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.
Cartier Platinum Diamond Pave Etincelle Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Cartier bangle is crafted in platinum, completely pavé-set with multiple rows of round brilliant-cut diamonds for an extraordinary, seamless shimmer. The diamonds weigh approxi...
Diamond, Platinum
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Single Coil Pave Diamond Ring - Size Large
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Bvlgari Serpenti Viper ring is crafted in 18K white gold and features a single coil wrap that is pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds. There is approximately 1.74 total carats o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Intricate Filigree Cuff Bangle Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This exquisite wide cuff bangle is crafted from white gold and features an intricate filigree design, entirely pavé-set with dazzling diamonds. It has approximately 6.00 total carat...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K White Gold Diamond Lock Bangle Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This elegant Tiffany & Co. 18k white gold Lock bangle features a sleek, modern silhouette inspired by archival padlocks, accented with a glittering row of round brilliant diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18 Karat White Gold Juste Un Clou Nail Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Cartier Juste un Clou bangle is crafted from polished white gold, elegantly transforming a simple, industrial hardware nail into a sleek and iconic piece of modern luxury jewelr...
18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Cartier bangle is crafted in 18K yellow gold, completely pavé-set with multiple rows of round brilliant-cut diamonds for an extraordinary, seamless shimmer. The diamonds weigh ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Viper White Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
A spectacular expression of Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti Viper collection, this exceptional bangle is masterfully crafted in 18K white gold and showcases a bold, sculptural silhouette i...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
BULGARI B.Zero1 18k White Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet, 1.27ct, Small
By Bulgari
Located in PARIS, FR
BVLGARI B.Zero1 bangle bracelet in 18k white gold and diamonds. Original price: €19,100. Condition: like new. Size: small. Wrist circumference: 6 inches. Width: 0.7 cm. Thickness: 0...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari White Gold Diamond Divas' Dream Bracelet 355625
By Bulgari
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An elegant 18k white gold Bvlgari diamond bracelet from the Divas' Dream collection. The cuff style bracelet has a fan-shaped motif with 18 round brilliant cut diamonds on either end...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper 18K White Gold Diamond Bracelet 2.80 Carats
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic Bvlgari “Serpenti Viper” bracelet, exquisitely crafted in 18 karat white gold and set with approximately 2.80 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds. This striking design reinter...
Diamond, White Gold
Diamond White Gold Wide Flexible Bracelet Attributed BULGARI LUCEA Collection
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous flexible wide bracelet features four rows of round and square links set with round brilliant-cut diamonds of an estimated 24.0 carats. This magnificent 18k white gold b...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold 1.30ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Pavé Scalloped Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold 1.30ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Pavé Scalloped Bangle Bracelet Material: 18k White Gold Style: 6-Row Pavé Diamond Scalloped Bangle Bracelet Diamond Details: Approxima...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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.
