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.
Wide Vintage Italian 18 Karat Gold Openwork Bracelet, 72.9 Grams, Circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional vintage Italian bracelet crafted in richly hued 18 karat yellow gold, executed in a striking wide openwork design characteristic of the bold luxury jewelry produced du...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 18K Diamond Textured Cuff Bracelet, Sculptural Wide Cuff, Circa 1970
Located in Miami, FL
This substantial Italian cuff bracelet is crafted in rich 18 karat yellow gold and finished with a sculptural textured surface that gives the piece a dynamic, hand-worked character. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
K di Kuore Italian 18K Yellow Gold Sculptural Link Bracelet, Contemporary Design
By K Di Kuore
Located in Miami, FL
A striking statement of contemporary Italian craftsmanship, this 18 karat yellow gold link bracelet by K di Kuore captures the essence of modern sophistication with sculptural fluidi...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Italian 14K Gold Heavy Interlocking Link Bracelet, 92 Grams
Located in Miami, FL
A substantial vintage Italian bracelet defined by its bold interlocking link design and exceptional weight. Crafted in 14 karat yellow gold, the piece is composed of sculptural, roun...
14k Gold
Bulgari B.zero1 Tubogas Three-Band Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
A classic Bulgari B.zero1 ring crafted in 18-karat yellow gold. The design features Bulgari’s iconic architectural construction inspired by the circular form of the Roman Colosseum. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis 1970s 22K Gold Neolithic Revival Ribbed Bracelet
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Miami, FL
A rare and substantial bracelet by celebrated Greek goldsmith Ilias Lalaounis, handcrafted in richly hued 22-karat yellow gold and dating to circa 1970. Inspired by the elemental for...
22k Gold
Bulgari Steel and Gold Parentesi Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Bethesda, MD
Crafted in Italy, this Bulgari Parentesi bracelet combines steel and gold for a sophisticated look. Weighing 60.5 grams with a flexible design, it offers comfortable wear on a 6.5-in...
Gold, Steel
Bulgari 'Parentesi' Cuff in 18 Karat Gold & Stainless Steel
By Bulgari
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Crafted by the famed Italian maker Bulgari this flexible cuff bracelet is in a pattern called 'Parentesi'. The flexible cuff is crafted from 18 karat yellow gold and stainless steel,...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Bvlgari Parentesi Tubogas Bangle Bracelet Cuff 18k Yellow Gold & Steel
By Bulgari
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Bvlgari Parentesi Bracelet Cuff 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel. Stunning Bvlgari bracelet cuff with signature Parentesi Tubogas style. Stainless steel flexible body of th...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Bvlgari Bulgari Parentesi Tubogas Alveare Bangle Bracelet Cuff 18k Gold Steel
By Bulgari
Located in Birmingham, GB
Very Rare Vintage Bvlgari Bracelet Bangle Cuff In 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel. Stunning Bvlgari bracelet cuff with signature Parentesi/Tubogas/Alveare style. An iconic geometr...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Bvlgari 18k Bulgari Cuff Parentesi Bracelet Size Small
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Bulgari Parentesi bangle bracelet is a great example of the brand’s distinctive design language. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the bangle measures 5.5 inches in inner circ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Vintage Parentesi Cuff Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Bethesda, MD
Authentic Bvlgari Parentesi cuff bracelet crafted in 18K yellow gold and stainless steel. Features the iconic geometric Parentesi design with signature flush terminals and high...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
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.
