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.
$55,000
W 2.375 in D 0.625 in L 3.5 in
Cartier Paris Gold, Platinum and Diamond Compact France, Circa 1970
By Cartier
Located in Austin, TX
An exceptional and highly collectible Cartier Paris compact, masterfully crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. This elegant rectangular compact features a gently curved silho...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Cartier 18k 750 Yellow Gold and Diamond Compact
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Vintage 18K yellow gold Cartier compact powder box with a woven texture and diamond encrusted thumb-piece. Circa 1950's. The compact is stamped with th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Italian Diamond Solid 18k Yellow Gold Tiara Compact Box
Located in Miami, FL
A luxurious way of carrying your make-up! This vintage diamond 18K yellow gold compact box from the 1940s, features a diamond-accented closure in 18K...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$8,010Sale Price|20% Off
W 2.17 in D 0.4 in L 2.17 in
18Kt Gold Rare Compact Powder Box with Chain - Made in Italy 1970 circa
Located in Bergamo, BG
To make this collector's item now, with top-notch Italian craftsmanship, would cost about €11,000 This gold powder box embodies sophisticated elegance...
18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
1940's Sapphire Diamond 14k Gold Compact Box
Located in Miami, FL
This 1930s authentic compact box with a lipstick holder, a powder compartment and a vanity mirror underneath the flap is crafted in solid 14K yellow gold, ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Compact Box - Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This stunning vintage compact box, crafted from solid 18K yellow gold, remains in near-original splendor, virtually unused over time. Its timeless design radiates elegance, preserved with a brilliance that speaks to its immaculate care and craftsmanship. A collectible piece, it embodies both beauty and functionality. Gold: 18K yellow gold, total weight 105 grams Stamp: 750 Condition: Virtually unused, original splendor intact Perfect for collectors, this gold compact...
18k Gold
Cartier Gold Retro Box with Sapphire Clasp
By Cartier
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elegant 14 karat gold minaudiere by Cartier from the 1940's. This Retro piece has a double zig zag design on all surfaces. The clasp is a cabochon sapphire. The box measures 2 7/8 i...
Sapphire, 14k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Compact Box with Mirror - Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This exquisite 1950s vintage compact box, crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, showcases the exceptional artistry of its era. Its exterior is intricately ador...
18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold Jewelry Box
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This is a beautiful Tiffany and co gold jewelry box made in 15 karat yellow gold. This jewelry box is gorgeous and unique. Measurements: length : 6.5 inch width : 3.5 inch depth :...
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
$40,000
W 1.25 in D 2.25 in L 3.375 in
Bulgari 18k Yellow Gold Miniaudiere Clutch Case with Red Gem Cabochon
By Bulgari
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous, Unique Solid 18k Yellow Gold Miniaudiere Clutch/Cigarette Case by Bulgari Features Bezel-Set Red Gemstone Cabochon Button to Release Clasp Appx Dimensions = 3 3/8" x 2 1/4"...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari vintage 18k tricolor gold Tubogas watch
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exceptional vintage Bvlgari Tubogas watch is a striking 1980’s design, beautifully crafted in 18k yellow, rose, and white gold. The seamless combination of three gold tones crea...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid Century 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Spray Brooch, Circa 1950, 0.40ct
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Mid Century brooch from the 1950s is crafted in 18k yellow and white gold and features twenty round brilliant and single cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.40 carats, graded ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro French diamond 18k yellow gold buckle bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exceptional Retro French buckle bracelet showcases a bold and commanding design, set with 12 single cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.50 carat, offering a subtle yet refined...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 12.00 carat diamond 18k yellow gold brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exceptional Van Cleef & Arpels brooch is a remarkable Mid Century jewel from the 1960’s, set with 127 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 12.00 carats in total. ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Mid Century diamond 18k yellow gold cuff bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This remarkable Tiffany & Co. Mid Century diamond cuff bracelet from the 1960’s is a sophisticated expression of timeless design and fine craftsmanship. Crafted in 18k yellow and whi...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Italian diamond 14k yellow gold bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant vintage Italian diamond bracelet is a timeless 1980’s design, featuring 36 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.20 carats in total. Graded G-H color and...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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.
