Bulgari jewellery

In Rome’s via Sistina quarter, Sotirio Bulgari opened his first store in 1884. In the beginning, this master Greek gold and silver smith gathered and created valuable objects. Inspired by this origin and antiquity, the current name of the House transcribed the Italian pronunciation of the name of the founding artisan “Voulgaris,” adding a 'v' instead of a 'u' in writing, based on the ancient Latin alphabet. In 1905, helped by his sons Costantino and Giorgio, he inaugurated a bigger and more prestigious boutique in the famous Via Condotti, one of the most elegant in Rome and Italy, where a demanding clientele existed. This shop is still the soul of the Bvlgari House today.

At that time, the shop displayed a sign reading “Old Curiosity Shop.” An antique store, it brought creations from the House together, an unusual collection of objects. So he attracted an Anglo-Saxon clientele, and in particular young men from good families. These were art lovers, collectors and curious people who had to take a “Grand Tour,” to complete their education since the 18th century. The “Grand Tour” included visiting Italian and Greek sites, monuments and curiosities, because Greece and Italy were the cradle of classical and humanist culture.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Costantino and Giorgio showed an interest in gems, jewellery-making and the creation of watches. In the 1920s, the Bvlgari House saw a turning point. Costantino and Giorgio created a unique style inspired by Greco-Roman classicism, the Italian Renaissance, and the Roman school of silversmithing from the 19th century. In 1932, they took back the direction of the Bvlgari House and enlarged the via Condotti boutique. Sotirios died in 1934.

The House’s style is distinguished by the size and peculiarity of the gems used, the original way the colours are combined, and the innovative character of the materials used.

In the 1930s, the Cinecittà studios were established in Rome, and with them the film industry developed. After World War II, Rome reunited with worldly life and the world. American cinema and its major productions invested in locations and the city saw an influx of Hollywood and European movie stars: Elizabeth Taylor, Marlene Dietrich, Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida... In the 1950s and 1960s, the House of Bvlgari’s creations seduced this world of cinema and the jet set. Carried by this enthusiasm, Bvlgari opened other boutiques in New York, Geneva, Monte Carlo and Paris during the 1970s. Since then, the House of Bvlgari’s reputation never ceased to assert itself and expand.

Some jewellery collections are considered to be “timeless” jewellery, inspired by fine antique silversmithing, and distinguished like archaeological finds (the Spiga bracelet and the Monete necklace...) or from a very contemporary world, with the essential collection B. Zero.1, whose ring was revisited in 2011 by the artist Anish Kapoor.

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The history of Bulgari jewellery

In Rome’s via Sistina quarter, Sotirio Bulgari opened his first store in 1884. In the beginning, this master Greek gold and sil

Bulgari jewellery

The House’s style is distinguished by the size and peculiarity of the gems used, the original way the colours are combined, and the innovative character of the materials used.

Bulgari jewellery

Bulgari jewellery

Bulgari Bulgari Bulgari 1980's pair of cufflinks in yellow gold and onyx

Articulated Bulgari Allegra earrings in yellow gold, diamonds and colored stones

Bulgari B.Zero1 small model ring in yellow gold and diamonds, size 50

Geometric Bulgari Cabochon ring in white gold

Articulated Bulgari Serpenti ring in yellow gold and mother of pearl

Half-articulated Bulgari Parentesi 1980's bracelet in yellow gold and diamonds

Bulgari Parentesi necklace in white gold and diamonds

Bulgari Parentesi large model ring in white gold

Bulgari Tubogas ring in yellow gold and stainless steel

Bulgari Parentesi 1980's bracelet in yellow gold, stainless steel and colored stones

Bulgari B.Zero1 large model ring in yellow gold and diamonds, size 50

Bulgari 1990's necklace in yellow gold and mother of pearl

Articulated Bulgari Allegra necklace in yellow gold, diamonds and colored stones and in pearls

Bulgari B.Zero1 earrings in white gold and diamonds

Bulgari earrings in yellow gold and mother of pearl

Bulgari Bulgari large model ring in white gold and onyx

Bulgari Parentesi earrings for non pierced ears in yellow gold

Bulgari Tronchetto ring in white gold and citrine

Bulgari Divas' Dream necklace in pink gold and diamonds

Bulgari B.Zero1 medium model ring in white gold, size 54

Bulgari B.Zero1 very large model ring in white gold, size 50

Bulgari Parentesi Cocktail necklace in white gold, diamonds and semi-precious stones

Bulgari Bulgari Bulgari 1990's necklace in yellow gold and white gold

Bulgari Astrale pendants earrings in white gold and ceramic

Bulgari B.Zero1 large model ring in white gold, size 53

Bulgari B.Zero1 medium model ring in white gold, size 56

Bulgari Flora small earrings in yellow gold, sapphires and diamonds

Articulated Bulgari Serpenti bracelet in yellow gold and mother of pearl

Bulgari B.Zero1 XL large model ring in white gold, size 53

Bulgari Parentesi hald-rigid opening bracelet

Bulgari ring in yellow gold, cordierite and topaz

Bulgari B.Zero1 large model ring in white gold, size 53

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The history of Bulgari jewellery