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 Serpenti Diamond Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Oyster Bay, NY
Inspired by the mythical serpent — Bvlgari's enduring symbol of transformation and renewal since 1948 — these Serpenti earrings capture the collection's magnetic, ever-evolving chara...
Bvlgari B.zero1 Black Ceramic Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Oyster Bay, NY
A true icon of contemporary jewelry design since 1999, B.zero1 draws its inspiration from Rome's Colosseum, translating the amphitheatre's concentric architecture into a bold, spiral...
Van Cleef Vintage Alhambra Necklace Chalcedony White Gold 2016
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Oyster Bay, NY
A timeless piece from Van Cleef & Arpels' iconic Alhambra collection, featuring the brand's signature four-leaf clover motif crafted in 18k white gold and set with luminous chalcedon...
Chalcedony, White Gold
Bulgari Serpenti Secret Watch Ref.102754 Rose Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Oyster Bay, NY
Introducing the exquisite Bvlgari Secret Watch Reference 102754, a stunning fusion of artistry and horology. This timepiece embodies the elegance and sophistication that Bvlgari is r...
Pendant Necklace 1PD Christmas Limited Edition Yellow Gold Blue Ceramic
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Oyster Bay, NY
A festive edition from Van Cleef & Arpels' Vintage Alhambra collection, released for the 2019 Holiday season. The pendant features the iconic four-leaf clover motif in blue Sèvres po...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Bracelet Full Diamond 10PD SM Rose Gold 17 2018
By Cartier
Located in Oyster Bay, NY
Pre-owned an icon of modern jewelry design, the Cartier Love Bracelet in its Small Model silhouette is elevated here with a full pavé of 10 round brilliant-cut diamonds set around th...
Bvlgari B.zero1 Pave Diamond Pendant Necklace 18k White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Bvlgari B.zero1 pendant, crafted in 18-karat white gold, exemplifies the brand's innovative design philosophy. Featuring a spiral motif, this piece highlights the elegance of me...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari B.zero1 Pave Diamond Pendant Necklace 18k White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
This Bvlgari B.zero1 pendant, crafted in 18-karat white gold, exemplifies the brand's innovative design philosophy. Featuring a spiral motif, this piece highlights the elegance of me...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari 18ct White Gold Bvlgari Bvlgari Diamond Necklace 0.07ct
By Bulgari
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A timeless Bvlgari Bvlgari necklace crafted in 18ct white gold, featuring the iconic double logo design accented with a round brilliant cut diamond. Elegant and sophisticated, this d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Parentesi Series Necklace, Stainless Steel with Diamond Inlay
By Bulgari
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Bvlgari Parentesi Series Necklace, Stainless Steel with Diamond Inlay
BVLGARI B.Zero1 Necklace in 18K White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in New Orleans, LA
This iconic BVLGARI B.Zero1 necklace embodies the perfect blend of timeless design and modern aesthetics. Crafted in 18K white gold, the pendant features the signature circular form ...
White Gold
Bvlgari B.Zero 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the bold architectural lines and contemporary elegance that define the iconic B.Zero1 collection, this exquisite Bvlgari pendant necklace is a timeless expression of mode...
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.
