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 Serpenti Viper Single Coil Pave Diamond Ring - Size Large
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Bvlgari Serpenti Viper ring is crafted in 18K white gold and features a single coil wrap that is pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds. There is approximately 1.74 total carats o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
BVLGARI Serpenti Viper 18K White Gold & Pavé Diamond 2 Coil Ring Medium
By Bulgari
Located in Aventura, FL
From the Serpenti Viper Collection, this ultra-modern interpretation of Bvlgari’s celebrated icon of glamour and seduction enchants through sleek, geometric lines and the sensual coi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
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
BVLGARI Serpenti Viper Ring, 1.74ct Diamond, 18k White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
Introducing the BVLGARI Serpenti Viper Pavé Ring, a symbol of strength, beauty, and transformation. Crafted from the finest materials, this stunning masterpiece wraps your finger in ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Viper One-Coil Full Pave Diamonds Snake Ring 18k White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Aventura, FL
Bulgari or Bvlgari Serpenti Viper one-coil 18 kt white gold ring set with full pavé diamonds. With its signature blend of pure aesthetics, enveloping shapes, and charismatic flair, t...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Viper White Gold Diamond Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
A captivating expression of Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti design, this Viper Band Ring is masterfully crafted in 18K white gold and features articulated geometric links that wrap fluidly...
Diamond, White Gold
BULGARI Serpenti Viper Diamond White Gold 2 Row Ring. Box COA
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent 2-row ring from Bulgari's alluring Serpenti collection is crafted in 18k white gold and fully pave-set with round brilliant-cut round E-F-G VVS1-VVS2 diamonds of an ...
Diamond, White Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Viper Ring With Full Pave Diamonds Snake 18k White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Aventura, FL
Bvlgari With its signature blend of pure aesthetics, enveloping shapes and charismatic flair, the Serpenti Viper 18 kt white gold ring with full pavé diamonds is an essential interpr...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
BULGARI Serpenti Viper Diamond White Gold Medium Ring Box
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Bulgari one-coil ring from the classic Serpenti Viper collection is crafted in 18k white gold and fully pavé set with brilliant-cut diamonds weighing an estimated 1.74 ...
Diamond, White Gold
Bulgari Parentesi Diamond 18k White Gold Band Ring Size 5.5
By Bulgari
Located in Simpsonville, SC
A hallmark of Bulgari’s iconic design language, the Parentesi collection draws inspiration from the interlocking architectural motifs of ancient Roman pavements, reinterpreted with c...
Diamond, Gold, 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.
