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.
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Bracelet with Hamilton Watch, 3.75 TCW
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Art Deco period platinum, 3.75 TCW diamond bracelet with a concealed miniature Hamilton watch. Fabulous, substantial design with a central diamond three row rectangular panel...
Diamond, Platinum
Rare Art Deco 2.30 TCW Diamond 14K White Gold Cocktail Ring with Concealed Watch
Located in New York, NY
This striking, elegant Art Deco cocktail ring holds a delightful surprise- a miniature watch is revealed when you open the front diamond set filigree panel, making it a marvelous con...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vivianna Torun for Georg Jensen Large Smoky Quartz Sterling Silver Bracelet 1968
By Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe
Located in New York, NY
Superb Scandinavian Modernist smoky quartz and sterling silver large statement bracelet by Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe for Georg Jensen Denmark 1968 Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe is consi...
Quartz, Sterling Silver
Pair French Antique Rose Cut Diamond 18K Gold Bracelets, Early Marcus & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous pair of antique French Rose cut and European cut diamond 18K rose gold and silver topped gold bracelets, the diamonds 4.45 TCW, in an early Marcus & Co. leather silk lined box, marked Jaques & Marcus. Marcus & Co. began as a partnership with George B. Jaques as Jaques & Marcus in Union Square, New York City. Jaques retired in 1892 and the business changed its name to Marcus & Co. thereafter. The company had ties with French jewelry designers- the French miniature portraitist Fernand Paillet designed a pendant for them and it is likely that they retailed French pieces in their New York City showroom. Metropolitan Museum of Art has a Jaques & Marcus insect form brooch in their collection, marked J&M on the hook and lists the firm as being active from about 1882 to 1892. The MMA brooch...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rare Estate Garrard & Co. Large Sterling Silver Armoreal Shield Pendant Necklace
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in New York, NY
Rare estate Garrard substantial stering silver Armoreal Shield pendant necklace Provenance: from the estate of a notable New York City psychiatrist and collector of unusual, often o...
Sterling Silver
Organic Form Diamond Sterling Silver Rosa Maria Statement Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Hand hammered silver signet ring with a crown of rose cut icy yellow diamonds by Lebanese designer Rosa Maria Provenance: estate sourced from the collection of a noted NYC psychiatri...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Bvlgari Stainless Steel Diagono Automatic Wristwatch circa 1995
By Bulgari
Located in Stamford, CT
Simple and classic Bulgari stainless steel Diagono automatic wristwatch, circa 1995. This exquisite timepiece is crafted in durable stainless steel and effortlessly marries robust fu...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Bvlgari 38mm Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch, Swiss Made, Unisex
By Bulgari
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Stainless steel case. Reference BB...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Bulgari Ladies stainless Steel quartz Wristwatch Ref BB23SLD
By Bulgari
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: quartz Function: hours, minutes Case: 23mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal Band: *worn* original Bulgari black leather strap with steel Bulgari tang buckle, fits up ...
Stainless Steel
Bvlgari Estate Sapphire Crystal Quartz Watch Stainless Steel 38 mm
By Bulgari
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bvlgari Estate Sapphire Crystal Quartz Watch Stainless Steel 38 mm B12 This elegant Authentic Bvlgari Watch is made of stainless steel. Newly polished TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 P...
Crystal, Quartz, Sapphire, Steel, Stainless Steel
Bvlgari Diagono Ergon EG40S 40mm Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bvglari Diagono Ergon EG40S 40mm Watch with Black Rubber. -Condition: Like-New, Pristine -Brand: Bvlgari -Model: Diagono -Style: EG40S -Dial: Black -Material: Stainless Steel -Case...
Stainless Steel
Bulgari Ladies Wrist Watch Automatic with Diamonds and MOP Dial, Ref. BBL33S
By Bulgari
Located in Berlin, DE
Bvlgari Ladies Wrist Watch Automatic with Diamonds and MOP Dial. Ref. BBL33S Bulgari remaining guarantee until 09/23. With original new unworn Bulgari strap. From first owner. Excellent condition. Including original Box and papers. Diameter without the Ruby crown.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Stainless Steel
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.
