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 Parentesi vintage bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in PARIS, FR
Vintage BVLGARI Parentesi bracelet in 18k yellow gold and steel. Period: 1980s. Condition: excellent condition (rarely worn, has just been lightly polished). Size: medium. Width of y...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
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 Parentesi Tubogas 18K Gold & Stainless Steel Cuff Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
An authentic Bulgari Parentesi Tubogas cuff bracelet crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and stainless steel, showcasing one of the Roman maison's most celebrated and enduring designs. S...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Bvlgari Tri-Tone Tubogas Wrap Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow, white, and rose gold. The bracelet features graduating coils. Signed by Bvlgari Size 6 inches, flexible
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
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
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
Rare Vintage Bvlgari Tubogas Parentesi Serpenti Bangle Bracelet 18k Gold & Steel
By Bulgari
Located in Birmingham, GB
Very Rare Vintage Bvlgari Tubogas 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bracelet. Stunning Bvlgari bracelet with signature Tubogas Parentesi style. The origins of the Serpenti colle...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Bulgari 18K Yellow/Steel Tubogas Ribbed Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This striking Bvlgari Tubogas bangle bracelet features a wide, flexible coil of alternating polished yellow gold and stainless steel segments, c...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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.
