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.
BULGARI Serpenti Viper Ruby Full Pave Diamond Rose Gold 3-Row Medium Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent 3-row ring from Bulgari's alluring Serpenti collection is crafted in 18k rose gold and fully pave-set with 122 round brilliant-cut E-F-G VVS1-VVS2 diamonds of an est...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
BVLGARI Spiga Diamond Pink Rubellite Heart Yellow Gold 3-Row Adjustable Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This stunning ring from Bulgari's iconic Spiga collection features a flexible 3-row design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with a heart-shaped pink rubellite and brilliant-cut ro...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
BULGARI Serpenti Viper Diamond Mother-of-Pearl Rose Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Bulgari one-coil ring from the classic Serpenti Viper collection is crafted in 18k rose gold and set with brilliant-cut E-F-G VVS1-VVS2 diamonds and white Mother-of-Pea...
Diamond, Rose Gold
BULGARI Parentesi Amethyst Diamond 18k Rose Gold Ring COA Box
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This timeless cocktail ring from Bulgari's striking Parentesi collection is crafted in 18k rose gold and set with a faceted purple amethyst stone and pave brilliant-cut VVS2-VS1 diam...
Amethyst, Diamond, Rose Gold
BULGARI B.Zero1 Full Diamond Rose Gold Ring 11
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This iconic Bulgari spiraling ring from the B.zero1 collection features 3-rows of brilliant-cut round D-E-F VVS1-VVS2 diamonds set in an 18k rose gold. The Bulgari logo is inscribed ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
BULGARI Tubogas Serpenti Pink Tourmaline Yellow Gold 3-Row Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Bvlgari Serpenti 3-row ring from the classic Tubogas collection features a slightly adjustable wrap design crafted in 18k yellow gold and accented with a pear-cut pink ...
Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
BULGARI 18K Rose Gold, Diamond and Rubellite 3-Coil Serpenti Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite embodiment of BULGARI’s iconic Serpenti mythology, this mesmerizing three-coil ring wraps the finger in sculptural elegance and unmistakable Roman glamour. Crafted in wa...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari 18K Rose Gold Serpenti Ring 0.59ct Round F VS Diamonds & 0.2ct Rubellite
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Designer: BVLGARI Detailed Description: Embrace the allure of the Bvlgari Serpenti ring, crafted in 18 Karat rose gold. Featuring 0.59 carats of F color, VS clarity round brilliant d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori 18K Rose Gold Diamond and Tourmaline Ring BV41-012826
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
Rendered in 18K rose gold, this signed and hallmarked Serpenti Seduttori ring evokes the hypnotic character long associated with the serpent. The asymmetrical band forms a drop-shape...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Bulgari Serpenti Rubelite and Diamond Ring in Rose Gold
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Bulgari Serpenti diamond ring set in 18k rose gold.
The ring is composed of a coiling serpent design, set with a vibrant rubellite and accented with...
Diamond, Rubelite, Other, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
BULGARI 18K Yellow Gold Rubellite, and Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A bold and unmistakably sculptural statement from BULGARI, this commanding ring is centered on a magnificent oval rubellite weighing approximately 16.23 carats. The gemstone radiates...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Ring, 18kt Rose Gold, Pavé Diamonds, Italy
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
This Bvlgari Serpenti Viper ring in 18kt rose gold with full pavé diamonds coils sensually around the finger, summoning the power and mystique of a venomous snake. Serpenti Viper on...
18k Gold, Rose 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.
