Bvlgari: Roman Grandeur X Greek Ingenuity
Born in 1884 Rome, this icon began its life as a humble silversmith shop run by Greek genius Sotirio Voulgaris. He wasn’t just making pretty things—he was creating wearable little slices of history. And in a stroke of branding brilliance, he swapped the “u” in his name for a “v,” giving us the now instantly recognizable BVLGARI.
By the early 1900s, the family’s little shop had moved up in the world—landing a prime spot on Via dei Condotti, Rome’s answer to Rodeo Drive. This became the place to shop for royalty, Hollywood stars, and the creme de la creme.
From Subtle to Statement
In the 1950s and 60s, Bvlgari found its stride - out went the dainty designs, in came la dolce vita: bold yellow gold, candy-colored cabochons, chunky chains, and lines that echoed Roman architecture. And then there was the Serpenti—gold snakes that wrapped around your wrist, dripping with diamonds and attitude. Elizabeth Taylor fell so hard for the brand while filming Cleopatra in Rome, she famously quipped, “The only word I know in Italian is Bvlgari.”
The 1970s and 80s saw Bvlgari go full global, with boutiques popping up everywhere from Paris to New York. Iconic collections like B.zero1 (Colosseum-inspired) and Monete (ancient coins reborn in modern designs) cemented their reputation as masters of mixing antiquity with cutting-edge style.
Bvlgari Now
Fast forward to today, and Bvlgari is still the jewel in Italy’s luxury crown—balancing opulence with innovation. Their repertoire now spans high jewelry, watches, fragrances, leather goods, and even luxury hotels. But at its core, Bvlgari’s DNA hasn’t changed: bold design, vibrant gemstones, unapologetic glamour. Fast forward through the decades, and this house of jewels evolved into the ultimate Italian high jewelry icon. Think bold cabochon gemstones, rich, spicy yellow-gold snarls of color, and avant-garde designs with a nod to ancient Rome, the Renaissance, and beyond. They didn’t just lean into trends—they invented them.
Today, Bvlgari is juggling everything from head-turning watches and fragrances to leather goods and even luxury hotels. Creative Director Mary Katrantzou is shaking things up with accessories inspired by Serpenti motifs and ancient Roman mosaics—bridging myth, history, and everyday glam.
Why We Love Bvlgari at Jewels by Grace
- Timeless swag – Bvlgari has gracefully evolved from silversmithing to mega-cabochons without losing the magic touch.
- Heritage – That Greek-Roman mash-up background makes every piece feel like a miniature time capsule of culture.
- Bold and brilliant – Vibrant colors, chunky textures, and creative flair is juuuuicy jewelry theater.
So, when we curate these vintage Bvlgari finds, we bring you a little piece of history, a little bit of Italian art, and a lot of beauty.