No stranger to fanciful, bold jewelry designs, Marina Bulgari is the granddaughter of the founder of the legendary luxury house BVLGARI. In the 1970s, she established her own brand, Marina B, and her vibrantly colored, exclusive accessories were widely coveted by jewelry lovers of the 1980s. The same goes for the collectors of today.
When her grandfather Sotirios passed away in 1932, Marina Bulgari’s father Constantino took over the iconic jewelry house alongside his brother Giorgio. Since she was a child, her passion for art and design was wholly enriched and broadened thanks to the historically celebrated family business that was growing in popularity around her. She studied at Saint Mary’s College in England and upon graduating began to contribute her own designs to BVLGARI. When her uncle Giorgio died in 1966, Marina began to help run the business. When her father passed away in 1973, she took his place at the luxury house and remained there for three more years before striking out on her own.
The first Marina B boutique opened in Geneva in 1978. In the years that followed, more locations were established in Milan, New York City and Paris. Marina’s brand embodied luxurious, easy-to-wear jewelry — for women, by women. Women of the era were newly independent, and the jewelry industry — its workshops, boutiques, and other areas of the business — had long been led by men. Alongside Marina, the likes of Elsa Peretti, Angela Cummings and a range of others whose work is still being brought to light today would change that.
Elizabeth Taylor — a dedicated enthusiast of BVLGARI’s dazzling eye candy and the sinuous snake motif that has come to be synonymous with the brand — was among the high-profile admirers of Marina B jewelry in its early days, and her accessories could frequently be seen as part of Taylor’s red carpet ensembles. Marina drew on Japanese and Byzantine traditions and created adornments that were stylized and graphic. Her work was fresh and innovative — for her Pneu collection, she created earrings that could be worn as either drop earrings or studs and in 1980, she unveiled a unique gem cut she called the Chestnut, which landed somewhere between a trilliant cut and a pear cut. This would become a signature of the brand.
Marina introduced other major collections such as the Shirine in 1984 as well as the Atomo and Cardan collections in 1989 before retiring during the 1990s. Ahmed Fitahihi, a Saudi Arabian sheik, bought the company in 1999 before it changed hands again in 2011 when it was acquired by the chief executive of Windsor Jewelers, Paul Lubetsky. In 2017, Italian-born French jewelry designer Guy Bedarida — an alum of Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels and a former creative director at John Hardy — took over as majority shareholder and creative director at the band.
Hollywood starlets how found a lot to love about Marina’s designs over the years. In addition to Elizabeth Taylor, her work was worn by Sophia Loren and Grace Kelly. Marina B choker necklaces are popular among contemporary musicians like Rihanna who wore one at the opening ceremony of Rihanna Drive in Barbados and Alicia Keys, who donned a Marina B choker at her 2013 Superbowl performance.
Find Marina B earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets on 1stDibs.
$240,000
Marina B Atomo Suite
By Marina B
Located in New York, NY
A Constellation in Gold As if light had gathered itself into form. This remarkable Atomo suite by Marina B is an ode to volume, rhythm, and transformation. Composed of meticulously a...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Marina B. Multi-Colored Glass & 18K Gold Bracelet
By Marina B
Located in Flushing, NY
A striking vintage Marina B. multi-colored glass and 18K yellow gold bracelet, showcasing the bold color, sculptural volume, and distinctive material combinations associated with Mar...
Chunky Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet Charm Bracelet.
Located in San Francisco, CA
LOVE this Chunky Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet Charm Bracelet! It would make a fabulous, unique gift for any, and is sure to become a family he...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,756Sale Price|25% Off
W 0.37 in L 7 in
Multi-Colored Sapphire Rainbow Link Bracelet with Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Incredible pave diamond and rainbow sapphire bracelet fills your wrist with vibrant color and charm. This unique kaleidoscopic piece features a variety of vivid hues that create a st...
Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gucci Marina Link 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Gucci
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A magnificent 18K yellow gold Gucci Marina link bracelet composed of (6) six graduated marina link chains in various sizes. This bold bracelet sits comfor...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Retro 18K Yellow Gold Wide Multi-Link Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
This bold and beautifully textured vintage bracelet features a wide multi-link design set in 18K yellow gold. With a striking 1.4-inch width and secure box clasp, it exudes a retro e...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pomellato Vintage 18k White & Yellow Gold Bangle Suite
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Pomellato bangle suite exemplifies refined Italian goldsmithing and modern design. Crafted in solid 18k white and yellow gold, it showcases a harmonious contrast...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Modernist Diamond Suite
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Created by Tiffany & Co. circa 1975-1976, and featured in the firm's beloved Blue Book, this modernist bracelet and ring are composed of 18K gold, platinum over four-and-a-half carat...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Multi-Strand Woven Bracelet #24889
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Multi-Strand Woven Bracelet- This elegant 18K yellow gold bracelet features three woven stands accented with nine scattered bezel-set diamonds. The intri...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pomellato Vintage 18k White & Yellow Gold Bangle Suite
By Pomellato
Located in Feasterville, PA
Circa unknown. This Pomellato bangle suite exemplifies refined Italian goldsmithing and modern design. Crafted in solid 18k white and yellow gold, it showcases a harmonious contrast...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
H. Stern 18 Karat Yellow Gold Multi-Colored Rainbow Gemstone Link Bracelet
By H. Stern
Located in Baltimore, MD
H. Stern Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Multi-Colored Rainbow Gemstone Link Bracelet Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 22.78 grams Length: 7.5 inches Width: 6.8mm Gemstones: 6 x 8mm oval...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Garnet, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Trifari Sterling Retro Suite
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful Trifari gold washed sterling silver retro demiparure circa 1940. Set with oval cut garnet pastes. Can be worn as bracelet and necklace or as an ...
Gold Plate
Antonio Pineda Sterling and Onyx Suite
By Antoñio Pineda
Located in Darnestown, MD
The bracelet of this exciting Matchstick Set illustrates the cover of "Silver Seduction: The Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda". This silver and onyx set is one of the finest e...
Onyx, Sterling Silver
Vintage Aquamarine Diamond Onyx Mauboussin Earrings Necklace Bracelet Suite
By Mauboussin
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional one-of-a-kind aquamarine diamond and black onyx suite attributed to Mauboussin Paris and set in 18 karat yellow gold. This impressive suite consists of a necklace, bracelet, and earrings and is a vintage creation dating to 1980s. It is emblematic of the bold French high-jewelry glamour of that era. Large aquamarines highlight each individual piece in the suite and feature an ever-elegant emerald-step-cut. The aquamarines display a rich and lively blue color that lights up beautifully as the pieces are worn. They are also characterized by very fine clarity. Vivid aquamarine gemstones float on top of oval 18 karat yellow gold base which is masterfully inlaid with black onyx and encrusted with sparkling fine white diamonds. The necklace and bracelet also feature elegant large oval gold links, surface of which is embellished with decorative ridges, and diamond set short links joining them. Diamonds total approximately 10.5 carats altogether. The juxtaposition of vivid blue aquamarines against elegant black onyx and sumptuous frames of glittering diamonds and luminous yellow gold setting create an incredibly sophisticated and chic statement jewelry. The pieces are in excellent condition and bear French hallmarks of the period including a maker’s mark for Péry & Fils which was one of the main jewelry makers for Mauboussin Paris. For further details please see summary below as well as individual listings for each of these pieces in our 1stdibs store. Suite pricing offers an attractive discount compared to buying each of the pieces individually. Summary: - Vintage suite dating to 1980s masterfully combines large blue aquamarines, elegant black onyx, white diamonds and 18 karate yellow gold into a bold and chic design that makes for high-statement jewelry - Featuring large vivid blue aquamarines of emerald-step-cut and of very fine clarity. Aquamarines altogether weigh an impressive 76 carats (24 carats for the necklace/ 30 carats for the bracelet / 11 carats for each of the earrings) - Featuring altogether approximately 10.5 carats of fine white round diamonds (F-G color) - Necklace measures approximately 16.5 inches (42cm) in length and its center pendant is approximately 1.2 by 1 inch (3cm by 2.6cm); bracelet measures approximately 6.9 inches (17.5cm) in length and its center section is approximately 1.25 by 1 inch (3.2cm by 2.5cm); clip-on earrings (posts for pierced ears can be added) measure 1in (2.5cm) in length and width - Attributed to Mauboussin Paris and with French hallmarks of the period including maker’s mark for Péry & Fils (well know Mauboussin jewelry...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina Link Bracelet in 18 Kt Yellow Gold - Micheletto
By Olivo Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Discover the timeless elegance of the Micheletto Marina Link Bracelet, a signature piece from the iconic Micheletto collection. Crafted with precision and artistry, this exquisite br...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 9K Yellow Gold Pietra Dura Suite in Original Fitted Case
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian pietra dura and yellow gold suite, comprising a bracelet, a locket containing hairwork, a pair of earrings, and a pair of buttons, in polished hardstone and 9 karat yello...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arts and Crafts Suite, Gorham and Co.
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Gorham Arts and Crafts Suite in sterling silver. Hand hammered links are used for both the bracelet and necklace. The necklace has a center "jewel" which is silver squared o...
Sterling Silver
Marina B. French 1986 Citrine Diamond Onyx Pearl 18 Karat Gold Station Bracelet
By Marina B
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a multi-strand bracelet with a geometric central station featuring an emerald cut citrine Weighing approximately 15.73 carats - transparent medium brownish orange Flank...
Citrine, Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Exquisite Marina B Disc Bracelet
By Marina B
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite bracelet manufactured by italian designer Marina B during the 1980s, presenting circular interlinked elements of semiprecious stones (amethyst, chalcedony, green onyx), ...
Amethyst, Chalcedony, Onyx, 18k Gold