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 B. Zero Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2000s, 18k, by Bvlgari, Italy. This chic deconstructed Zero ring from Bulgari is a must-have accessory. Casual style is an art form that the Italians have brought to new levels...
18k Gold
Seventies Italian Design Gold Bangle
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Italy. This timeless 18k yellow gold cable twist bracelet epitomizes casual chic. The look is effortlessly everyday and brilliantly classic. It has a pleasant heft ...
18k Gold
Cartier Trinity Bangle 14k Rare Example
By Cartier
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 14k, by Cartier, New York City. Trinity bangles are classic Cartier at it's most stylish. This bracelet is an extremely rare version made for the New York store only. Fabricated in ribbed 14 karat gold, this Trinity bracelet elevates the form, looking forward to later ribbed motifs. Perfect for anytime, anywhere, it looks fabulous worn alone or stacked with other Trinity bangles. Excellent condition. Noted contemporary box. Noted: Shown with similar Cartier bangle Inv. #24027, both purchased at Cartier New York by the same family. Remark: "Trinity jewelry...
14k Gold
Cartier Trinity Bangle 18k Rare Example
By Cartier
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, by Cartier, New York City. Trinity bangles are classic Cartier at it's most stylish. This bracelet is an extremely rare version made for the New York store only. Fabricated in ribbed 18 karat gold, this trinity bracelet elevates the form, looking forward to later ribbed motifs. Perfect for anytime, anywhere, it looks fabulous worn alone or stacked with other Trinity bangles. Excellent condition. Noted contemporary box. Noted: Shown with similar Cartier bangle Inv. #24026 both purchased at Cartier New York by the same family. Remark: "Trinity jewelry...
18k Gold
1970s Van Cleef & Arpels Mod Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Van Cleef & Arpels, France. Art informs fashion in this chic Mod sixties bangle by Van Cleef and Arpels. The mix of white and yellow gold creates exciting movement ...
18k Gold
Art Deco Gold Bangle
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 18k. The perfect everyday accessory, this Art Deco bracelet has very pleasing proportions. The fine wire form with a bead terminus at each end and a whimsical gold hea...
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.
