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.
Cartier Sapphire and Diamond Flower Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Sapphire and Diamond Flower Earrings Pair of Ear-Clips Gold, Platinum, Sapphires, Diamonds Cartier, circa 1955 Each featuring a flower of openwork gold wires, centering on f...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Bvlgari Cabochon Sapphire Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari Cabochon Sapphire Earrings. A pair if earrings featuring a center cabochon sapphire surrounded by smaller cabochon sapphires & round cut diamonds. Measurements: 1" long ...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Important Bvlgari Diamond Brooch & Earrings Set
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari Diamond Brooch & Earrings Set Brooch: 1 Old European Cut diamond weighing 9.41 carat Set with 58 marquise cut and 38 round cut di...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Floral Sapphire and Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Floral Sapphire and Pearl Earrings A pair of white gold floral motif earrings set with cultured pearls and oval-cut sapphires Approximate Length: 1" Back Type: Clip-on with post ...
Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Sapphire Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Turquoise and Sapphire Earrings A pair of yellow gold earrings set with oval cabochon turquoise centers, surrounded by twisted gold wire loops, accented with ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Earrings A pair of gold rounded dome ribbed motif earrings featuring cabochon sapphires and round cut diamonds. Sapphire Weight: approximately 6.16 ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Bulgari Flower Fancy Sapphire and Diamond Earrings in Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
A beautiful pair of vintage Bulgari fancy coloured sapphire and diamond earrings set in 18k yellow gold.
From the discontinued Bulgari collection, the earrings feature flo...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI Sapphire and Diamond Flower Ear Clips, Circa 1960s
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A dazzling expression of vintage glamour, these BVLGARI circa 1960s ear clips blossom with a vibrant mosaic of richly saturated sapphires, encircled by a radiant halo of baguette and...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari Cabochon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Earrings and Brooch Set
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari Cabochon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Earrings and Brooch Set Description: This vibrant and luxurious set by Bulgari includes a pair of floral earrings and a matching brooch,...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Clip-On Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Broomall, PA
These dazzling Bvlgari earrings add a striking note of color and sparkle to any ensemble. Each fan-shaped design is built around an oval Sapphire center — one a 1.14 carat blue Sapph...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
3.44ct Sapphire 3.20ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Flower Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A captivating expression of floral elegance, these exquisite 18-karat yellow gold earrings are masterfully crafted to showcase the timeless beauty of fine sapphires and diamonds. Des...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire with Diamond Flower Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 61.70 carats with Diamond 0.80 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.6 cm Length: 2.6 cm Total Weight: 22.95 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k 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.
