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 Serpenti Tubogas Diamond Rose Gold Watch
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
Experience the captivating allure of this Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas watch, a masterpiece of Italian jewelry and horological design. Crafted in luxurious 18k rose gold, this iconic pie...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Inspired Rose Gold Diamond Sapphire High Jewelry Watch
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
An extraordinary Bvlgari high jewelry wristwatch, masterfully crafted in 18 karat rose gold and adorned with an exceptional arrangement of diamonds and vivid purple sapphires. Combin...
Diamond, Sapphire, Rose Gold
Cartier Ballon Bleu 18k Rose Gold Diamond Bezel Automatic Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning Cartier Ballon Bleu wristwatch, reference WE902026, is a sophisticated timepiece crafted in luxurious 18k rose gold. The 36mm round case features a brilliant-cut diamon...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Ballon Bleu Two-Tone 18k Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Diamond Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Cartier Ballon Bleu wristwatch, reference W3BB0007, epitomizes luxury and timeless elegance. Crafted in a sophisticated two-tone aesthetic, the timepiece features a re...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Chopard Happy Sport Ruby and Diamond Rose Gold Ladies Wristwatch
By Chopard
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Chopard Happy Sport ladies' wristwatch is a masterclass in luxury horology, perfectly blending high-jewelry aesthetics with Swiss mechanical precision. The timepiece f...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Bvlgari B.Zero1 Diamond Black Ceramic and 18k Rose Gold Four-Band Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Exude timeless sophistication with this iconic Bvlgari B.Zero1 four-band ring, a masterpiece of contemporary Italian design. Crafted from luxurious 18k rose gold, this striking piece...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Bulgari (Bvlgari) Serpenti Tubogas Rose Gold Steel watch with box and documents
By Bulgari
Located in Lisboa, PT
An iconic Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas watch, crafted in 18 kt rose gold and steel, embodying one of the Maison’s most recognizable and sculptural designs. This size S model features the...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
Bvlgari Diagono 18k Rose Gold Watch with Chocolate Face Limited Edition
By Bulgari
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Bulgari Diagono Rose Gold Limited Edition Limited edition 6 of 500 // With Chocolate Face Chronograph 40MM 18KT Rose Gold Silver Dial Leather Bracelet B&P 2016 Year 2019 Bvlgari i...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Rose Gold Diamond Set 101788 SPP26G
By Bulgari
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rose gold Serpenti by Bvlgari. Features a black dial with each hour marker diamond-set. At 12 and 6 o'clock of the case is a total of 6 round brilliant cut diamonds. Fitted with a ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
BVLGARI Bulgari Parentesi Diamond Watch 18k Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 2000's. Rare Bulgari Parentesi watch studded with diamonds including the buckle! The dial is a rose cut diamond. This watch will surely t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Ladies Watch Quartz Mother of Pearl Diamond 18K and Stainless Steel
By Bulgari
Located in Fairfield, CT
Bulgari Ladies Watch Quartz Mother of Pearl Diamond 18K and Stainless Steel Crafted by Bvlgari, this timepiece reflects the house’s signature blend of refinement and modern design. ...
Diamond, Pearl, Stainless Steel
Bvlgari LVCEA Watch with Diamonds in 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Lucerne, CH
Inspired by modern architecture, the Bvlgari LVCEA watch celebrates radiant femininity with a rose gold case featuring a pink gold, diamond-set bez...
Diamond, Gold, 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.
