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.
Chopard Vintage Happy Diamonds Heart Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, 7 g
By Chopard
Located in Berlin, BE
Elegant vintage Chopard Happy Diamonds heart ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring the iconic floating diamond design. Weight: 7 g.
Diamond, 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
Chopard 18K Yellow Gold Pink Heart Shape Stone with Three Floating Diamond Ring
By Chopard
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This luxurious ring embodies the essence of modern elegance. Designed by Chopard in the 21st century, it features a romantic heart-shaped form that is both eye-catching and unique. T...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Allegra Multi Gem 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size 6
By Bulgari
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Bvlgari Collection/Style: Allegra Multi Gem Ring Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: Bvlgari 18k Made in Italy Gemstones: Natural amethyst, natural peridot, and natural b...
Amethyst, Peridot, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Diamond Heart Ring 18 karat Yellow Gold
By Chopard
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This Chopard Happy Diamond Heart Ring is a luxurious and iconic piece that seamlessly blends sophistication with a playful touch. Meticulously crafted from 18 karat yellow gold, th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds Icon Heart Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an 'Icon' ring taken from Chopard's 'Happy Diamonds' collection. This 18ct yellow gold piece showcases a heart shaped face with a single floating round brilliant cut dia...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K 750 Solid Yellow Gold Heart Shape Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. 18K Solid Yellow Gold Heart Shape Band Ring Metal Type: 18k Solid Yellow Gold Total Item Weight: 4.1 Grams Ring Size: 5 (Resizable) Dimensions: Length: 4.6 mm x Wi...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI Vintage 18k Gold Cocktail Ring with Pink Tourmaline, 1990
By Bulgari
Located in PARIS, FR
Vintage BVLGARI ring in 18k yellow and white gold, set with four colored gemstones. A rare model from the 1990s. Condition: excellent. Size: 52. Width: 2 cm. Stones: pink tourmaline,...
Citrine, Peridot, Tourmaline, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Ring And Pendant
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Very Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Ring AND Pendant. A unique and rare piece by Van Cleef & Arpels. A diamon...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Etoile Round Brilliant Diamond Heart Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 3.5 This lovely retired Etoile diamond band ring by Tiffany & Co. absolutely shines on the finger. Founded in 1837 in New York City, Tiffany & Co. is one of the world's m...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Bvlgari Parentesi 18k Gold Steel Flex Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Bvlgari ring from the 1980s is part of the brand's Parentesi collection, a design inspired by architectural motifs and Roman heritage. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the ring featu...
18k Gold, Steel
Vintage Bvlgari Tronchetto 18k Gold Amethyst Ring, Size 6.5
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Bvlgari Tronchetto ring made of 18k gold, featuring amethyst. The ring’s bold, sculptural look makes it instantly recognizable. It has a curved design that feels both modern and c...
Amethyst, 18k Gold
Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. Zellige 18k Gold Dome Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold with an openwork geometric design centered around a circular motif. The oversized round face incorporates lay...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Chaumet Paris 18k Gold Diamond Ring Original Box
By Chaumet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Chaumet Paris ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with brilliant diamonds arranged in a stylized floral motif. The design reflects the bold yet elegant aesthetic ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura 18k Gold Rubellite and Madeira Citrine Three Stone Ring
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Verdura three stone ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with a central rubellite, flanked by two Madeira citrine gemstones. The co...
Citrine, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Himalia 18k Gold Diamond Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Cartier ring from the Himalia collection, crafted in 18k yellow gold with a structured, interlocking design. The band features alternating gold and diamond-set links. This ...
Diamond, 18k 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.
