Bulgari is a luxury jewelry brand that was founded in Rome in 1884 by Sotirios Voulgaris, a Greek immigrant. The brand is known for its bold, colorful designs and exquisite craftsmanship, and has become one of the most recognizable and prestigious jewelry brands in the world.
Over the years, Bulgari has become famous for its use of precious stones, particularly colored stones such as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. The brand has also experimented with new materials, such as steel and ceramic, to create contemporary and innovative designs.
Bulgari's signature style is characterized by its use of bold geometric shapes, clean lines, and vibrant colors. The brand has also drawn inspiration from a variety of sources, including ancient Roman and Greek art, the Renaissance, and Art Deco.
Some of Bulgari's most famous works include the Serpenti collection, which features snake-inspired designs in gold and enamel, and the B.zero1 collection, which features a distinctive spiral design. The brand has also created a number of iconic pieces for celebrities and royals, including Elizabeth Taylor, who wore a Bulgari necklace in the movie Cleopatra, and Princess Grace of Monaco, who was a devoted customer of the brand.
Bulgari has also expanded beyond jewelry to offer a wide range of luxury goods, including watches, fragrances, and accessories. The brand has a number of flagship stores around the world, including in Rome, Paris, Tokyo, and New York City. Today Bulgari appeals to both youngsters and elders alike and is extremely sought after brand for younger generation too.
Bulgari’s use of colorful gemstones, including emeralds, rubies, and sapphires is very famous. Some of the most famous works of Bulgari in these gemstones are:
The Bulgari Sapphire Sautoir: This necklace features a stunning cascade of sapphires in various shades of blue, ranging from light to dark. The necklace is made of platinum and diamonds, and it can be worn as a long necklace or wrapped around the neck multiple times as a choker.
The Bulgari Emerald Suite: This suite includes a necklace, bracelet, earrings, and ring that are all set with emeralds and diamonds. The emeralds are of exceptional quality and are cut in a unique rectangular shape that is known as the "Bulgari cut." The suite is considered one of the most important emerald sets in the world.
The Bulgari Ruby and Diamond Serpent Necklace: This iconic necklace features a serpent motif that is made of diamonds and rubies. The serpent's head is set with pear-shaped diamonds, while its body is made of oval-shaped rubies. The necklace can be worn as a choker or as a longer necklace with the addition of an extension chain.
The Bulgari Parentesi Cocktail Ring: This ring features a large cushion-cut sapphire that is set in a bold, geometric design. The ring is made of 18-karat white gold and is set with pavé diamonds along the sides.
Bulgari is also very well-known for its bold, colorful designs that often incorporate unusual gemstone combinations and artistic motifs. Some of the most notable artistic designs and color combinations in Bulgari's history include:
Serpenti Collection: The serpent has been a recurring motif in Bulgari's designs since the 1940s, and the Serpenti collection has become one of the brand's most iconic lines. The collection features snake-inspired bracelets, necklaces, rings, and watches in a variety of materials and colors, including diamonds, gold, enamel, and colorful gemstones.
Parentesi Collection: The Parentesi collection features bold, geometric designs that are inspired by the architecture of ancient Rome. The collection includes bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings that are made of gold, diamonds, and colorful gemstones, including amethyst, citrine, and peridot.
Mediterranean Eden Collection: The Mediterranean Eden collection is inspired by the vibrant colors and natural beauty of the Mediterranean coast. The collection features pieces that are made of gold, diamonds, and colorful gemstones, including aquamarine, tourmaline, and tanzanite, in designs that evoke the sea, sun, and flora of the region.
B.zero1 Collection: The B.zero1 collection is characterized by its bold, graphic designs and striking color combinations. The collection includes rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings that are made of gold, diamonds, and ceramic in a range of colors, including black, white, and pink.
Overall, Bulgari is renowned for its use of vivid, high-quality gemstones, and many of its designs have become iconic pieces in the world of luxury jewelry.
History of Bulgari :
In 1880, a young Greek silversmith Sotirios Boulgaris arrived in Italy with a vision to start a new life. After overcoming a few obstacles, he opened his own store in Rome in 1884, now known as Bulgari. As his success grew, he expanded his stock to include jewelry and antique.
Sotirios' two sons, Constantino and Giorgio, eventually joined the business, and the family began to concentrate their efforts on one location in Via dei Condotti. Giorgio traveled to Paris, bringing back designs and techniques that influenced Bulgari's jewelry designs in the 1920s. With the help of a skilled Master Goldsmith, the family continued to create exquisite pieces that would become renowned.
After Sotirios' death in 1932, the business was passed down to his sons, who continued to expand the brand. They renovated the store with a stunning marble façade and changed the company name to BVLGARI with the Romanized "V." Giorgio became the driving force behind the company's creative and business efforts, while Constantino focused on building the collection of antique silver, jade carvings, and snuff boxes.
In the 1940s and 50s, Bulgari introduced yellow gold and more colorful stones like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, which they paired with diamonds in stylized designs. In the 60s and 70s, the company began using cabochon stones and a wider variety of colored gems, creating their distinctive style. They also introduced jewelry featuring ancient coins, which became a beloved staple of the brand.
After the passing of Giorgio and Constantino, management was handed down to their children. The company continued to expand overseas and diversify into accessories, perfume, and hotels. Today, Bulgari is one of the largest luxury brands in the world, thanks to the vision of the Boulgaris family and their dedication to creating exquisite and innovative jewelry designs.
Now LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) has taken control of Bulgari and has acquired it for 3.7 Billion Euros in 2011.