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 18K White Gold Serpenti Seduttori Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
The ring: Designed as a serpent in highly polished eighteen karat white gold with diamond pave. It is set with (36) round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.75 carat and...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
A Cartier Love Bracelet Classic Model 4 Diamond 18K White Gold Size 16
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The bracelet: A Cartier Love bangle bracelet designed in eighteen karat white gold set with four round brilliant cut diamonds. This Classic model is a size 16. The bracelet is in ve...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Love Bracelet, Classic Model, 18K White Gold 4-Diamond Size 17
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The bracelet: A Cartier Love bangle bracelet designed in 18k white gold gold, set with (4) round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.42 carat. This classic model is a si...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Love Bracelet, Classic Model, 18K Rose Gold, 10-Diamonds, Size 17
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The bracelet: A Cartier Love bangle bracelet designed in eighteen karat rose gold set with (10) round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.96 carat. This classic model is...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Love Bracelet, Classic Model, 18K White Gold, Size 17
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The bracelet: A Cartier Love bangle bracelet designed in eighteen karat white gold. This classic model is a size 17, it measures 0.24 inch in width; it weighs 32.4 grams. The bracel...
18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Love Bracelet, Classic Model, 18K Yellow Gold, 4-Diamonds, Size 19
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The bracelet: A Cartier Love bangle bracelet designed in 18K yellow gold set with (4) round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.42 carat. This classic model is a size 19...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Diamond Contraire Crossover Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
This is a spectacular diamond ring from the luxury jewellery designer Bvlgari. The ring features two diamond clusters that are set in a crossover style. The three largest pear cut di...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Fiorever Diamond Ring 18K White Gold 1.01Cttw Size 55 US 7
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Fall in love with this beautiful Blvgari Fiorever diamond ring. Crafted in lustrous 18K white gold. It features a center prong set round brilliant cut diamond embraced with Bvlgari’s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti 18K White Gold 2.77ct Diamond Ring BV29-060526
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
This Bvlgari Serpenti ring offers unmatched aesthetics. Instantly captivating, the simple 18K White Gold setting comes to life in pav Diamonds and beautifully depicts the luxury bran...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Bulgari Astrale Fireworks Articulated Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This breathtaking Bulgari "Fireworks" diamond ring is a true masterpiece of Italian fine jewelry design, instantly captivating with its extraordinary kinetic energy and playful yet s...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Venezia 2 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Bvlgari Venezia engagement ring is a stunning showcase of Italian craftsmanship, featuring a brilliant, high-quality diamond at its center. This sophisticated piece is...
Diamond, Platinum
Bvlgari Parentesi 18K White Gold 0.72ct Diamond Ring BV10-012226
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
This Bvlgari Parentesi ring is crafted in 18K white gold and features a 14mm wide-band form. Signature bracket-shaped Parentesi motifs repeat across the openworked center, creating a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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.
