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.
Bvlgari Bulgari Monete Gold Chain Necklace Ancient Roman Coins
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A spectacular Bulgari Monete 18k gold necklace, featuring eight ancient Roman coins. This vintage Bulgari Monete necklace is made of 18k gold and set with a series of authentic ancie...
18k Gold, Mixed Metal, Gold
BULGARI Tubogas Necklace with Ancient Domiziano Coin Pendant 81–96 AD
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A commanding creation of sculptural goldwork and historic resonance, this exceptional BULGARI Tubogas necklace brings together the house’s pioneering engineering with the quiet power...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari ‘Monete’ American 1806 Half Eagle Liberty Gold Coin Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari ‘Monete’ American Gold Coin Necklace In 18K Yellow Gold. The necklace features very rare 1806 Half Eagle Liberty coin stationed in the center, bezel set in 18k yellow gold...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1980s Bvlgari Moneta Roman Coin Necklace with Diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with an ancient Roman coin and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 6.30 carats. Signed by Bvlgari Circa 1980s 16 1/4 inch...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Bulgari Monete Ancient Coin Vintage Collar Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Gender/Age Group: Unisex, suitable for all age groups Color: 18K yellow gold with a dark brown patina on ancient Roman coins Size: Collar length; Irregular shapes reflecting old coin...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$475
W 1.19 in D 0.24 in L 17.72 in
21st Century Bulgari style Costume Jewelry Italian Brass and Monete Necklace
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This eye-catching Italian costume jewelry necklace is a luxurious, modern interpretation of the iconic Bulgari Monete style, which famously incorporates ancient coins into bold, cont...
Brass
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Ancient Roman Coin w/ Ruby Curb Link Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Ruby - Oval & Round Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Red - 5.7x4.3mm (oval) 7.3mm (round) (approx.) (1) Genuine Ancient Roman Coin - Most likely an Ancien...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Bronze
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
Vintage 14k Gold Ancient Coin w/ Ruby & Diamond Panther Link Chain Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Ruby - Oval Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Red - 6.7x4.8mm (approx.) (12) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant Whi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Bvlgari Moneta Roman Coin Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with an ancient Roman coin. Signed by Bvlgari Circa 1970s 15 3/4 inches long
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.
