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 Tubogas Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, NA
An iconic Bulgari Tubogas ring circa 1980's showcasing 18k yellow gold in a perfectly balanced ring. The ring measures a size 6.5. The flexible nature of this ring allows some play i...
Gold, 18k Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Ring in 18k Yellow Gold and Steel, 1980s
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, NA
A striking and iconic vintage Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas ring from the 1980s, crafted in a luxurious combination of 18k yellow gold and stainless steel. This elegant piece wraps fluidl...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Bvlgari “Piramide” Gold and Steel Cuff Bangle, 1980s
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, NA
A bold and unmistakably architectural cuff bangle from Bvlgari’s iconic “Piramide” collection, dating to the 1980s—an era defined by daring design and innovative material combination...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Ring in Steel, Rose Gold and Diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, NA
A striking creation from Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti collection, this Tubogas ring coils sensually around the finger, echoing the sinuous form of a serpent. Crafted in polished stainle...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Steel
Bulgari Chandra Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold with White Porcelain, Circa 1990
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, NA
A stunning Bulgari “Chandra” ring crafted in 18kt yellow gold and white porcelain, circa 1990. This elegant piece features a sculptural porcelain sphere, delicately textured to depic...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Design Wedding Band Ring
By De Maria fine&antique jewelry
Located in Napoli, NA
An extraordinary collection for both men and women, Classic and elegant wedding band ring. Textured edges add a modern touch to this design. CONDITI...
18k Gold
Vintage Bvlgari 18k Gold Parentesi Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Bvlgari Parentesi ring is a refined example of the brand’s signature Italian craftsmanship and bold architectural design. Fashioned in 18K yellow gold over a polished st...
18k Gold
Bvlgari Gold Tubogas Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari 18 karat yellow, white, and rose gold ring from the iconic Tubogas collection. Marked: Bvlgari / Made in Italy. It weighs 4.9 grams. Size 6-6.25.
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Gold Tubogas Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari 18 karat yellow, white, and rose gold ring from the iconic Tubogas collection. Marked: Bvlgari / Made in Italy. It weighs 7.2 grams. Size 5.75-6.
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Gold Tubogas Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari 18 karat yellow, white, and rose gold ring from the iconic Tubogas collection. Marked: Bvlgari / Made in Italy. It weighs 5.8 grams. Size 6.
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 18k Bulgari Cuff Parentesi Bracelet Size Small
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Bulgari Parentesi bangle bracelet is a great example of the brand’s distinctive design language. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the bangle measures 5.5 inches in inner circ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BVLGARI Yellow Gold 3 Row 'SPIGA' Ring Band
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
The BVLGARI Yellow Gold 3 Row 'SPIGA' Ring Band is a flexible and stylish piece that wraps your finger in pure luxury! Picture three rows of gleaming yellow gold woven together in a ...
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.
