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 18K White and Yellow Gold Link Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Golden Duality: Bvlgari Link Bracelet, 1970 A masterpiece of dual-toned elegance—this link bracelet by Bvlgari embodies the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship. Each link, a harmoniou...
Bulgari Curb Link Bracelet in Gold with Diamond Onyx and Rock Crystal
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A composition of contrast, bold yet controlled. This Bulgari bracelet from the 1970s reimagines the classic curb link with the house’s unmistakable sense of volume and play. Alternat...
Crystal, Diamond, Onyx, Rock Crystal, Gold
18K Gold Bulgari Diamond Long Chain Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Intervals of Light Gold flows in a continuous rhythm, interrupted only by diamonds suspended like points of brilliance. Crafted by Bulgari in Italy, this striking long necklace trans...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Bulgari “Doppio Cuore” Diamond Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Where sentiment becomes sculpture. A celebration of love rendered with unmistakable Roman confidence, this extraordinary Bulgari *Doppio Cuore* necklace transforms the timeless hear...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Bulgari Bronze Monete Diamond 18K Gold Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A bold statement of elegance and history. This necklace by Bvlgari is crafted in 18k gold and bronze, showcasing a striking medallion centerpiece. The medallion, encircled by a halo ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Bronze
Van Cleef & Arpels Philippine Diamond Bangle
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Refined in form, luminous in detail. Created by Van Cleef & Arpels during the 1990s, this elegant bracelet from the celebrated Philippine collection exemplifies the house's gift for ...
Diamond
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
Vintage Bvlgari 18k Gold Steel Link Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Bulgari Oro Acciaio bracelet is crafted in 18k yellow gold and steel, reflecting the bold, industrial design language associated with the house in the late 1970s to early 1980s....
18k 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
18KT Gold Italian Curb-Link Bracelet
Located in Braintree, GB
A substantial Italian bracelet in 18KT yellow gold, formed as a broad line of polished curb links with a strong, clean profile. The links are tightly articulated and sit closely toge...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Bulgari Bvlgari Link Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Link Vintage Bracelet by Bulgari. Exuding timeless sophistication, this Vintage Bvlgari 18k Yellow Gold Link Bracelet showcases the brand’s mastery in crafting iconi...
Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Heavy Curb Link Bracelet 67 Grams Men's
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
A bold and sophisticated Tiffany & Co. curb link bracelet crafted in luxurious 18 karat yellow gold, exemplifying the timeless appeal of one of the maison’s most iconic jewelry s...
18k Gold, Yellow 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.
