140 years Bulgari: the essential Italian brand

Created in 1884 in Rome by the Greek goldsmith Sotirio Bulgari, the Italian brand is today one of the essentials in the field of jewelry. The Bulgari family stands out thanks to its original style which is reflected in its magnificent jewelry creations, which demonstrate remarkable know-how.

This year the brand is celebrating its 140th anniversary by organizing a fashion show in Rome to present the “AETERNA” High Jewelry collection. Several celebrities were invited to the event and of course the brand ambassadors: Anne Hathaway, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Liu Yifei, Shu Qi, Hikari Mori and Alessandro Gassman.

The brand's anniversary is also an opportunity to look back on the history of the renowned Bulgari house and its flagship collections.

History and evolution of Bulgari over time

Sotirio Bulgari first attracted English tourists to Rome with its wrought silver ornaments, thereby contributing to the brand's reputation. Subsequently, Giorgio and Constantino Bulgari, the two sons of the founder of the brand, decided to focus on fine jewelry thanks to their expertise in goldsmithing. Bulgari's designs in the 1920s were strongly influenced by the French school, combining diamonds and platinum with patterns Art Deco.

It was only in the mid-1940s that an Italian style appeared, more focused on works in yellow gold and the undulations of Serpenti models. 
In the early 1950s, Bulgari launched combinations of colored gemstones. The cabochon in particular becomes a key symbol. In addition, the boutique on Via Condotti strengthens the international reputation of the Italian brand by becoming a meeting place for celebrities and high society. In the 1970s, Bulgari expanded into Europe and the United States. The influences of the Italian house are diversifying, from the Far East to Pop Art. The BVLGARI BVLGARI watch was created at the same time and would become an iconic creation.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Bulgari innovated by offering versatile jewelry that could be worn at any time of the day. Bulgari is increasingly using diverse materials such as steel, porcelain, silk and wood, which contributes to the creation of refined pieces that we love to wear. 

Today, Bulgari continues to reinvent by playing with the codes of jewelry and watchmaking. The brand's recent collections prove its desire to preserve its Roman heritage while continuing to innovate to attract a new generation of customers passionate about luxury.
 

Bulgari's iconic collections

  1. Serpenti

    2. B.zero1

La B. zero1 collection was born in 1999. From the beginning, it has embodied the audacity and innovative side of the Bulgari house. Greatly inspired by the Colosseum in Rome, B.zero 1 jewelry is known for their tubular structure. They use materials such as gold, ceramic and steel, revolutionizing traditional jewelry by adding contemporary elements.  

   3. Divas' Dream

The Divas' Dream collection finds its inspiration in the beauty of Roman mosaics and the grace of Italian divas. So, this collection is in a way a tribute to femininity. Each piece of jewelry in the collection aims to celebrate charm and elegance. The pieces in the Divas' Dream collection are distinguished by their delicate shapes and fan-shaped patterns, often adorned with precious stones such as sapphires, emeralds or diamonds. 

 4. Parentesi

Created in the 1980s, the Parentesi collection is inspired by Roman architecture and the cobblestone patterns of the streets of Rome. Parentesi is a versatile collection that adapts to both special occasions and everyday life. It stands out for its interlocking elements in the shape of parentheses, a symbol of union, and its varied materials such as steel, precious stones or gold.

   5.Monete

Finally, the Monete collection finds its originality in its use of ancient coins directly integrated into modern jewelry. Each piece of jewelry carries a story within it. This collection thus reflects Bulgari's passion for ancient art and more generally history. He had the desire to transform historical artifacts into true contemporary jewels.

Find more Bulgari jewelry on our site 58 Facettes.