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.
Vintage Bvlgari 18k Gold Parentesi Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Bvlgari Parentesi ring is a refined example of the brand’s signature Italian craftsmanship and bold architectural design. Fashioned in 18K yellow gold over a polished st...
18k Gold
Vintage Bvlgari Parentesi 18k Gold Steel Flex Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Bvlgari ring from the 1980s is part of the brand's Parentesi collection, a design inspired by architectural motifs and Roman heritage. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the ring featu...
18k Gold, Steel
Bvlgari Bulgari 18k Gold Parentesi Diamond Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Chic and instantly recognizable Bvlgari Parentesi band ring crafted in 18k yellow gold and accented with pavé‑set diamonds throughout the iconic openwork Parentesi motif. The bright,...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Bvlgari 18k Gold Steel Link Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Bulgari Oro Acciaio bracelet is crafted in 18k yellow gold and steel, reflecting the bold, industrial design language associated with the house in the late 1970s to early 1980s....
18k Gold, Steel
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Two-Tone Gold Knot Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Van Cleef & Arpels two-tone 18k gold knot ring, crafted in rose gold with a contrasting yellow gold center motif. The wide bombé-style band tapers slightly at the shank, giving...
Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Dinh Van 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Ankh Ring
By Dinh Van for Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier Dinh Van Ankh ring crafted in 18k yellow gold, designed with a sculptural spiral that wraps around the finger. The form suggests an abstract ankh, and the polished surface re...
18k Gold
Bulgari Tubogas Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, NA
An iconic Bulgari Tubogas ring circa 1980's showcasing 18k yellow gold in a perfectly balanced ring. The ring measures a size 6.5. The flexible nature of this ring allows some play i...
Gold, 18k Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Ring in 18k Yellow Gold and Steel, 1980s
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, NA
A striking and iconic vintage Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas ring from the 1980s, crafted in a luxurious combination of 18k yellow gold and stainless steel. This elegant piece wraps fluidl...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rare Vintage Bvlgari Alveare Parentesi 18k Yellow Gold & Steel Spring Snake Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Birmingham, GB
Very Rare Vintage Bvlgari Alveare 18k Yellow Gold & Steel Spring Snake Ring. A beautiful vintage mixed metal gold and steel Bvlgari Alveare ring with flex...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Mixed Metal
BULGARI Serpenti ring
By Bulgari
Located in PARIS, FR
BVLGARI Serpenti ring in 18k yellow gold and mother-of-pearl. Condition: excellent condition. Size: S (48-49-50). Width of motif: 14 mm. Weight: 10.31 g. Bvlgari signature and hallma...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Ring 18k Gold Steel Flex Sz 9 Estate Snake Jewelry
By Bulgari
Located in Torrance, CA
Pre-owned Bulgari Serpenti tubogas ring crafted in 18k rose gold & steel (circa 1980s) Diamonds total an estimated 0.10 carats (estimated at G-H color and VS1-2 clarity). The stee...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Steel
BVLGARI Yellow Gold 3 Row 'SPIGA' Ring Band
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
The BVLGARI Yellow Gold 3 Row 'SPIGA' Ring Band is a flexible and stylish piece that wraps your finger in pure luxury! Picture three rows of gleaming yellow gold woven together in a ...
18k 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.
