Bulgari Jewelry & Watches

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.

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

Does Bvlgari have serial numbers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 30, 2024
Yes, most Bvlgari pieces have serial numbers. When using a serial number to identify an authentic Bvlgari piece, look for crisp, clear numbers that are either engraved or embossed, depending on the item. Additionally, the iconic jewelry house uses two spellings for its name — Bulgari and Bvlgari. The latter spelling, used for its hallmark, employs the classical Latin alphabet in a nod to ancient Roman culture. So the brand’s name as it appears on its accessories will see the “U” replaced with a “V” (counterfeiters are likely to overlook this detail). A jeweler or other industry professional can help you authenticate your Bvlgari jewelry.

Although Bvlgari found success with its silverwork and Art Deco designs, popular through the 1920s, the house’s signature style, which is bold, often incorporating yellow gold embellished with big colorful gemstones, began to emerge when founder Sotirios Voulgaris’s sons inherited the business, in 1932.

Find Bvlgari jewelry for sale 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.