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 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
BULGARI 18K Yellow Gold Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A powerful and unmistakably Italian creation from BULGARI, this striking ring embodies the bold color, architectural presence, and sculptural confidence that defined the maison’s hig...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This design draws inspiration from the feats of ancient Roman architecture: the enduring lines of the Appian Way, the harmonious arches of the Roman Forum, and the majestic dome of t...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI Colombian Emerald and Diamond Architectural Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A bold symphony of geometry and color, this striking 1985 Bvlgari creation embodies the house’s devotion to dramatic proportions and rich heritage. At its heart, a mesmerizing 11.54-...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A masterpiece of 1970s glamour, this Van Cleef & Arpels ring centers a mesmerizing Colombian emerald weighing approximately 11.91 carats. The vibrant emerald-cut stone is cradled in ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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
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
Bulgari Twin Ring 5.79ct Emerald and 7.25ct Diamond 18k Gold and Platinum
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This chic BULGARI cocktail ring features an exceptional 5.79 carat AGL certified Colombian emerald and a GIA certified 7.25 carat square emerlad...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Bvlgari GIA Certified 6 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic emerald and diamond ring by Bvlgari, crafted in 18K yellow gold and centered with a striking pear-shaped emerald of notable size and presence. The centerpiece is a 5.9 car...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Bvlgari Cabochon Certified Emerald and Diamond “Trombino” Ring, Rome, 1970s
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, NA
Bvlgari Cabochon Emerald and Diamond “Trombino” Ring, Rome, 1970s A striking and highly collectible Bvlgari “Trombino” ring from the 1970s, m...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold
Diana M Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold 18.38 Ct Emerald & 3.25 Ct Diamond Ring
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Platinum and 18 kt yellow gold emerald and diamond fashion ring featuring a 18.38 ct emerald (F1/F2-no certficate) with 3.25 cts tw of diamonds (1.08 cts tapered baguettes and 2.17 c...
Diamond, Emerald, 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.
