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 18 Karat Gold, Porcelain and Tourmaline Chandra Ear Pendants, 1990s
By Bulgari
Located in Zurich, CH
Exquisite 18 karat yellow gold, porcelain and tourmaline "Chandra" ear pendants by the Italian Jeweler Bvlgari, 1990s. Crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, these spectacular earrings co...
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI 18K Yellow Gold Emerald, Diamond and Ruby Ear Clips
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and vibrant, these BULGARI ear clips showcase the house’s signature use of bold color and refined craftsmanship. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, each earring is centered by a ric...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BVLGARI 18K Yellow Gold, No-Oil Emerald and Diamond Ear Clips
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent display of color and craftsmanship, these Bulgari ear clips embody the house’s opulent aesthetic and architectural flair. Designed in 18K yellow gold, each earring casc...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Rome Tourmaline and Peridot Cascade Pendant Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Created in the 1990s by Bulgari Rome, these 18K gold pendant earrings are composed of pink and purple tourmalines, peridots and diamonds. Each earring is ...
Diamond, Peridot, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Parentesi Vintage Peridot Earrings 18k Gold
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Original Bulgari Earring Circa 1980's Vintage Parentesi 18k Yellow Gold and Brilliant Green Peridot Approx weight 20 grams Approx size 20 x 13 mm Pre-owned in excellent condition, m...
Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Emerald, Yellow Diamond and Diamond Ear Clips, Circa 1980
By Bulgari
Located in Weston, MA
Bulgari’s jewels of the 1980’s radiated a daring vibrancy – jewels alive with color and exuberance, capturing the bold extravagance of the decade. The creations of this era are often...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Bvlgari Pearl Peridot Rock Crystal Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Peridot Pearl Rock Crystal Drop Earrings by Bulgari. The Authentic! Bulgari Bvlgari 18k Gold Diamond Pearl Peridot Crystal Drop Earrings are a radiant displa...
Diamond, Peridot, Pearl, Rock Crystal
Vintage 1970s Bvlgari Cabochon Emerald and Ruby Earrings with Diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Cabochon Emeralds weighing approximately a total of 3.00 carats, Cabochon Rubies weighing approximately a total of 3.00 carats, and Round Brill...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
BULGARI Astrale 18k Gold Vintage Drop Earrings with Diamonds & Colored Stones
By Bulgari
Located in PARIS, FR
Pair of BVLGARI Astrale semi-articulated earrings in 18k yellow gold, diamonds, and colored stones. Condition: very good condition. Length: 3.2 cm. Width: 1.8 cm. Diamond weight: 0...
Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, Tourmaline, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$12,407
BVLGARI Astrale earrings
By Bulgari
Located in PARIS, FR
Pair of BVLGARI Astrale semi-articulated earrings in 18k yellow gold, diamonds, and colored stones. Condition: very good condition. Length: 3.2 cm. Width: 1.8 cm. Diamond weight: 0...
Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, Blue Topaz, 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.
