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.
M. Buccellati, Silver-topped Gold Diamond Pearl Ring
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
A quintessential Buccellati jewel, this pearl and diamond ring evokes Renaissance naturalism through three luminous cultured pearls rising above foliate rose-cut diamond work. Silver...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Silver
Bvlgari, Platinum Pearl Diamond Trombino Ring, GIA
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Cultured pearl measuring approx. 11.7 x 12.2mm, surrounded by round ang baguette diamonds, total approx. 10.85ct, G-H/VS with a few SI. Ring size: 5.75. Accompanied by a GIA certific...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
20th Century Platinum Geometric Ring with Natural Pearls and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This striking ring features two certified natural saltwater pearls (2.44ct and 2.58ct) from LFG Paris, elegantly set in a bold geometric design. Framed by brilliant-cut diamonds and ...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Belle Époque Platinum Gold Natural Pearl Diamond Ring, 6ct
Located in New York, NY
A luminous natural saltwater pearl sits serenely at the center, encircled by eight vibrant old-European-cut diamonds in elegant platinum-topped settings. Warm gold beneath adds softn...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold
Mid-Century 18K Gold & Platinum Diamond Bombe Ring, Circa 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A bold interpretation of the mid-century bombe ring, this jewel showcases pavé-set brilliant-cut diamonds framed by sculptural twisted gold ropework, a signature motif of post-war Fr...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels, 18K Gold Diamond Mother-of-Pearl Color Sapphire Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The Van Cleef & Arpels “Kite” ring, from the Maison’s 2015 Cerfs-Volants collection, crafted in 18K rose gold, the ring features luminous mother-of-pearl panels, a graceful sweep...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Bvlgari Pearl Diamond 18k Gold Cocktail Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Bulgari pearl and diamond ring exemplifies the brand’s signature blend of luxury and Italian craftsmanship. At its center, the ring features a luminous white pearl, flanking t...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Rare Vintage Bvlgari Passo Doppio 9mm White Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Ring EU49
By Bulgari
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Bvlgari Passo Doppio White Cultured Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Ring. A stunning vintage Bvlgari ring from the Passo Doppio range featuring an excellent quality 9mm white cul...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold 1.10ct Diamond and Pearl Ring CA07-040926
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
An opulent design ensures that this Cartier ring will never go out of style. A Pearl center stone provides plenty of old fashioned elegance, while inset Diamonds with a total weight ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond and 16 MM South Sea Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of VAN CLEEF & ARPELS elegance from the 1980s, this magnificent ring showcases a luminous 16 mm South Sea pearl framed by a radiant halo of brilliant-cut diamonds....
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 1.20ct Diamond and Pearl Ring MF08-031726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This enchanting ring is unlike anything youve seen before. A luminous 19mm Pearl contrasts beautifully against the dramatic 18K Yellow Gold setting. Round-cut Diamonds with a total w...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl & Diamond Ring - 18k Round Brilliant .55ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $70 or Down 1 size for $50 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Akoya Pearl Color: White Size: 8.2mm Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .55c...
Diamond, Pearl, 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.
