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.
Late 20th Century Bulgari, Italian Silver & Etched Glass Sculpture in Original F
By Bulgari
Located in Long Island City, NY
Bulgari, Bvlgari Italian silver & etched glass sculpture in original fitted leather box, 20th century The glass etched with leafy branches, the silver base engraved Bvlgari on t...
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Vintage Boho Drift Wood Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Boho sculpture. A chic monumental piece of driftwood mounted on a steel plinth. A real showstopper. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Metal
20th Century Murano Glass Toucan Sculpture
Located in Madrid, ES
Charming 20th century toucan sculpture executed in hand-blown art glass from Murano, internationally celebrated for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition. The figure beautifully c...
Art Glass
$2,014Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.12 in W 6.3 in D 1.58 in
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Camel Sculpture
By Arval Argenti Valenza
Located in VALENZA, IT
Solid 800 silver camel. The sculpture was made with the casting technique and then finished completely by hand by expert chisellers to make the camel's f...
Silver
$753Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.85 in W 5.52 in D 3.15 in
20th Century Italian Murano Artistic Glass Cat Sculpture
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
This Murano glass sculpture of a cat exemplifies the artistic brilliance and meticulous craftsmanship characteristic of fine Murano glasswork. The piece's striking amber orange prima...
Murano Glass
$418Sale Price|35% Off
H 19.69 in W 24.41 in D 4.34 in
Abstract Sculpture, Contemporary Box, Late 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Contemporary box is an original decorative object realized in the second half of the 20th century by an anonymous Italian conceptual artist. This o...
Bronze
$5,840
H 73.5 in W 20.75 in D 20 in
Signed Etched Glass Heron Sculpture on Metal Stand, Mid-20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking and tall etched glass panel sculpture, featuring the stylized image of a heron or crane rendered in deep intaglio carving with fine feather and plumage detailing. The bird...
Metal
Murano Glass Carp, Italy, Late 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Murano glass carp Is a beautiful glass decorative object, realized by Murano manufacture following the japanese style in the late 20th Century. This object belongs to the exclusiv...
Murano Glass
Italy Late 20th Century Carved Wooden Elephant
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an amazing piece born by the fine craftmenships of the Sardinian artisan of the beautiful island of Sardinia, Italy. The elephant has a dynamic movement that depict the figur...
Wood
Late 20th Century Golden Sphere Decorative Sculpture
Located in LA CELLERA DE TER, ES
Golden wooden sphere sculpture formed with a bright golden sphere at the top supported with a gray wooden base. Baroque style from late 20th century. *The item is sold as a unique...
Gold Leaf
20th Century Italian Enameled Phoenix Sculpture
By Argenteria Etruria
Located in VALENZA, IT
Resin sculpture depicting "The Phoenix" covered in pure 999 silver. The sculpture is the 33rd piece of a limited edition work of 499 made by the Etruria silver factory in Florence at...
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century Italian Head Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20th Century Italian Head. Made of concrete. Packaging is included.
Concrete
$374Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.91 in W 11.82 in D 4.73 in
20th Century Italian Murano Artistic Glass Seal Sculpture
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
This Murano glass sculpture of a seal is like a remarkable piece that showcases the expertise and artistry inherent in Murano glassmaking. The use of the blown glass technique in thi...
Murano Glass
Bulgari, Silver Mounted Amethyst Geode Quartz
By Bulgari
Located in Montreal, QC
Bvlgari, silver mounted amethyst geode quartz sterling silver, maker's stamp on exterior
Quartz
Sold
H 12 in W 4 in D 4 in
Bulgari, Italian Silver & Etched Glass Sculpture in Original Fitted Leather Box
By Bulgari
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Bulgari, Bvlgari Italian silver & etched glass sculpture in original fitted leather box, 20th century The glass etched with leafy branches, the silver base engraved Bvlgari on two...
Silver