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.
BULGARI 18K Rose Gold, Diamond and Rubellite 3-Coil Serpenti Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite embodiment of BULGARI’s iconic Serpenti mythology, this mesmerizing three-coil ring wraps the finger in sculptural elegance and unmistakable Roman glamour. Crafted in wa...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
BULGARI 18K Yellow Gold Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A powerful and unmistakably Italian creation from BULGARI, this striking ring embodies the bold color, architectural presence, and sculptural confidence that defined the maison’s hig...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 18K Yellow Gold “Hawaii” Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An iconic and highly collectible VAN CLEEF & ARPELS “Hawaii” ring, crafted in richly textured 18K yellow gold and dating to the 1980s. This bold bombe-st...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Cabochon Ruby and Sapphire "Vous et Moi" Bypass Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Ruby and Sapphire set by Outer Rails of Brilliant-Cut Diamonds and Channel Set with Ruby and Sapphire Baguette Cut Gems. Signed - VCA Made in France
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI Amethyst, Emerald & Diamond ‘Carré’ Cocktail Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This jewel from the 1970s demands attention and celebrates the extraordinary, embodying high drama with a touch of Roman flair. Carré Collection captivates with unapologetic glamour....
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This design draws inspiration from the feats of ancient Roman architecture: the enduring lines of the Appian Way, the harmonious arches of the Roman Forum, and the majestic dome of t...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Burmese Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring.
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari Burmese ruby and diamond ring. A natural unenhanced oval old cut Burmese ruby is set horizontally to centre in an open back rubover settin...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Bulgari, Vintage 18K Yellow Gold and Rubelite Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
This classic ring by Bulgari features a gorgeous oval cabochon rubelite measuring approximately 10.20 x 7.80 x 4.85 mm and weighing 4.15 carats. Mounted in 18 karat yellow gold in a ...
Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 1.68 Carat Tourmaline Yellow Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Stamford, CT
Pastel pink tourmaline bezel set Bvlgari ring. 1.68ct pink oval bezel set Tourmaline, 18k yellow gold setting. 1 oval pink tourmaline, approx. 1...
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Bvlgari Tronchetto 18k Yellow Gold Rubellite Pink Tourmaline Ring with Box
By Bulgari
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Bvlgari Pink Rubellite Tourmaline Tronchetto 18k Yellow Gold Ring. Beautiful domed rubellite pink tourmaline set in a fine 18k yellow gold tension set ring. Ring size UK K...
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Bulgari Band Ring 18k Gold Cabochon Ruby Diamond AGL Certificate
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Bulgari band ring made 18k gold, featuring cabochon ruby and diamonds. The ring comes with the AGL and GIA certificates. The band has a smooth and substantial presence wit...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Magnificent Bvlgari 8.23 Carat Ruby Diamond Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold Ring, AGL
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An extremely rare and important gemstone ring by Bvlgari. It features an incredible ruby weighing an astonishing 8.23 carats. What makes the gem so special is the combination of its ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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.
