquisite floral motif takes center stage on this Bvlgari Fiorever bangle bracelet. Crafted from 18K Rose Gold, inset Diamonds sparkle and shine throughout the delicate design. Th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
BULGARI Serpenti Seduttori Diamond 18k Rose Gold Medium Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Bulgari bangle bracelet from the iconic Serpenti collection features a snake design crafted in 18k rose gold and set with a pair of rubellite eyes and demi pave round b...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Fiorever Diamond 18k Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet Sz M
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
Bvlgari Fiorever Diamond 18k Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet is a masterful blend of Roman spirit and timeless elegance. Crafted from warm 18k...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper One-Coil 18K Rose Gold Pave Diamonds Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Aventura, FL
Serpenti Viper one-coil 18 kt rose gold bracelet set with pavé diamonds on the head and tail. With its signature blend of pure aesthetics, enveloping shapes, and charismatic flair, t...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
BVLGARI Rose Gold Rubelite and Diamond Serpenti Seduttori Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
BVLGARI Rose Gold Rubelite and Diamond Serpenti Seduttori Bracelet PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: Z156319 Listing Title: BVLGARI Rose Gold Rubelite and Diamond Serpenti Seduttori Bracelet Con...
Rubelite, Rose Gold
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.
