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.
Pomellato 18K Gold, Aquamarine, Sapphire and Tanzanite Tango Bracelet
By Pomellato
Located in Weston, MA
Our spectacular Tango bracelet features 13 generous 18k gold links seven of which are encrusted with aquamarine, sapphire and tanzanite. The gemstones complement each other perfectly...
Aquamarine, Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
David Webb Amethyst and 18k Hammered Gold Cuff Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in Weston, MA
In keeping with the 1990s Webb tradition of superlative craftsmanship, this cuff is a simple design created in “super-size”. The stunningly-colored and abundant amethyst cabochons da...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Trinity Pave Sapphire Band
Located in Weston, MA
A trio of deep blue sapphires is enhanced with pavé set white diamonds on this delicate gold band. 18K yellow gold band featuring three bezel set 0.10” blue sapphires between pavé w...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Trinity Pave Sapphire Band
Located in Weston, MA
A trio of deep blue sapphires is enhanced with pavé set white diamonds on this delicate gold band. 18K yellow gold band featuring three bezel set 0.10” blue sapphires between pavé w...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Trinity Rose Cut Sapphire Band
Located in Weston, MA
Update your look with this modern take on a classic three stone ring. 18K yellow gold band set with three bezel set 0.12” blue sapphires. Size 7
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Trinity Rose Cut Sapphire Band
Located in Weston, MA
Update your look with this modern take on a classic three stone ring. 18K yellow gold band set with three bezel set 0.12” blue sapphires. Size 6.5
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Burmese Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Cuff Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Sapphire 30 cts., Dia. 18 cts. Certification: SSEF and Gubelin Creator: Bulgari Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 116.50 grams Period: 1980s Condition: Used - Previously o...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Cartier Paris Sapphire Gold Modernist Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A modern and unusual 1970s bracelet from Cartier-Paris with deeply textured finish on quarter round segments of 18K gold each set with a cabochon sapphire and hinged to move independ...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Boucheron 18K Gold and 1.5 Carat Diamond 6.0 Carat Blue Sapphire Bangle
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
Retro Signed Boucheron Diamond and Sapphire Bracelet Frederic Boucheron was born into a family of clothiers. And even though he opted to take a different path, he still was able to ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s A.Codognato Crystal and Sapphire Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with Rock Crystal and Cabochon Sapphires. Signed by A.Codognato Circa 1970s Size 6 inches
Crystal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 1.74 Ct. Diamond and 9.28ct.Blue Sapphire Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
No details were spared in this beautiful 18 karat yellow gold cuff bracelet. Long tapered blue sapphires and pave round brilliant diamonds are set forming two hearts. The design cont...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Sapphire Diamond Cuff Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Accents
By Bulgari
Located in Fairfield, CT
Bulgari Sapphire Diamond Cuff Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Accents This Bulgari cuff bracelet is made in 18K yellow gold and features two cabochon-cut blue sapphires totaling appr...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 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.
