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 31.39ct Ceylon No-Heat Yellow Sapphire Diamond Ring, 1970s
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Yellow Sapphire 31.39 ct. and diamonds, approx. 7.0cts Color/Clarity: Ceylon No Heat, F-H VS Certifications: AGL Size: 7.75 Creator: Bulgari Metal: 20K Yellow Gold Weig...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 1.01 Carat Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Here we have a highly impressive and rare diamond ring from the world renowned Italian jewellery house of Bvlgari. A single oval faceted 1.01ct diamond sits proud in a rub-over setti...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Two-Stone Ring in 18K Gold/Platinum With 2.01 Carat Diamond Size 7
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Designer: BVLGARI Detailed Description: Elevate your style with this stunning Bvlgari two-stone ring crafted in luxurious 18 Karat two-tone gold and platinum. Featuring a 1-carat E c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 10.06 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A remarkable and highly impressive three-stone ring centered around a 10.06 carat natural Fancy Yellow diamond, certified by GIA. Cut as a cushion modified brilliant, the center dia...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 11.30 Carats Radiant Cut Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
An elegant engagement ring, featuring a 11.30 carats radiant cut diamond certified by GIA as Fancy Intense Yellow color and VS2 clarity, set on a four prong 18K yellow gold basket. A...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
EXCEPTIONAL GIA Certified 8 Carat VVS2 Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Introducing a masterpiece of unparalleled beauty and prestige: the 8 carat fancy yellow VVS2 clarity GIA certified diamond ring. Envision a radiant brilliance that commands attenti...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA 6.03 CT Internally Flawless Fancy Yellow Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
exceptional high-jewelry masterpiece. The cornerstone of this ring is a monumental GIA-certified 6.03-carat "Fancy Yellow" diamond, boasting the incredibly rare "Internally Flawless"...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 10.11 Carats Radiant Yellow Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
An elegant three-stone engagement ring, showcasing a 10.11 carats radiant cut diamond certified by GIA as Fancy Light Yellow color and SI1 clarity, set on an eight prong 18K yellow g...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3.31 Carats Radiant Cut Yellow Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A stunning engagement ring, featuring a 3.31 carats radiant cut diamond certified by GIA as Fancy Yellow color and VVS2 clarity, set on a classic four prong basket made of 18K yellow...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Scarselli 7 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring in Platinum
By SCARSELLI
Located in New York, NY
From SCARSELLI, this spectacular 7 carat Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond, with a halo of round white diamonds that spread down on the...
Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum, 18k 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.
