1970s - ECLECTIC CREATIVITY

The ‘70s brought a variety of motifs to Bulgari’s design: angular forms, vibrant colours, oval elements with cabochons, gold settings with diamonds and chains with rounded flattened links. All forms of jewellery were deployed, in particular sautoirs, the maxi fashion of the time. Bulgari turned to different inspiration: large cabochon or carved emeralds from 17th-century Indian tradition, the lotus flower motif, from Egyptian art, reinterpreted in coloured creations, a brooch with a view of Mount Fuji and sautoirs with a miniature Buddha pendant from the Far East. In tune with the Pop Art spirit, everyday objects like playing cards or ice creams became playful jewels meanwhile, following the Company expansion in the U.S.A. in 1973, the Star Spangled Banner line evoked the colours of the American flag. 'Optical' jewels used to repeat geometrical motifs alternating two or three shades. Yellow gold conveyed the concept of wearable jewelry, becoming a Bulgari hallmark. It allowed even the most valuable jewels to be worn also in an informal manner.