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 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
BULGARI Serpenti Viper Diamond 18k Rose Gold 3-Row Sm. Ring. COA, Box.
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Bvlgari Serpenti ring features a 3-row viper design crafted in 18k rose gold and set with 68 round brilliant-cut E-F VVS1-VVS2 diamonds weighing an estimated 1.13 carat...
Diamond, Rose Gold
BULGARI B.Zero1 Full Diamond Rose Gold Ring 11
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This iconic Bulgari spiraling ring from the B.zero1 collection features 3-rows of brilliant-cut round D-E-F VVS1-VVS2 diamonds set in an 18k rose gold. The Bulgari logo is inscribed ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
BULGARI Serpenti Viper Diamond Mother-of-Pearl Rose Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Bulgari one-coil ring from the classic Serpenti Viper collection is crafted in 18k rose gold and set with brilliant-cut E-F-G VVS1-VVS2 diamonds and white Mother-of-Pea...
Diamond, Rose Gold
BULGARI Serpenti Seduttori Diamond Rubellite Rose Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Bulgari ring from the iconic Serpenti collection is crafted in 18k rose gold, set with a pair of rubellite eyes and pave-set with round brilliant-cut E-F-G VVS1-VVS2 di...
Diamond, Rubelite, Rose Gold
BULGARI Spiga Diamond Yellow Gold 3 Row Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Bulgari bracelet is crafted in 18k yellow gold and is designed as a flexible wrap bracelet of chevron links, accented with round E-F-G VVS1-VVS2 diamonds weighing an es...
Diamond, Yellow 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
Bulgari B.zero1 Rose Gold and Diamond Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New Orleans, LA
This iconic Bulgari B.zero1 bangle exemplifies the house’s mastery of contemporary luxury design. Crafted in 18K rose gold, the bracelet is pavé set with diamonds totaling 11.60 cara...
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
Bulgari Serpenti Diamond Red Pink Rubellite 18K Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet Size M
By Bulgari
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Serpenti bangle bracelet by Bulgari, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K rose gold. This striking piece features the Maison's legendary serpent design adorned wit...
Rubelite, 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 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
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.
