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 emerald and diamond ring, Italian, circa 1930
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari emerald and diamond ring. Set to centre with a square emerald cut natural Colombian emerald with minor clarity enhancement in a open back claw setting with an approximate wei...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring by Boucheron, circa 1960
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
Emerald and diamond coronet cluster ring by Boucheron Paris, French, circa 1960. A yellow gold and platinum ring set with one central square emerald-cut natural Colombian emerald in ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring, French, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with an octagonal step cut natural Colombian emerald with minor clarity enhancement in an open back rubover setting with an ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Diamond Cluster Ring by Boucheron Paris, circa 1950s
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
Diamond cluster ring by Boucheron Paris. Set with a round old cut diamond to centre in an open back rubover setting with a weight of 0.80 carats, flanked by two horizontally set rect...
Diamond, Platinum
Boucheron emerald and diamond cluster ring, French, circa 1980.
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
Boucheron emerald and diamond cluster ring. Set centrally with an octagonal step cut emerald in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 1.00 carats flanked by six ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Bulgari Diamond Trombino Ring, Italian, circa 1963
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari diamond Trombino ring. Set to centre with a drop shape brilliant cut diamond, E colour, VS2 clarity with a weight of 2.83 carats, in an open back claw setting, flanked by two...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1.35ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
This captivating Vintage 1970s cluster ring showcases a vibrant 1.35 carat emerald cut emerald at its centre. Surrounding the emerald, a shimmering halo of old cut diamonds totals 0....
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Bvlgari 1.49 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite engagement ring from the world renowned Italian jewellery house of Bvlgari. This vintage piece showcases a stunning design with a harmonious blend of diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1.50ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1980s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful vintage cluster ring features a vibrant, natural emerald at its heart. The 1.50 carat gem is an emerald cut and is elegantly rub over set into platinum. Surrounding th...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Pave Set Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Band Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Pave Set Round Brilliant Cut Diamond 4.8 mm Wedding Anniversary / Band Ring. The ring weighs 6.5 Grams, Size 6.75, 4.8mm wide, there are 10 Natural Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds we...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
4.02 Ct. Vintage 1950s Platinum Diamond Eternity Band Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
A truly mesmerizing and rare vintage find, this exceptional eternity band ring dates to the 1950s and showcases outstanding craftsmanship and presence. Expertly crafted in solid plat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 4.50ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
This vintage cluster ring features a stunning 4.50 carat emerald at its centre, encircled by a halo of glittering diamonds. The natural emerald is an emerald cut stone rub over set w...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
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.
