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 Two-Row Diamond Riviera Necklace, 37.41 cts in Platinum
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 37.41 cts. total Color/Clarity: Certifications: None Size: approximately 16.5" Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels, French Metal: Platinum Weight: 69.30 grams Period: Mid-centu...
Diamond, Platinum
Spectra Fine Jewelry Convertible Diamond Pendant Necklace/Collier
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This spectacular necklace by Spectra Fine Jewelry is a true masterpiece of versatility and elegance. Featuring a stunning combination of round and baguette diamonds, the piece radiat...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Spectra Fine Jewelry 48.86 Carat Diamond Necklace in Platinum
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This Spectra Fine Jewelry necklace boasts a stunning combination of 37.82 carats of round-cut and 11.04 carats of baguette-cut diamonds, set in a luxurious blend of platinum and 18kt...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 81 Carat Diamond Riviere Necklace in Platinum, Circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
81 Carat Diamond Riviere Necklace. A stunning necklace comprising of 75 graduating round diamonds set in platinum. One emerald-cut diamond on the clasp weighing a total of 1.70 carat...
Diamond, Platinum
18K White Gold Diamond Choker Necklace, 8.00ct, Contemporary Design
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 18K white gold choker necklace is a timeless statement of sophistication and grace. Set with 124 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 8.00 carats, it offers a r...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Harry Winston 44.50ct Round Diamond Platinum Necklace, Signed Jacques Timey
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 44.50 cts. Color/Clarity: F-H VS Certifications: HW papers Size: 16.75 inches Creator: Harry Winston Metal: Platinum Weight: 68.89 grams Period: 1980s Condition: Used -...
Diamond, Platinum
Bvlgari Serpenti 18K White Gold 14.03ct Diamond Necklace BV18-051926
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
This Bvlgari Serpenti necklace is incredibly chic. Elegant enough for even your most special occasions, trapezoidal step-cut Diamonds with a total weight of 14.03 carats make it simp...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Viper Slim Necklace With Full Pave Diamonds 18K White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Aventura, FL
Bulgari Serpenti Viper slim necklace in 18 kt white gold, set with full pavé diamonds. In a tribute to its spirit animal, Bvlgari captures the power of seduction in this Serpenti Vip...
Diamond, White Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Viper Necklace With Full Pave Diamonds 18K White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Aventura, FL
With its signature blend of pure aesthetics, enveloping shapes and charismatic flair, the Serpenti Viper 18 kt white gold necklace with full pavé diamonds is an essential interpretat...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Viper Necklace 18K White Gold 0.63ct Full Pave Diamond Pendant
By Bulgari
Located in Aventura, FL
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper 18 kt white gold pendant necklace set with full pavé diamonds. With its signature blend of pure aesthetics, enveloping shapes, and charismatic flair, the Serpe...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari Diamond Necklace in 18K Gold Art Deco aesthetic Elysium Collection
By Bulgari
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptionally stylish Bulgari diamond necklace from Elysium collection showcasing 8 carats of fine white diamonds set in 18 karat gold. The ne...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage Bulgari Astrale Cerch Diamond Necklace in White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Bulgari Astrale Cerchi diamond necklace set in 18k white gold.
The necklace features circular openwork motifs set with round brilliant-cut diamonds, formin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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.
