BVLGARI

Founded in Rome in 1884 by the talented Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari, the brand quickly established a reputation for Italian excellence with exquisite craftsmanship and magnificent jewellery creations. Over the decades, the Bulgari generations defined a distinctive style made of vibrant colour combinations, exquisitely balanced volumes and unmistakable motifs that pay homage to the Roman roots of the company. While always revering its cultural legacy, Bulgari introduced innovations that rewrote the rules of the jewellery universe and launched new trends that stood out as icons of contemporary design.

FROM SILVER TO GOLD

The exquisite silver ornaments forged by Sotirio Bulgari were greatly appreciated by English tourists coming to Rome for the traditional Grand Tour and made the business thrive. After the first store on Via Sistina, new shops were then opened on Via Condotti and in other tourist destinations. When Sotirio’s sons Giorgio and Costantino joined him in the business, they suggested that the family company could focus on high jewellery in order to grow, taking advantage of the fruitful legacy of silversmithing.

The early high jewellery creations of the 1920s reflected the design of traditional French school, incorporating platinum and diamonds with geometric and stylized Art Déco design. From the 1940s onwards, the genuine Italian Bvlgari style started to emerge, embracing the sunny shades of yellow gold and the sinuous coils of the Serpenti creations.

 DARING COLOURS AND ECLECTIC FLAIR

By the mid-1950s,  Bvlgari took a step further by introducing daring chromatic combinations of precious stones and coloured stones. Recalling the cupolas of Roman landscapes, the cabochon became an hallmark of the brand to glorify the vivid colour of gems.

With the flourishing Dolce Vita era, the store on Via Condotti became one of the favourite meeting places for movie stars and socialites, thus amplifying the international fame of the brand. Riding a wave of success, in the early 1970s the company expanded into Europe and the United States. The Bulgari brothers of the third generation  infused new creative boost with unrestrained inspirations, ranging from Far East to Pop Art, catering to the taste of modern and dynamic women. From their pioneering vision, the BVLGARI BVLGARI watch became an instant classic and an unprecedented design statement.

MODULAR JEWELS AND UNCONVENTIONAL MATERIALS

In the 1980s and 1990s, Bvlgari continued to innovate and launched distinctive, versatile jewels designed to be worn from morning until night. Modular jewellery was the answer for any woman’s need: a single element with a strong design was the starting point to be replicated and combined with a wide range of precious stones, from hematite to coral to diamond pave.

Unconventional materials were incorporated to jewels and watches with unbridled creativity, reaching new pinnacles of sophistication: steel, porcelain, silk and wood pushed the boundaries of luxury, giving life to creations that were as pleasant to be seen as to be touched, like a second skin.