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 Ceramic 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Chandra Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a carved ceramic sugarloaf measuring 15.0 x 9.0 mm - opaque glossy white Displaying grooved linear waves throughout Bar set in flaring shoulders Completed by high polish fi...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari 1980's Hematite 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Doppio Cuore Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed form displaying the signature geometric "Doppio Cuore" heart motif Centering a bar link motif flanked by rounded shoulders inlaid with carved hemtite Hematite is ...
Hematite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari 1990's Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Tronchetto Cluster Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed rectangular form pavé set with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 2.25 carat total - G color with VS2 clarity Flanked by flaring shoulders Comple...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari 1990's Diamond 18K Gold Steel Vintage Parentesi Tubogas Omega Cuff Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as stainless steel tubogas cuff style ring with yellow gold terminals Designed as grooved "Parentesi" omega motifs bead set with diamonds Round brilliant cut - weighing appr...
Diamond, Stainless Steel, Steel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Bulgari 1980's Yellow Sapphire 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Eternity Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring princess cut sapphires channel set fully around Weighing 2.67 carats total - transparent medium yellow Flanked by rounded matte gold channel walls Inscribed with carat weig...
Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1990's 18 Karat Tri-Colored Gold Vintage Trinity Grooved Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a wide band featuring deeply grooved segments Alternating pattern of yellow, rose, and white gold Completed by high polish finish Stamped for 18 karat gold Numbered fully...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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
BULGARI Serpenti ring
By Bulgari
Located in PARIS, FR
BVLGARI Serpenti ring in 18k yellow gold and mother-of-pearl. Condition: excellent condition. Size: S (48-49-50). Width of motif: 14 mm. Weight: 10.31 g. Bvlgari signature and hallma...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI Serpenti Ring in 18k Gold and Mother-of-Pearl, Italy, 2010
By Bulgari
Located in PARIS, FR
BVLGARI Serpenti animal ring in 18k yellow gold and mother-of-pearl. Condition: excellent condition. Size: S (48-49-50). Width of motif: 14 mm. Weight: 10.31 g. Bvlgari signature and...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Bicolor Gold Ring by Bvlgari
By Bulgari
Located in Zurich, CH
Sleek and minimalist 18 karat bicolor gold ring by renowned Italian jewelry house Bvlgari. Crafted in 18 karat yellow and white gold, this attractive vintage ring consists of three ...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 18k Yellow Gold B-Zero Size 5 Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The contemporary Bvlgari ring embodies a blend of modern elegance and simplicity. It features a sleek design with five bands stacked together, all made from 18k yellow gold. The ring...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Parentesi Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, NA
Iconic and rare vintage Bulgari Parentesi 18 carat yellow gold ring is composed of sculpted geometric links Has a total weight of 12,98 grams. The actual size is 5, flexible up t...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
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.
