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.
Gubelin Certified Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
6.73 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring Description A striking platinum ring centering a 6.73 carat square step-cut Colombian emerald (minor enhancement), beautifully sh...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3 Carat COLOMBIAN Emerald Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Featuring a GIA-certified 3.02 carat natural emerald, octagonal step cut, of Colombian origin, with moderate clarity enhancement (F2). The emerald displays a vibrant green hue and ex...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
C. Dunaigre Certified 6.84 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Exquisite 22-Carat Zambian Emerald and Diamond Ring – AGL Certified This breathtaking ring showcases a spectacular 6.84-carat Colombian emerald of vivid, rich green color, C. Dunaig...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 15.31 Carat Colombian Emerald Heart Diamond Platinum Gold Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional ring featuring a magnificent 15.31 carat natural Colombian emerald, certified by GIA and measuring 14.87 x 14.33 x 10.89 mm. The emerald displays a rich, vivid green c...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum
C. Dunaigre Certified 5.34 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant three-stone emerald and diamond ring centered by a C. Dunaigre certified 5.34 carat natural Colombian emerald. The emerald displays a vivid green color and has a cushion-s...
Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 12 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Halo Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking and highly distinctive statement ring centered around a rare heart-shaped Colombian emerald of exceptional size and presence. The centerpiece is a GIA-certified natural e...
Diamond, White 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
BVLGARI Emerald & Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, by Bvlgari, Italy. A stunning confection in green, yellow, and white, this 18k yellow gold ring features an array of superb stones. The main drama is a fine 2.50-ca...
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 Twin Ring 5.79ct Emerald and 7.25ct Diamond 18k Gold and Platinum
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This chic BULGARI cocktail ring features an exceptional 5.79 carat AGL certified Colombian emerald and a GIA certified 7.25 carat square emerlad...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Bora & Co GRS Certified 10.37ct Colombian Emerald & Natural Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Bora & Co GRS Certified 10.37ct Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring A masterpiece of exceptional beauty and grandeur, this Bora & Co ring features a striking 10.37-carat GRS-certifie...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
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
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.
