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.
Van Cleef & Arpels Coral, Turquoise, and Diamond Necklace and Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Experience the elegance of this Iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Coral, Turquoise and Diamond Necklace Earrings Set, a stunning ensemble that epitomizes the luxury and craftsmanship of ...
Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Bulgari Multi-Gemstone and Pearl Beaded Necklace and Bracelet Set
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A captivating Bulgari necklace and bracelet set, featuring multiple strands of delicately faceted pastel-hued gemstones, including aquamarines, morganites, pink quartz, tourmalines, ...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Pearl, 18k Gold
Seven-Strand Coral Bead Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Seven-Strand Coral Bead Necklace This vibrant necklace showcases a magnificent collection of coral beads in every enchanting shade: oxblood, angel skin, pink, and white. Each strand...
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold, Black Onyx, Coral Cameo, and Diamond Three-Strand Statement Necklac
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Gold, Black Onyx, Coral Cameo, and Diamond Three-Strand Statement Necklace Description: This striking statement necklace features three strands of polished black onyx beads i...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Rock Crystal Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Rock Crystal Necklace Enhance your jewelry collection with this striking David Webb Rock Crystal Necklace, a stunning testament to ...
Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Pavé Crescent Statement Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Pavé Crescent Statement Necklace Description: This exquisite Ruby and Diamond Gold Necklace is an embodiment of elegance and sophistication. Crafted fro...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Coral 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Diamonds Necklace and Earring
Located in Firenze, FI
hand crafted necklace and earrings set on 18k yellow gold and diamonds . this unique piece made of natural coral , set on 18k yellow gold ( approximately 198gr ) and brilliant cut di...
Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold
GUCCI Coral and Diamond Suite
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
GUCCI A coral and diamond necklace, bracelet, and earrings suite, comprising a coral bead necklace and bracelet of torsade design, the clasp and earrings centrally set with an oval-...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Bulgari's Multi-colored Gem Diamond 'Elisa' Set
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Gemstones: Diamonds, Amethysts, Tourmalines Carat Weight: 6.0-8.0 carats Color/Clarity: G-H color, VS clarity Creator: Bulgari Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 56 grams Step into a wo...
Amethyst, Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Van Cleef Chrysoprase, Coral, And Diamond Necklace And Earrings Suite.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef Chrysoprase, Coral, And Diamond Necklace And Earrings Suite.The necklace features omega-link chain, centering polished angel skin coral...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Coral & Diamond Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Coral & Diamond Necklace Carved coral & round diamond link necklace Measurements: 16" long Signed Cartier Italy and numbered Metal T...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Faux Salmon Coral Bead Rope Necklace and Clip on Earrings in Gold, Mid 1900s
Located in Milford, DE
Matching vintage faux salmon coral bead necklace and earrings, accented with glowing gold-tone beads and motifs. Circa mid 1900s. Necklace...
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.
