Bvlgari History

Model Amanda Wellsh wearing a selection of Bvlgari creations from the 30s. Photo: © Gian Paolo Barbieri, 2016

Necklace / tiara combination in platinum with diamonds, 1935.
A typical convertible creation form the 1930s, the necklace may be worn also as tiara when secured to an appropriate mount. The use of large, round brilliant cut diamonds was a characteristic that made Bvlgari stand apart in the period. Paired with baguette-cut diamonds, they  gave extra sparkle to the creation with a sumptuousness that will be fully explored in the decades to come.

Model Amanda Wellsh wearing a selection of Bvlgari creations from the 30s. Photo: © Gian Paolo Barbieri, 2016

Convertible necklace in platinum with diamonds, 1938.
A stunning example of convertible necklace from the 1930s, the necklace could be divided in smaller elements, which, when mounted on appropriate fittings, formed different jewels: the sides could be worn as two bracelets and as two dress clips while the central pendant could be mounted on a bangle. 

Model wearing a selection of Bvlgari creations from the 40s and 50s. Photo: © Stefano Galuzzi, 2015.

Bracelet in gold, 1942.
The difficult economic conditions due to Second World War implied a very limited production of jewels with precious stones and more focus on design, adopting softer lines inspired by nature.

Necklace in gold with emerald, rubies and diamonds, 1969.
The detachable octagonal pendant can be worn as a brooch and is set with a 44,60 cts. cabochon emerald in a frame of rubies and brilliant-cut diamonds. The geometrical shape is an hallmark of the Bvlgari style, inspired by the monuments and decorative motifs of the Eternal City.

Necklace with amethysts, diamonds and green enamel, 1971.
The sautoir is composed of twenty-four sections in the shape of stylized elephants, lined with the muzzle against the back, to form a decoratively ordered and symmetrical line. Along the sides of each figure two geometrical amethysts are set in bezels, while the upper parts are decorated with green enamels. At the sautoir is applied an elephant-shaped pendant that can be worn separately as a brooch. The jewel reflects the mood for exoticism and dreams of escapism of the 1970s, with Indian suggestions massively influencing fashion and design.

Sautoir in gold with coral and diamonds, 1971.
The sautoir is designed as a chain of gold and coral links supporting a central coral disk decorated with gold flame-like motifs randomly encrusted with brilliant-cut diamonds. The emphasis on round shapes is an hallmark of the Bvlgari style distilled over the decades.

Sautoir in gold with yellow and blue sapphires, agate, citrines and diamonds, 1972.
The sautoir is designed as a gold chain of filed curb linking decorated at intervals with oval elements alternatively set with cabochon sapphires and citrines, the pendant mounts a cushion-shaped yellow sapphire, four cabochon sapphires on borders of blue agate. The motif of elliptical concentric shapes was in tune with the experimentations of Optical art of the 1970s and with Bvlgari's research on round, harmonious shapes.  

Sautoir in gold with rhodonite, rubellites, sapphires and diamonds, 1972.
Designed as a stylized four-petal flower, the necklace has a detachable pendant that can be worn as a brooch. Sautoirs with an elongated chain and sumptuous pendants perfectly resonated with the "maxi" fashion of the 1970s characterized by colorful pyjama trousers and exotic caftans.

Model wearing a selection of Bvlgari creations from the 90s. Photo: © Stefano Galuzzi, 2015.

Chandra rings in gold with porcelain and amethyst/citrine, 90s.
The bombé-shaped white porcelain ring is decorated with stylized petal motifs and set at the centre with a cabochon amethyst or citrine.

 Chandra necklace in gold with porcelain, rubellites and peridots, 1994.
With the Chandra collection Bvlgari took the experimentations with materials a step further, enhanced by the luminous smoothness opf porcelain. It incorporated the typical round shapes favored by the Brand and a very pleasant effect to the touch. Moreover, the porcelain beads produces a nice sound that made these creations even more fun, trasgressive and playful.  

Necklace in gold with sapphires, rubies, diamonds and silk cord, 1980.
In the 1980s Bvlgari was the first jeweller to combine silk cords with precious stones. The silk cord could be changed to match the outfit, thus introducing a very modern prêt-à-porter concept in high jewellery . This was but one of Bvlgari's experimentations with materials to achieve a jewel that could be worn all day, in formal and informal occasions.

Melone evening bag in gold with sapphires and diamonds, 1976.
The round shape of the bag was in keeping with the signature round volumes of the Bvlgari jewellery  along with the smooth contours and the cabochon-cut stones. A peculiar part of the bag was that it was hinged to open into two halves and was fitted with a mirror, a comb and lidded compartments. The bags were suspended on silk cords finished with tassels, which were available in a variety of colours and could even be changed to suit the occasion. 

Necklace in gold with sapphires, rubies, diamonds and silk cord, 1980
In the 1980s Bvlgari was the first jeweller to combine silk cords with precious stones. The silk cord could be changed to match the outfit, thus introducing a very modern prêt-à-porter concept in high jewellery . This was but one of Bvlgari's experimentations with materials to achieve a jewel that could be worn all day, in formal and informal occasions.