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.
Cartier 1980s Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A timeless vintage creation from Cartier, this 1980s ring showcases refined luxury and bold design. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, it features a vivid cabochon-cut emerald weighing appr...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Juste un Clou Ring in 18K Rose Gold with Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An audacious statement of elegance, this Cartier Juste un Clou ring is a masterpiece of modern luxury. Crafted in 18K rose gold, it wraps gracefully around the finger in a bold nail-...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Diamond Pavé Ring in 18K White Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Pure brilliance, sculpted into form. Created by Cartier in the 1990s, this striking ring transforms the classic pavé setting into an exercise in effortless refinement. Crafted in 18K...
Diamond, White Gold
Cartier Diamond Swirl Ring in 18K Gold & Platinum
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A quiet thunderbolt of elegance. This vintage Cartier ring is for the woman who knows luxury is best worn like confidence—effortlessly. Crafted in 18k yellow gold and swirled in rib...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Philippine Diamond Bangle
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Refined in form, luminous in detail. Created by Van Cleef & Arpels during the 1990s, this elegant bracelet from the celebrated Philippine collection exemplifies the house's gift for ...
Diamond
Bvlgari B.zero1 Industrial Icon Ring Design by Anish Kapoor
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A modern marvel of form and function. From Bvlgari’s celebrated B.zero1 collection, this 2020 design is a study in sleek, industrial elegance—crafted from a harmonious blend of 18k ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Bulgari Natural Unenhanced Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari Burmese ruby and diamond 'Trombino' ring. An important piece, set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Bulgari Burmese Ruby (6.00TW) and Diamond (3.50TW) "Trombino" Ring Circa 1935
By Bulgari
Located in Carmel, IN
Conceived by Giorgio Bulgari in 1932 the very first Trombino Bulgari Ring was entirely set with diamonds as an engagement ring for his future wife, Leonilde Gulienetti. The ring's p...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
BVLGARI Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A BVLGARI Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring made in 18k yellow gold. The ring has oval and pear-shaped ruby cabochons with diamonds weighing appx. 1.80 car...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Bulgari Burma Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite Bulgari "Toi et Moi" ring, meaning "you and me" in French, displays both the finest gemstones and the exceptional craftsmanship of the renowned jeweler. The bypass rin...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
RARE Vintage Bvlgari Astrea Vivid Red Ruby & Diamond 18k White Gold Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Bvlgari Astrea Oval Cut Vivid Red Ruby 18k White Gold Bypass Ring. The classic Bvlgari snake theme from the modern Astrea line, this 18k white gold bypass ring wraps be...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring GIA Certified
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A captivating vintage treasure, this platinum ring centers on a 2.98 carat oval Burma ruby, certified by GIA Burma origin and noted as heated. The ruby’s rich, velvety red glow is be...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
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.
