MARINA B
Born in 1930 into one of the most prestigious dynasties in the Jewelry industry, Marina Bulgari spent her childhood between Rome, Athens, and Corfu. She began her professional career working for the family business, which she eventually inherited following the death of her father Costantino, the eldest son of Bulgari founder Sotirio Bulgari.
Together with her sister and cousins, Marina managed the family business for several years before deciding to pursue her own venture in 1978. However, she was unable to use the Bulgari name for her new enterprise eventually changing it to Marina B, a combination of her Christian name and the initial of her surname. She opened her first showroom in Geneva and launched a range of bold and colorful collections, including Onda and Pneu, which focused on fine quality goldwork set with an array of colored gemstones, highlighted with pavé diamonds.
Throughout the 1980s, Marina released a series of collections that were unified by their unapologetically Italian flair and their chic, joyful spirit. She also designed a signature cut and shape that was a hybrid of a pear shape and a triangle, which can be found throughout her jewelry pieces. Her designs were popular among many glamorous women of the time, including stars like Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, and Princess Grace of Monaco, all of whom were known for their impeccable style.
Marina B enjoyed much success and opened independent stores in major cities such as Milan, London, Paris, New York, Jeddah, and Tokyo. In 1993, Marina relocated to Monaco to enjoy the combination of beauty and security that the city offered and continued to design jewelry until her retirement. In 1999, she sold her company, including all stock and her extensive archives, to the Saudi Arabian Sheik of Jeddah, Ahmed Fitaihi.
Marina B quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and distinctive designs, which featured strong geometric shapes, bold colors, and intricate details. The brand became especially popular in the 1980s, with celebrities and fashion icons such as Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Collins, and Princess Caroline of Monaco among its fans.
One of Marina B's signature design elements is the use of the "Marina chain", a distinctive interlocking chain design that is used in many of the brand's pieces. Marina B's jewelry is known for its exceptional workmanship, with each piece carefully crafted by skilled artisans using the highest-quality materials.
In the 1990s, Marina Bulgari retired and the brand went through a period of dormancy. However, in 2010, the brand was revived under the leadership of her son, Giorgio Bulgari, who has continued to expand the brand's offerings while staying true to its unique aesthetic and commitment to quality craftsmanship. Today, Marina B is once again considered a leading luxury jewelry brand, with a loyal following of collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
Marina B is known for its distinctive and innovative designs, which have been worn by many celebrities and fashion icons over the years. Some of the brand's most famous works include:
The "Tresor" Collection: This collection, launched in the 1980s, features bold, geometric shapes and bright colors, and is one of Marina B's most iconic collections.
The "Celtic" Collection: This collection, inspired by ancient Celtic designs, features intricate knotwork and interlocking patterns that are both elegant and timeless.
The "Atomo" Collection: This collection, launched in the 1990s, features bold, sculptural designs inspired by the atomic structure of molecules.
The "Marina Chain" Collection: This collection features the brand's signature interlocking chain design, which is used in many of its pieces.
The "Bleu" Collection: This collection, launched in 2017, features stunning blue gemstones such as sapphires, aquamarines, and topazes, set in elegant, modern designs.
Overall, Marina B's designs are known for their unique combination of boldness, elegance, and innovation, making them highly sought-after by collectors and fashion-forward individuals alike.