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.
Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. Baroque Multi-Gem 18K Gold Wide Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
A bold and sculptural Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. baroque style bracelet crafted in rich 18 karat yellow gold and set with vibrant natural gemstones. This striking wide bra...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Sculptural Gemstone and Diamond Bangle Bracelet in 18K Gold
By David Webb
Located in Chicago, IL
David Webb with this exquisite bangle bracelet, a striking creation that blends bold design with timeless elegance. Hand-crafted in 18K yellow gold and platinum, the piece features a...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Tubogas Peridot and Tourmaline Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
A distinctive Bulgari bracelet from the iconic Tubogas collection, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and accented by two vibrant peridots. The bracelet features the signature flexible...
Peridot, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10 Carat Tiffany & Co. Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Retro Era Tiffany & Co. Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet An exquisite and historically significant Tiffany & Co. bracelet from the Retro Era, showcasing timeless sophistication...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century Cartier Diamond Tri Color Gold Woven Bracelet 4.48 Carats
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional Mid-Century Cartier bracelet masterfully crafted in 18 karat yellow, white, and rose gold, showcasing the maison’s legendary artistry and unmistakable sense of eleganc...
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Natural Sapphire Bracelet 6.50 CTW Diamonds
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant bracelet is set with approximately 6.50 carats total weight of natural diamonds, predominantly in the H color range with SI clarity, offering a lively brilliance and exc...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Certified Natural Multi Color Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari Certified Natural Unheated Multi Color Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet A yellow gold bracelet composed of oval links set with multicolor sapphires, each framed by round cut di...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Bulgari Burmese Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Cuff Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Sapphire 30 cts., Dia. 18 cts. Certification: SSEF and Gubelin Creator: Bulgari Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 116.50 grams Period: 1980s Condition: Used - Previously o...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Sapphire Diamond Cuff Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Accents
By Bulgari
Located in Fairfield, CT
Bulgari Sapphire Diamond Cuff Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Accents This Bulgari cuff bracelet is made in 18K yellow gold and features two cabochon-cut blue sapphires totaling appr...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald Ruby Bracelet 18 Karat Yellow Gold Circa 1960
Located in London, GB
A vintage diamond, sapphire, emerald and ruby bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold, circa 1960. This exceptional bracelet is set with square cut...
Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Multicolored Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet
By Valente
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully crafted multi-colored natural sapphire bracelet is comprised of 38.51 carats of sapphires and 3.51 carats of diamonds. Made ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold
Multi-Colored Sapphire Rainbow Link Bracelet with Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Incredible pave diamond and rainbow sapphire bracelet fills your wrist with vibrant color and charm. This unique kaleidoscopic piece features a variety of vivid hues that create a st...
Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 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.
