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 Roma Fish Pesce Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Bethesda, MD
A stunning Bulgari Roma Fish Pesce Ring crafted in 18kt two-tone gold, featuring an exquisite design inspired by the iconic Roma collection. The playful fish motif showcases a lumino...
18k Gold
Bulgari B Zero with Diamonds 18kt Yellow, Sz 57
By Bulgari
Located in Bethesda, MD
This iconic Bulgari B Zero ring showcases three rows of sparkling diamonds totaling approximately 0.80 carats, delivering sophisticated brilliance ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Bvlgari Bvlgari Rose Gold Ring with Diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in Bethesda, MD
Iconic Bvlgari design in luxurious rose gold. This elegant ring features twelve brilliant diamonds totaling 0.28 carats, expertly set to catch the light from every angle. The signatu...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Bulgari Sapphire Cabochon Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Bethesda, MD
Discover timeless elegance with this stunning Bulgari Sapphire Cabochon Ring, crafted in 18kt yellow gold. Featuring a magnificent sapphire cabochon weighing approximately 10 carats,...
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond cluster ring is crafted in 18kt yellow gold. The stunning center ruby, weighing .25cts, is surrounded by six dazzling diamonds with...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vaid Roma Pave Diamond Italian Snake Ring
By Vaid Roma
Located in Bethesda, MD
This exquisite import by Pampillonia Jewelers, designed by Vaid in Rome, is a striking example of Italian artistry. Crafted in 18kt yellow gold, the ring features a sculptural, snake...
Diamond, 18k Gold
BVLGARI Roma Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 4.18 Cwt In Diamonds & Coral
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring designed by Bvlgari. This is a beautiful and rare cocktail ring created in Roma Italy by the jewelry house of Bvlgari , back in the late 1970's. This colorful cocktail...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Bvlgari Tronchetto Vintage Carnelian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
A Bvlgari Tronchetto vintage carnelian 18 karat yellow gold ring, circa 2000. This simple and elegant 18 karat yellow gold ring by Bvlgari features a half-cylindrical cabochon carne...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Bulgari Band Ring 18k Gold Cabochon Ruby Diamond AGL Certificate
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Bulgari band ring made 18k gold, featuring cabochon ruby and diamonds. The ring comes with the AGL and GIA certificates. The band has a smooth and substantial presence wit...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Bulgari, Vintage 18K Yellow Gold and Rubelite Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
This classic ring by Bulgari features a gorgeous oval cabochon rubelite measuring approximately 10.20 x 7.80 x 4.85 mm and weighing 4.15 carats. Mounted in 18 karat yellow gold in a ...
Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Bulgari Divas' Dream Carnelian and Diamond Ring in Rose Gold
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Bulgari Divas' Dream diamond ring set in 18k rose gold.
The ring is composed of a fan-shaped motif, set with a polished carnelian inlay and accented wi...
Diamond, Carnelian, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2.3Ct Italian Coral Ring with Natural Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold, 10x8mm
Located in Columbus, OH
This striking Coral ring features a vibrant 2.3ct 10x8mm Italian coral centerpiece, set in solid 14K gold for a rich and elegant finish. Sparkling earth mined diamond accents add bri...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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.
