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.
VERDURA Diamond Bombé Ring
By Verdura
Located in New York, NY
A bold expression of Verdura's unmistakable design aesthetic, this exceptional Diamond Bombé Ring embodies the Maison's celebrated blend of sculptural form and timeless elegance. At ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold Oval Shaped Fancy Yellow Diamond Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
A radiant celebration of color and continuity, this striking wedding ring is fashioned in warm 18k yellow gold and set with a continuous procession of oval-shaped fancy yellow diamon...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
DAVID WEBB Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Diamond "Overpass" Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of David Webb's bold, sculptural aesthetic, the "Overpass" Ring from the celebrated 57th Street Collection showcases the designer's signature use of substantial go...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold, Fancy Yellow Radiant-Cut Diamond Eternity Band
Located in New York, NY
A luminous celebration of color and geometry, this eternity wedding ring is crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and features fourteen exceptional fancy yellow diamonds, each cut into a r...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Columbian Emerald Ring
Located in New York, NY
Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Colombian Emerald and 2 - Triangular Shaped Diamond Ring. Cleopatra is perhaps the most famous historical figure to cherish emerald gemstones. She even c...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
BULGARI Marquise-Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A timeless expression of elegance, this exceptional BULGARI Marquise-Cut Diamond Ring showcases a magnificent 4.02-carat marquise-cut diamond of D color and Internally Flawless clari...
Diamond, Platinum
Bvlgari 3.02 Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond Trombino Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous piece from the world renowned Italian jewellery house of Bvlgari. A single bright white 3.02 carat emerald-cut diamond sits high and proud at the centre of th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold, Colombian Emerald and Diamond Trombino Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A commanding expression of BULGARI’s bold Roman aesthetic, this exceptional Trombino ring is centered by a vivid Colombian emerald weighing approximately 8.40 carats. Cut in a classi...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
BVLGARI Emerald & Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, by Bvlgari, Italy. A stunning confection in green, yellow, and white, this 18k yellow gold ring features an array of superb stones. The main drama is a fine 2.50-ca...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 1.01 Carat Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Here we have a highly impressive and rare diamond ring from the world renowned Italian jewellery house of Bvlgari. A single oval faceted 1.01ct diamond sits proud in a rub-over setti...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BVLGARI 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Twin Diamond Contrast Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A bold vision of 1980s luxury, this ring from Bulgari captivates with its architectural duality and dynamic contrast. Fashioned in 18k yellow gold and platinum, it features a strikin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
BULGARI 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Double Emerald Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A bold and unmistakably sculptural creation from BULGARI, this striking bypass ring embodies the house’s distinctive dialogue between strength and sensuality. Crafted in a harmonious...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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.
