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 Spiga 18k Gold Diamond Triple Wrap Flexible Coil Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Original Bulgari Spiga Flexible Strap Bracelet Highlighted with brilliant-cut diamonds, Inner circumference approximately 6' - 7' inches size is adjustable and flexible. signed Bulga...
Diamond, Gold, 18k 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
$125,000
W 1.5 in L 6.25 in
Bulgari French 1970's Diamond 18K Gold Yellow Vintage Triple Spiga Wrap Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a flexible tubogas style wrap bracelet comprised of 'Spiga' motif zigzag segments Featuring rounded terminals with round brilliant cut diamonds in pavéd segments Weighing...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
An 18k Gold Bulgari Celtaura Ribbed Bangle
By Bulgari
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A flexible, heavy 18-karat yellow gold bracelet with semi circular ribs all around that taper in size. Signed: Bulgari, model: Celtaura, Italy. weight: 86.55 g internal dimensions: ...
18k Gold
Bulgari 18K Three Tone Gold Tubogas Coiled Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Size: 7.87 inches (20.0 cm) Inner Circumference Creator: Bulgari Metal: 18K Yellow, White, and Rose Gold Weight: 96.67 grams Period: Circa 1980s Condition: Pre-owned A stunning embo...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Copper
Bulgari Diamond Curb Link Bracelet Two-Tone 18K Gold Vintage Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Fairfield, CT
Bulgari Diamond Curb Link Bracelet Two-Tone 18K Gold Vintage Bracelet This vintage Bulgari bracelet is made in 18k yellow and white gold, featuring a substantial curb-link design wi...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
$45,000
W 2.25 in L 6.75 in
Bulgari 3.40 CTW Diamond 18 Two-Tone Gold Vintage Celtica Tubogas Cuff Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a deeply grooved tubogas style cuff with arching segments Middle segments are topped with white gold and pavéd with diamonds Round brilliant cut and weighing approximatel...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari 18K Gold Curb Link Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A line of gold, uninterrupted. This Bulgari curb link bracelet from the 1970s distills the house’s aesthetic to its purest form. Broad sculptural links in richly textured 18K yellow ...
18k Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Viper Diamond Pave 18K Rose Gold Chunky Bangle Bracelet Size M
By Bulgari
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: An iconic Serpenti Viper bangle bracelet by Bulgari, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K rose gold. This bold, chunky design features the Maison’s modern serpent motif full...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Enigma 18K Gold Bypass Diamond Spinning Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This elegant bypass bracelet by Gianni Bulgari is crafted in 18K rose and white gold and comes from the sought-after Enigma collection. The design features two polished spheres, each...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White 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.
