Bulgari Letter Openers

Italian

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.

Creator: Bulgari

Vintage 20thC Italian Solid Silver Letter Opener / Paper Knife By Bulgari c.1970

$954

Vintage 20thC Italian Solid Silver Letter Opener / Paper Knife By Bulgari c.1970

By Bulgari

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

A 20th Century refined and minimalist desk accessory, this piece exemplifies Bulgari’s distinctive modern aesthetic. The design is sleek and architectural, with a gently tapering blade and a clean, angular handle formed from a folded silver construction, giving it a sculptural, almost industrial elegance. A stylish and increasingly collectible piece of Bulgari silver...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Silver

Vintage 20thC Italian Solid Silver Letter Opener / Paper Knife By Bulgari c.1970

$1,089

Vintage 20thC Italian Solid Silver Letter Opener / Paper Knife By Bulgari c.1970

By Bulgari

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Silver

20th Cebtury Italian Big Sterling Silver Letter Opener

$868Sale Price|20% Off

H 0.99 in W 14.57 in D 2.37 in

20th Cebtury Italian Big Sterling Silver Letter Opener

By Arval Argenti Valenza

Located in VALENZA, IT

Large, completely handmade, sterling silver letter opener. Perfect for a prestigious desk. The blade is smooth while the hand is embossed by hand on both sides with scrolls and fl...

Category

1990s Italian Other Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Chrome Figural Fish Metal Letter Opener Knife, Germany Dated 1978

$160

H 1.38 in W 6.25 in D 0.5 in

Vintage Chrome Figural Fish Metal Letter Opener Knife, Germany Dated 1978

Located in Nuernberg, DE

1978 Fish Figural Metal Letter Opener, Austria This charming fish-shaped letter opener is a delightful example of late-20th-century design. Made of metal with a warm, aged patina, i...

Category

1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Metal

Vintage French Equestrian Letter Opener, Christian Dior, c.1970's

$755

H 1.5 in W 9.75 in D 1.5 in

Vintage French Equestrian Letter Opener, Christian Dior, c.1970's

By Christian Dior

Located in Bath, GB

An unusual and highly sought-after vintage silver plated letter opener by the world renowned, Christian Dior. The letter opener is fashioned in the form of a belt with engraved "s...

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Silver Plate

Letter Opener or Paper Cutter in Silver Bronze

$758 / item

H 8.67 in W 0.79 in D 0.4 in

Letter Opener or Paper Cutter in Silver Bronze

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Letter opener in silver bronze Silver plated bronze letter opener 35/42 microns Measures: L: 218 mm, weight: 118 gr This letter opener is the handmade work of French designer Richard Lauret...

Category

2010s French Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Bronze

Edgar Brandt Bronze Paper Knife/Letter Opener

$583

H 7.88 in W 1.3 in D 0.4 in

Edgar Brandt Bronze Paper Knife/Letter Opener

By Edgar Brandt

Located in NANTES, FR

Art Nouveau letter opener, circa 1905, in bronze. Decorated with ginkgo biloba leaves, stamped E. Brandt. In perfect condition. Length: 20 cm Width: 3.3 cm Thickness: 1 cm Weight...

Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Bronze

Edgar Brandt Bronze Paper Knife/Letter Opener

$408

H 5.71 in W 1.26 in D 0.12 in

Edgar Brandt Bronze Paper Knife/Letter Opener

By Edgar Brandt

Located in NANTES, FR

Art Nouveau bronze paper knife, circa 1905. Decorated with mistletoe, stamped E. Brandt. In perfect condition. Length: 14.5 cm Width: 3.2 cm Thickness: 0.3 cm Weight: 35 grams Ed...

Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Bronze

Silver Plate Letter Opener

$240

H 8.5 in W 1.75 in D 0.25 in

Silver Plate Letter Opener

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Silver plate letter opener - a large and well designed letter opener in silver plate - ergonomically designed and weighted on one end for easy handling and an artful design - handsom...

Category

20th Century Modern Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Silver Plate

Late 20th Century/C. 1970 Silvered Napoleon Empereur Letter Opener by Christofle

$1,500

H 0.5 in W 9 in D 2 in

Late 20th Century/C. 1970 Silvered Napoleon Empereur Letter Opener by Christofle

By Christofle

Located in North Miami, FL

Late 20th century/circa 1970 silvered Napoleon Empereur letter opener by Christofle By: Christofle Material: silver, silver plate, metal, paper Technique: polished, silvered, metalw...

Category

Late 20th Century French Renaissance Revival Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Silver, Silver Plate, Metal

Carl Auböck Brass Hand Letter Opener Letter Knife #7208

$420 / item

H 0.1 in W 5 in D 1.5 in

Carl Auböck Brass Hand Letter Opener Letter Knife #7208

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Vienna, AT

A minimalist but charming letter opener in the shape of a hand. Model number 7208, handmade of solid polished brass, designed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Fully stamped an...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Brass

Sterling Silver Letter Opener

$385

H 9 in W 1 in D 0.25 in

Sterling Silver Letter Opener

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This sterling silver letter opener is a handsome piece that makes a great gift. Not only is it functional but a beautiful accent to your desk. Sleek and unadorned it works with any d...

Category

1940s Vintage Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Edwardian Sterling Silver and Gray Agate Letter Opener / Paper Knife

$975

H 0.5 in W 8.5 in D 0.75 in

Edwardian Sterling Silver and Gray Agate Letter Opener / Paper Knife

By Mappin & Webb

Located in New York, NY

Edwardian, sterling silver and gray agate letter opener/paper knife, Sheffield, England, year-hallmarked for 1901, Mappin and Webb - makers. The agate has d...

Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Agate, Sterling Silver

Letter Opener or Paper Cutter in Silver Bronze

$756 / item

H 8.67 in W 0.79 in D 0.4 in

Letter Opener or Paper Cutter in Silver Bronze

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Letter opener in silver bronze Silver plated bronze letter opener 35/42 microns Measures: L: 218 mm, weight: 118 gr This letter opener is the handmade work of French designer Rich...

Category

2010s French Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Bronze

Previously Available Items

Bvlgari / Bulgari Sterling Silver Letter Opener

Sold

H 0.4 in W 1 in D 7.5 in

Bvlgari / Bulgari Sterling Silver Letter Opener

By Bulgari

Located in New York, NY

Bvlgari / Bulgari sterling silver letter opener with heavy gage silver. This high-quality decorative piece measures 7 1/2'' in length by 1'' in width, marked "Bvlgari", is sure to be...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Bvlgari Roma 1970s Vintage Parrot Bird Letter Opener in .925 Sterling Silver

Sold

H 4.85 in W 0.52 in D 0.27 in

Bvlgari Roma 1970s Vintage Parrot Bird Letter Opener in .925 Sterling Silver

By Bulgari

Located in Miami, FL

Letter opener designed by Bvlgari. Vintage desk piece, created in Rome Italy by the luxury house of Bvlgari, back in the 1970's. This very decorative letter cutter opener have been crafted with the stylized shape of a parrot bird in solid .925/.999 sterling silver with high polished finish. Weight: 26.2 Grams, (16.79 Dwt). Measurements: 123 mm by 14 mm by 7 mm (4.85 X 0.52 X 0.27 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the silver assay mark and signed, "BVLGARI MADE IN ITALY .925". Bvlgari, was founded in the late 19th century by Sotirio Bulgari, who was born in 1857 in Greece and was descended from a talented family of silversmiths. In 1884 he opened his first shop in Rome on the Via Sistina, and then in 1905 he moved to the actual flag's store in Via dei Condotti. Upon Sotirio’s death in 1932 his sons, Giorgio and Costantino, took over the business. They are credited with creating the highly distinctive ‘Bvlgari’ style...

Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Bvlgari / Bulgari Sterling Silver Letter Opener

Sold

H 0.4 in W 1 in D 7.5 in

Bvlgari / Bulgari Sterling Silver Letter Opener

By Bulgari

Located in New York, NY

Looking for a unique and elegant gift for a birthday, Father's Day, Mother's Day or a housewarming? This high-quality sterling silver letter opener by Italian designer & retailer Bvl...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bulgari Letter Openers

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Bulgari letter openers for sale on 1stDibs.

Bulgari letter openers are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of sterling silver and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original letter openers by Bulgari were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the 20th century. Prices for Bulgari letter openers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $690 and can go as high as $690, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $690.

Questions About Bulgari Letter Openers

Is Bulgari handmade?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Whether or not Bulgari is handmade depends on the piece. Typically, skilled artisans working in the company's own factories located in Italy handcraft the Italian luxury brand's jewelry, bags and small leather accessories. Most of the manufacturing for Bulgari sunglasses is done by machine. Shop a range of Bulgari on 1stDibs.
Why is it called Bulgari?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
Why it is called Bulgari relates to founder Sotirios Voulgaris's source of inspiration: Rome. The Greek silversmith arrived in the Italian capital in 1881 and set up his 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. Since then, Bulgari has looked to Rome as a source of reference for its fanciful and decidedly romantic necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other accessories. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Bulgari jewelry and watches.
What is the difference between Bulgari and BVLGARI?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
The difference between Bulgari and BVLGARI comes down to usage. Bulgari is the proper name of the luxury Italian jewelry house. However, in advertising and in its logo, Bulgari's brand name appears as BVLGARI. Changing the U to a V is meant to reference the Latin alphabet and represent Bulgari's roots as a company founded in Rome. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of Bulgari jewelry, watches and accessories.
Why is Bulgari spelled Bvlgari?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
Why Bulgari is spelled Bvlgari comes down to the concept behind the brand's logo and word mark. The actual name of the luxury jewelry house is Bulgari. However, its logo and trademark spell the name as BVLGARI to make it resemble the convention of the Latin alphabet as a reflection of the location of its headquarters in Rome, Italy. In addition, the "V" represents the initial of the last name of founder Sotirios Voulgaris. Find a diverse assortment of Bulgari jewelry on 1stDibs.
Is a Bulgari ring worth it?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
Yes, many jewelry lovers believe that a Bulgari ring is worth it. Bulgari’s signature style is bold and often features 18-karat yellow gold embellished with big, colorful gemstones. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in a Bulgari ring is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find Bulgari rings and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Are Bulgari rings worth it?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
Many jewelry lovers believe that Bulgari rings are worth it. Since the opening of the company’s flagship boutique on Rome’s Via dei Condotti in 1905, Bulgari has looked to the Italian capital as an inspiration for its fanciful and decidedly romantic designs for rings and other jewelry. One of the luxury jewelry maker's most iconic rings is the Serpenti, inspired by the maker's Serpenti bracelet watch, which debuted in the 1940s. Other popular designs include the B.zero1 and the Bvlgari Bvlgari, available in 18-karat white, yellow and rose gold. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Bulgari rings is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find Bulgari rings and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
How do I know if my Bulgari is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
There are a few ways to determine whether or not your Bulgari jewelry is real. First, Bulgari uses the highest quality material for all of its pieces, such as 18-karat gold, platinum, silver or steel with meticulously cut gemstones and diamonds. Second, all pieces should be stamped with “made in Italy” and a “BVLGARI” text. Note that Bulgari uses the classic Latin alphabet, which is why a “V” is used in place of a “U.” Browse a large collection of authentic Bulgari jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What does the Bulgari Serpenti mean?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
What the Bulgari Serpenti motif means is largely a matter of personal interpretation. However, Roman designs inspired the Bulgari Serpenti, and in Ancient Rome, snakes were symbols of fertility, rebirth and protection from evil. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Bulgari pieces.
Who designed the Bulgari Diagono?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
Gèrald Genta designed the Bulgari Diagono. When the timepiece debuted in 1988, it was the first sports watch the Italian luxury fashion house and watchmaker had ever produced. As a designer and engineer, Genta transformed both the overall appearance of timepieces and how they function. He’s also one of the few watchmakers whose creations for brands other than his own earned him worldwide acclaim. Shop a collection of Bulgari Diagono watches on 1stDibs.
Why are Bulgari watches expensive?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024
Bulgari watches are expensive for a few reasons. For one thing, Bulgari's artisans often use painstakingly complex, time-consuming crafting techniques to make the dramatic timepieces. One example is the tubogas jewelry technique, which links a flexible series of thin horizontal bands and is what gives Bulgari's iconic Serpenti watch its coiling effect. Due to the amount of time and skill it takes to execute its techniques, Bulgari tends to have high labor costs. In addition, the luxury maker uses pricey materials such as 18-karat gold, platinum and titanium. Also, the number of Bulgari watches produced each year is usually less than the demand for them, which leads to higher pricing. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Bulgari watches.
Does Bulgari jewelry hold its value?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Jewelry made by the Italian luxury brand Bulgari is said to be among the highest quality jewelry in the world. Vintage Bulgari jewelry — available on 1stDibs — is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. In fact, vintage Bulgari jewelry often shows up at international auctions.
Are Bulgari watches worth the money?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024
Yes, many watch lovers believe that Bulgari watches are worth the money. Since the founding of its flagship store in 1905, Bulgari has looked to Rome as a source of reference for its fanciful and decidedly romantic watches and other pieces. 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, and its timepiece remains popular among collectors today. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Bulgari watches is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find a range of Bulgari watches on 1stDibs.
Is the Bulgari Serpenti watch waterproof?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
No, the Bulgari Serpenti watch is not waterproof. However, it is water-resistant up to 30 meters. Waterproof means that a timepiece blocks out water, while a water-resistant timepiece resists water entry but can let some moisture in. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Bulgari Serpenti watches.
Does Bulgari use real diamonds?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
Yes, Bulgari uses real diamonds. In fact, the luxury jewelry maker is well-known for adorning its jewelry with diamonds that meet high color, clarity and cut standards. Many diamonds featured in Bulgari jewelry carry GIA certification, indicating that they meet quality standards established by the Gemological Institute of America. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of Bulgari diamond jewelry.
How do I clean a Bulgari B Zero ring?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
How to clean a Bulgari B Zero ring depends on the material. You can clean the metal with a soft-bristled toothbrush, warm water and dish soap, and then rinse with lukewarm water. Use a cleaning product formulated for leather to clean leather rings. Wipe gemstones with a soft cloth. Bulgari recommends that you visit a Bulgari boutique once every year for professional cleaning. On 1stDibs, find a range of Bulgari B Zero rings.