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 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
BULGARI Colombian Emerald and Diamond Architectural Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A bold symphony of geometry and color, this striking 1985 Bvlgari creation embodies the house’s devotion to dramatic proportions and rich heritage. At its heart, a mesmerizing 11.54-...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold, Colombian Emerald and Diamond Trombino Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A commanding expression of BULGARI’s bold Roman aesthetic, this exceptional Trombino ring is centered by a vivid Colombian emerald weighing approximately 8.40 carats. Cut in a classi...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
BULGARI 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Double Emerald Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A bold and unmistakably sculptural creation from BULGARI, this striking bypass ring embodies the house’s distinctive dialogue between strength and sensuality. Crafted in a harmonious...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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
BVLGARI 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Twin Diamond Contrast Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A bold vision of 1980s luxury, this ring from Bulgari captivates with its architectural duality and dynamic contrast. Fashioned in 18k yellow gold and platinum, it features a strikin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Bvlgari 18k Yellow Gold Parentesi Amethyst and Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Bvlgari 18k Yellow Gold Parentesi Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail Ring Style: Bvlgari Parentesi 18k Yellow Gold Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail Ring Brand: Bvlgari Material: 18k Yellow...
Diamond, White Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Amethyst Ring, 2.54 Carats
By Bulgari
Located in New Orleans, LA
This vibrant ring by the Italian jewelry house Bulgari centers a richly saturated oval cut amethyst. The 2.54-carat gemstone displays an ideal deep purple hue and is set within a bol...
Amethyst, 18k Gold
Rare Bvlgari Amethyst Emerald Cut 18k Yellow Gold Signet Bezel Rubover Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Bvlgari Emerald Cut Amethyst 18k Yellow Gold Signet Style Ring. This rare Bvlgari ring features a top grade emerald cut vivid purple amethyst set in a fine 18k yellow g...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI Parentesi Amethyst Diamond 18k Rose Gold Ring COA Box
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This timeless cocktail ring from Bulgari's striking Parentesi collection is crafted in 18k rose gold and set with a faceted purple amethyst stone and pave brilliant-cut VVS2-VS1 diam...
Amethyst, Diamond, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Parentesi Cocktail Ring in 18kt Gold with Amethyst and Diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in Aventura, FL
This beautiful cocktail ring by Bvlgari from the Parentesi collection is crafted in luxurious 18kt yellow gold. The centerpiece is a striking multifaceted natural amethyst, accented ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BVLGARI Amethyst and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking expression of Italian luxury, this authentic BVLGARI statement ring is masterfully crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and showcases the brand’s bold yet timeless design langu...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, 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.
