Bulgari Jewelry & Watches

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.

Bulgari jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Bulgari jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs.

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Questions About Bulgari Jewelry & Watches

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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.