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.
Roberto Coin Primavera Diamond Bangle in 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Roberto Coin
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic creation from Roberto Coin’s celebrated Primavera collection, this elegant bangle embodies the brand’s unmistakable Italian sophistication and refined craftsmanship. Craft...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By David Yurman
Located in Chicago, IL
A substantial diamond bangle bracelet by David Yurman, crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and distinguished by its bold proportions and exceptional weight. The bangle is set with natu...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Diamond Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum
By David Webb
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking vintage David Webb diamond bracelet from the 1960s, masterfully crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. This impressive piece reflects the bold design language and e...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Hammerman Brothers 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Chicago, IL
A substantial and finely crafted diamond bangle bracelet by Hammerman Brothers, renowned for their bold gold work and exceptional craftsmanship. Executed in solid 18K yellow gold, t...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Pavé Diamond Bracelet 18k Platinum
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant Tiffany & Co. bracelet crafted in 18K yellow gold and platinum, featuring a refined pavé diamond centerpiece. The contrast between the warm gold and cool platinum enha...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Roberto Coin Diamond Cuff Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold
By Roberto Coin
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Roberto Coin diamond cuff bracelet reflects the refined Italian craftsmanship and contemporary design for which the brand is internationally recognized. Crafted in 18K y...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari 18K Yellow/Steel Tubogas Ribbed Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This striking Bvlgari Tubogas bangle bracelet features a wide, flexible coil of alternating polished yellow gold and stainless steel segments, c...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
BULGARI Parentesi vintage bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in PARIS, FR
Vintage BVLGARI Parentesi bracelet in 18k yellow gold and steel. Period: 1980s. Condition: excellent condition (rarely worn, has just been lightly polished). Size: medium. Width of y...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 1970's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Vintage Alveare Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bracelet is comprised of segmented yellow gold and stainless steel links Designed as the signature Alveare motif - fitted gold arrow motifs Alternating in pattern with fluted stainle...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
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
Rare Vintage Bvlgari Tubogas Parentesi Serpenti Bangle Bracelet 18k Gold & Steel
By Bulgari
Located in Birmingham, GB
Very Rare Vintage Bvlgari Tubogas 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bracelet. Stunning Bvlgari bracelet with signature Tubogas Parentesi style. The origins of the Serpenti colle...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Bulgari Vintage White and Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Bulgari 18k White and Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet, measuring 9.5 M.M. ( 3/8 ) inch wide and weighing 40 Grams, solid, heavy flexible construction with an inside measureme...
18k Gold, White 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.
