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.
2.64 Carat Antique Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This charming antique ring centers around a 2.64 carat colombian emerald of exceptional clarity and rich color. The fine crystal is accompanied by a certificate from AGL stating the ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Blue and Yellow Sapphire Twin Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
This lovely twin ring design features a yellow sapphire weighing approximately 4.67 carats and blue sapphire weighing approximately 5.41 carats. Both sapphires exhibit exceptional cl...
Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
GIA 3.51 Carat Vivid Yellow Oval Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Mellen
Located in New York, NY
This 3.51 carat vivid yellow oval diamond exhibits an incomparable saturation, hue, and brilliance. It is mounted "east-west" in an elegant 18K gold ring made up of two split-shank r...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA 5.07 Carat Antique Cushion Diamond in Diamond Pavé and Platinum Ring
By Mellen
Located in New York, NY
This rare and charming 5.07 carat antique cushion-cut diamond is mounted in a simple and delightful diamond pavé and platinum ring with diamonds weighing approximately 1.50 carats on...
Diamond, Platinum
110 Carat Aquamarine and Ruby Retro Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful large emerald cut aquamarine weighing 110.24 carats set with 27 round rubies in a festive gold plated retro brooch. Lovely and bold.
Aquamarine, Ruby, Gold Plate
1.02 Carat Yellow Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Mellen
Located in New York, NY
This very sweet 3 stone ring features a 1.02 round brilliant fancy light yellow VS1 clarity center diamond accompanied by a .68 and .75 carat old mine cut white diamond to either sid...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
BULGARI Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold, Colombian Emerald and Diamond Trombino Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A commanding expression of BULGARI’s bold Roman aesthetic, this exceptional Trombino ring is centered by a vivid Colombian emerald weighing approximately 8.40 carats. Cut in a classi...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Bulgari emerald and diamond ring, Italian, circa 1930
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari emerald and diamond ring. Set to centre with a square emerald cut natural Colombian emerald with minor clarity enhancement in a open back claw setting with an approximate wei...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
BVLGARI Emerald & Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, by Bvlgari, Italy. A stunning confection in green, yellow, and white, this 18k yellow gold ring features an array of superb stones. The main drama is a fine 2.50-ca...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Double Emerald Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A bold and unmistakably sculptural creation from BULGARI, this striking bypass ring embodies the house’s distinctive dialogue between strength and sensuality. Crafted in a harmonious...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Bvlgari GIA Certified 6 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic emerald and diamond ring by Bvlgari, crafted in 18K yellow gold and centered with a striking pear-shaped emerald of notable size and presence. The centerpiece is a 5.9 car...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI Colombian Emerald and Diamond Architectural Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A bold symphony of geometry and color, this striking 1985 Bvlgari creation embodies the house’s devotion to dramatic proportions and rich heritage. At its heart, a mesmerizing 11.54-...
Diamond, Emerald, 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.
