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 18K Rose Gold Serpenti Misteriosi Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
The Bvlgari Serpent Misteriosi Secret Watch in 18K Rose Gold Diamond and Rubelite combines luxury, elegance and seduction.. The Serpenti collection is know for its Serpent motif, and...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
BULGARI Diamond and Mother of Pearl Serpenti Viper Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An iconic 2-coil bracelet stylizing a snake by Bulgari from the "Serpenti" collection. Structured in 18K with alternating brilliant-cut diamonds and white mother-of-pearl plaques sha...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
BULGARI 18K Rose Gold, Diamond and Enamel Divas' Dream Wristwatch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A captivating fusion of Italian artistry and Swiss watchmaking, this BULGARI Divas' Dream wristwatch celebrates the elegance and glamour that define the Roman Maison. Crafted in warm 18K rose gold, the 37mm case is inspired by the graceful fan-shaped mosaics of the ancient Baths of Caracalla, a signature design element synonymous with the Divas' Dream collection. The bezel and iconic fan-shaped lugs are brilliantly set with round brilliant-cut diamonds, creating a radiant frame for the enchanting dial. At its center, a beautifully hand-decorated peacock, rendered in vibrant blue and green enamel with diamond-set plumage, comes to life against a shimmering aventurine glass dial that evokes a star-filled night sky. Delicate diamond-set stars sparkle overhead, enhancing the whimsical celestial scene. Powering the watch is a Swiss automatic mechanical movement, visible through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back, showcasing the refined finishing and craftsmanship for which BULGARI is renowned. The timepiece is completed with a deep navy-blue alligator strap and an 18K rose gold BULGARI pin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
BULGARI 18K Two-Tone Gold, Diamond and Ruby Eyes Serpenti Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
The Serpenti collection stands among BULGARI's most iconic creations, drawing inspiration from the serpent as an ancient symbol of vitality, wisdom, and transformation. Since its deb...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari 18k White Gold Diamond Serpenti Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Evocative of ancient Roman symbolism and Bulgari’s timeless flair, this spectacular Serpenti bracelet coils with hypnotic elegance. Fashioned in 18k white gold and ablaze with brilli...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
BULGARI 18K Rose Gold, Diamond and Emerald Serpenti Viper Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An icon of sensual sophistication, this BULGARI Serpenti Viper bracelet coils around the wrist in a dazzling fusion of craftsmanship and symbolism. Fashioned in 18K rose gold, the se...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bulgari Serpenti 18K Gold Diamond Wristwatch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari 18K rose gold Serpenti red lacquer diamond wristwatch with presentation box Weight : 90.9 g Interior circumference : 6 5/8" Case : 26 mm Marked : Au 750 18K BULGARI FABRIQUE ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Rose Gold Diamond Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari Serpenti Rose Gold Diamond Watch A limited edition Bvlgari wrist watch, featuring the brand's iconic snake motif surrounded by 174 round brilliant-cut diamonds of 12.89 cara...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti SPP26G Twirl Diamond in Rose Gold on Diamond & Onyx Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Embrace luxury with this Bvlgari watch crafted in 18k rose gold and mixed metals, featuring 4.12 carats of sparkling diamonds. The sleek black watch face is complemented by a unique...
18k Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Scaglie Rose Gold Diamond Set 102345
By Bulgari
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A true statement of luxury, an exquisite Bvlgari Serpenti Scaglie ref: SPP26C9GD1C9LGD1 102345 an iconic design with exceptional craftsmanship. Powered by a precise quartz movement,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
"Serpenti" Enamel, Diamond and Emerald Bracelet/Ladies Wristwatch, by Bvlgari
By Bulgari
Located in Zurich, CH
Iconic enamel, diamond and emerald bracelet/ladies wrist watch by famous maison Bvlgari. Elegant, flexible bracelet, designed as a coiled serpent, with red enamelled scales, the he...
Diamond, Emerald, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Ring, 18kt Rose Gold, Pavé Diamonds, Italy
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
This Bvlgari Serpenti Viper ring in 18kt rose gold with full pavé diamonds coils sensually around the finger, summoning the power and mystique of a venomous snake. Serpenti Viper on...
18k Gold, Rose 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.
