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.
Hermes Farandole long necklace 120
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Farandole long necklace 120 with box and certificate. A very stylish Long necklace in sterling silver Silver 925/1000, Total length: 120 cm Made in France
Silver
Van Cleef and Arpels Vintage Alhambra holiday pendant 2023 Obsidian
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra holiday pendant 2023 Obsidian and diamond. A limited edition 18k rose gold Silver Obsidian and diamond from the 2023 Holiday collection. The pend...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Hermes Kelly Chaine Choker diamond necklace
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Kelly Chaine Choker Necklace 18K Rose Gold and Diamonds. The necklace is crafted of 18 karat rose gold and features the signature Kelly clasp motif pave-set with round brillia...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sapphire and Diamond Cross Pendant
By de GRISOGONO
Located in London, England
This stunning cross is a unique statement piece, Set with circular-cut and oval sapphires of various hues within a surround of brilliant-cut diamonds. Measuring approximately 110 × 6...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef and Arpels 5 motif bracelet in guilloche gold and diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra bracelet 5 motifs in 18K yellow gold and Diamonds. This VCA bracelet in guilloché 18K yellow gold and diamonds. Comes with makers box and a recen...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Carter love bracelet white gold and diamonds
By Cartier
Located in London, England
Carter love bracelet , the classic model in 18k white gold and 10 DIAMONDS. Set with 10 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 0.96 carat, original fastening system with two functional scr...
Diamond, 18k 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 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 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
Bulgari Diamond Serpenti Necklace in 18kt White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Approximately 75.50 carats Color/Clarity: D-F color, VVS-VS clarity Size: Approximately 16 inches (40.64 cm) Creator: Bulgari Metal: 18k white gold Weight: 171.60 grams...
Diamond, White Gold
BULGARI Milano Bvlgari-Bvlgari Pendant Necklace 18Kt White Gold and VS Diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
A Bvlgari-Bvlgari necklace chain designed by Bvlgari. This is a beautiful contemporary necklace-chain created in Italy by the jewelry house of Bvlgari, back in the 2000's. The neck...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
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
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.
