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.
Bvlgari Bulgari Rare Serpenti Watch 18k Gold White Enamel Gemstones
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Designed as a coiled serpent, this Bulgari Serpenti watch is made from 18k gold, with each segment shaped to create a smooth fit around the wrist. The body is covered in glossy white...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
H 0.71 in Dm 2.25 in
Alex Jona White Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Coil Bracelet
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat brushed yellow gold flexible coil snake bracelet. Two drop cut diamonds weighting 0.19 carats set on the head of the serp...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI Serpenti Misteriosi Secret Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent Serpenti timepiece coils around the wrist in a hypnotic display of Italian artistry, sensuality, and technical mastery. Fashioned in 18k rose gold, the bracelet unfu...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Collection 18K Rose Gold Three-Coil Pavé Diamond Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Bvlgari Serpenti Collection 18K Rose Gold Three-Coil Pavé Diamond Spiga (Bead) Bracelet
Rose Gold
W 1.25 in Dm 5 in
Rare Bvlgari Vintage Bulgari Dragon Bracelet 18k Gold White Enamel
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare vintage Bulgari bracelet crafted in 18k yellow gold and finished with white enamel, designed as a coiled dragon that wraps elegantly around the wrist. The dragon’s head is decor...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
"Serpenti" Enamel, Diamond and Emerald Bracelet/Ladies Wristwatch, by Bvlgari
By Bulgari
Located in Zurich, CH
Iconic enamel, diamond and emerald bracelet/ladies wrist watch by famous maison Bvlgari. Elegant, flexible bracelet, designed as a coiled serpent, with red enamelled scales, the he...
Diamond, Emerald, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
An 18k Gold Bulgari Celtaura Ribbed Bangle
By Bulgari
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A flexible, heavy 18-karat yellow gold bracelet with semi circular ribs all around that taper in size. Signed: Bulgari, model: Celtaura, Italy. weight: 86.55 g internal dimensions: ...
18k Gold
BULGARI Spiga Diamond Yellow Gold 3 Row Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Bulgari bracelet is crafted in 18k yellow gold and is designed as a flexible wrap bracelet of chevron links, accented with round E-F-G VVS1-VVS2 diamonds weighing an es...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
H 0.71 in Dm 2.25 in
Alex Jona White Diamond Black Enamel Gold Flexible Snake Bracelet
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, stunning 18 karat yellow gold flexible coil snake bracelet. Two marquise diamonds weighing 0.37carats set on the head of the serpe...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold
Bulgari 'Parentesi' Cuff in 18 Karat Gold & Stainless Steel
By Bulgari
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Crafted by the famed Italian maker Bulgari this flexible cuff bracelet is in a pattern called 'Parentesi'. The flexible cuff is crafted from 18 karat yellow gold and stainless steel,...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Bulgari Serpenti 18K Gold Diamond Wristwatch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari 18K rose gold Serpenti red lacquer diamond wristwatch with presentation box Weight : 90.9 g Interior circumference : 6 5/8" Case : 26 mm Marked : Au 750 18K BULGARI FABRIQUE ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Rose Gold Diamond Watch Bracelet 18k Bvlgari
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari Serpenti Rose Gold Diamond Watch A limited edition Bvlgari wrist watch, featuring the brand's iconic snake motif Made with 174 round brilliant-cut diamonds approx 12.89 cara...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bulgari Spiga 18k Gold Diamond Triple Wrap Flexible Coil Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Original Bulgari Spiga Flexible Strap Bracelet Highlighted with brilliant-cut diamonds, Inner circumference approximately 6' - 7' inches size is adjustable and flexible. signed Bulga...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Alexis NY Diamond Sapphire Enamel 18k Gold and Silver Snake Wrap Bracelet Watch
By Alexis NY
Located in New York, NY
Alexis NY Snake Watch Bracelet Flexible and stretchy - for easy wear. fits many size wrists. made of mix Sterling Silver and 18k Rose and White Gold Triple raps bold statement Brace...
Diamond, Sapphire, Rose Gold, Silver, Enamel, 18k Gold
Alexis NY Diamonds Ruby Enamel 18k Gold and Silver Snake Wrap Bracelet Watch
By Alexis NY
Located in New York, NY
Alexis NY Snake Watch Bracelet Flexible and stretchy - for easy wear. fits many size wrists. made of mix Sterling Silver and 18k Rose and White Gold Double rap bold statement Bracele...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Enamel
Bvlgari Gold Diamond Leather Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari gold diamond leather bracelet Round-cut diamonds, black leather straps, 18 karat yellow gold; marked Bvlgari, Made in Italy, 750 Size: w...
Diamond, Gold, 18k 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.
