A Guide to Bulgari Jewellery

Bulgari is a brand steeped in the glamour of Italian history and fashion. Founded in Rome in 1884, the house has evolved into a leader in fine jewellery, drawing inspiration from Rome’s ancient architecture and Italian art, and embodying the vivacious spirit of Fellini’s La Dolce Vita.  

 Bulgari is famed for its instantly recognisable style, synonymous with elegance, glamour, and timeless style. Hallmarks of the house include vivid gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, set in sometimes unexpected combinations to dazzling effect. The use of the cabochon cut (not faceted but cut and polished) is also a trademark.  Bulgari mixes metals such as rose gold and titanium and draws on its Roman roots for form, featuring bold shapes with strong geometric lines reminiscent of classical architecture.

^{Bulgari. An 18 carat white gold, sapphire and diamond Serpenti necklace}

^{Sold for £6,600}

The brand is famous for its distinctive motifs, with several of its iconic lines drawing inspiration from ancient myth, history, and coins. For example, the Serpenti collection, first launched in 1948, is inspired by the serpent, a symbol of wisdom and rebirth in ancient Rome, and features coiled bracelets, rings, and necklaces that coil seductively around the body with their ingenious solder-free tubogas construction. When Elizabeth Taylor wore her Serpenti bracelet on the set of Cleopatra in 1962, the collection captivated the public and remains a classic to this day.

Not content with simply drawing inspiration from the classical world, Bulgari incorporates genuine historical artefacts into its jewellery to fuse history with modern elegance, thereby creating wearable pieces of art. The Monete collection, launched in the 1960s, mounts antique coins, some dating from as early as 300 BC to 300 AD in rings, bracelets, earrings and pendants.

^{Bulgari. An 18 carat white gold, sapphire and diamond Serpenti bracelet}

^{Sold for £5,500}

More recently, the bright and modern B.zero1 line, which has sold more than 2 million rings alone since its launch in 1999 (Tatler Asia), is inspired by Rome’s Colosseum, while the 2016 launch of the Diva’s Dream collection references the fan shapes in the mosaics of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome.

Throughout its history, Bulgari jewellery has adorned royalty, Hollywood stars, and international icons. Among its legendary admirers were Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren, who were frequently seen sparkling in Bulgari creations both on and off the camera. In more recent years, celebrities such as Julianne Moore, Zendaya, and Priyanka Chopra have brought Bulgari’s dazzling designs to the world’s red carpets, including the Oscars and Cannes Film Festival. Such endorsement only cements Bulgari’s status as a favourite among the world’s most glamorous personalities.

^{Bulgari B Zero diamond ring}

^{Sold for £1,500}

A reputation for high octane glamour and celebrity endorsement means that Bulgari jewellery is highly collectable, with vintage and limited-edition pieces commanding strong interest at sales.

Dawsons Auctioneers have many years of experience successfully selling Bulgari jewellery and, by marketing pieces to a huge global audience, we can ensure that bidding is competitive, and the best possible prices are achieved at auction.  Whether you want to sell or add to your own collection, our expert team of Valuers would be delighted to help you.

Related Articles

Does Bulgari Jewellery Hold its Value?

The World's Most Famous Jewellery Designers

How Do I Sell Unwanted Jewellery?

Buy or sell your Bulgari jewellery with Dawsons

Our team of watch experts make it simple to sell your luxury jewellery online or buy fine jewellery at auction. Dawsons Auctioneers provide accurate valuations, competitive results, and trusted advice every step of the way. Get in touch today to find out what your watch is worth.

Call us on 0207 431 9445 or email us on info@dawsonsauctions.co.uk