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.
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet in Platinum – 28 ct Total
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Sapphire 11.0 cts., 17 cts. Diamonds Color/Clarity: G-I, VVS-VS Size: 6.88 inches Creator: Van Cleef & Arpels Metal: Platinum Weight: 70.10 grams Period: 1980s Th...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Spectra Fine Jewelry C.Dunaigre Certified Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Bracelet
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This Contemporary Sapphire Diamond Riviere Bracelet, made by Spectra Fine Jewelry in the 21st century, circa 2018, is crafted in platinum and features 7 c...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Diamond Sapphire Topaz 18 Karat White Gold Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 18K white gold, this Contemporary Diamond, Sapphire, and Topaz Articulated Bracelet channels the elegance of the Art Deco era. Comprising four articulated links set with r...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Harry Winston Vintage Sapphire & Diamond Mixed-Cut Bracelet in Platinum – Signed
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 7-9 cts. diamonds Color/Clarity: G-H VS Size: 6.7" x 0.7" Creator: Harry Winston Metal: Platinum Weight: 72 grams Period: 1980's Condition: Used - Previously owned, lig...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Bulgari Burmese Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Cuff Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Sapphire 30 cts., Dia. 18 cts. Certification: SSEF and Gubelin Creator: Bulgari Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 116.50 grams Period: 1980s Condition: Used - Previously o...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Art Deco Platinum Diamond Bracelet, Circa 1935, 33 Carats
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent French Art Deco bracelet, crafted circa 1935, captures the glamour of the era with bold geometry and refined elegance. Rendered in platinum, the articulated design f...
Diamond, Platinum
1970s Platinum Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet, 19.05ct Sapphires
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A magnificent bracelet crafted in platinum, set with a series of vibrant Ceylon sapphires totaling 19.05 carats. The sapphires, cut in cushion and oval shapes, display the classic ve...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Bvlgari Certified Natural Burmese Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari Certified Natural Burmese Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet A Bulgari bracelet composed of twelve graduated cabochon sapphires, accented by brilliant and marquise cut d...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Impressive Platinum 12 Carats Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Impressive platinum bracelet, featuring six oval Ceylon sapphires - each approx. 2ct, total 12 carats. Surrounded with diamonds - total approx. 10 carats H-I/SI1. Bracelet is 6.75"...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1.75 Carat Sapphire and 1.60 Carat Diamond Platinum Line Bracelet Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.75 carat sapphire and 1.60 carat diamond, platinum line bracelet; part of our 1930s sapphire jewelry collection. This stunning, fine and im...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Diana M. 11.62 Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
"18K" stamped gemstone bracelet consisting of natural Ceylon oval shaped blue sapphires with total weigh 11.62 carats of sapphires and surrounded by 4.03 carats natural round brilli...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Wide Sapphire And diamond Bracelet featuires 36.57 carats of sapphires and 16.49 carats of diamonds. 1 1/4" wide.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k 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.
