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.
Cartier "Corinthe" Emerald Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Monaco, MC
A luminous expression of Cartier's design mastery, this "Corinthe" cocktail ring showcases the maison's exceptional ability to balance color, form, and light. Crafted in warm 18k yel...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Emerald Bracelet 1920s French
Located in Monaco, MC
This magnificent Art Deco platinum bracelet represents the zenith of 1920s French haute joaillerie, embodying the geometric sophistication, technical mastery, and luxurious materials...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Mellerio Dits Meller 18K Gold Ruby Emerald Diamond Pavé Ribbon Clip Brooch 1940s
By Mellerio
Located in Monaco, MC
From the oldest jeweler in Paris — Mellerio dits Meller, established in 1613 and jeweler to the crowned heads of Europe — this exuberant clip brooch captures the playful vitality of ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier Tri-Color Gold Wave Cuff Bracelet 18k Yellow White Rose Gold
By Cartier
Located in Monaco, MC
This sophisticated Cartier cuff bracelet exemplifies the maison's legendary craftsmanship and timeless design philosophy. Expertly crafted in 18k tri-color gold—yellow, white, and ro...
Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum Cabochon Emerald Diamond Ring, 1930s
Located in Monaco, MC
Art Deco Platinum Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring, circa 1930s. A striking example of 1930s French jewelry craftsmanship, this bague jonc features a natural cabochon emera...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage French 18k Gold Diamond Brooch 2.90 Carats
Located in Monaco, MC
This extraordinary vintage brooch represents the pinnacle of French mid-century jewelry craftsmanship, showcasing the sculptural elegance and technical mastery that made French haute...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Diamond Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet Medium
By Bulgari
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A striking and iconic design from Bvlgari, this Serpenti bangle bracelet is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and showcases the maison’s legendary serpent motif in a bold and sculptura...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Gold, Peridot, and Diamond Serpenti Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Princeton, NJ
An 18 karat yellow gold, peridot, and diamond Bulgari Serpenti bracelet. This bracelet, of the house of Bulgari's signature "Serpenti" design, prominently features a large, mixed-cu...
Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Art Deco Style Natural Emerald and Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage, art deco-inspired natural emerald and diamond bangle bracelet in 14 karat yellow gold. Featuring 13 square emerald cut emeralds of 13 carats total, with a stunning assortmen...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Sophia D. 18K Yellow Gold Bangle with Diamonds
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
The Sophia D. 18K Yellow Gold Bangle features 13.97 carats of fancy cut diamonds and 2.70 carats of smaller diamonds. Sophia D has been known world-wide for over 40 years because o...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
0.65 Carat Pear Emerald Cuff Bangle Bracelet 0.51 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
The centerpiece of this cuff bangle bracelet is a captivating pear-shaped emerald gemstone. The emerald showcases its rich green color, known for its mesmerizing beauty and symbolizi...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 6.96 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Vintage Retro Bangle Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A breathtaking GIA-certified 6.96 carat Colombian emerald takes center stage in this vintage 1960s-1980s bracelet, exquisitely crafted in 14K yellow gold. The emerald-cut emerald, me...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jewelry historian Vanessa Cron combed 1stDibs and selected some dazzling pieces with timeless appeal.
From Elizabeth Taylor to Zendaya, the Serpenti has been the accessory of choice for generations of it girls.
