Discover Bvlgari’s Finest High Jewelry Creations
Shop Iconic Vintage Masterpieces and Bold Contemporary Collections From Bvlgari
History of Bvlgari High Jewelry
Bvlgari's high jewelry history is a story of innovation and artistry dating back to the late 19th century. Bvlgari’s evolution in high jewelry is tied closely to its roots in Roman culture. The house is known for having the ability to blend traditional and contemporary designs with bold and colorful gemstones. Bvlgari was founded in 1884 by the Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari, who initially specialized in crafting silver ornaments. Today, Bvlgari remains one of the most prominent names in high jewelry, admired for its bold use of color, innovative design, and fusion of classical heritage with modern luxury. Its high jewelry pieces continue to be worn by celebrities, royalty, and discerning collectors worldwide. Some of the most famous high jewelry collections are Serpenti, Magnifica, Fiorever, and other iconic designs synonymous with luxury, power, and timeless beauty.
Bvlgari High Jewelry Evolution
While the company was founded in 1884, the Italian jewelry house saw growth in the 1940s when Bvlgari began to establish its distinctive style. In the 1940s, Giorgio and Costantino look over the family business. The brothers transformed the house from its delicate Parisian traditions into a brand that embraces bold-colored gemstones and innovative design techniques. The Bvlgari Serpenti motif, one of the house's most iconic symbols, first appeared during the 1940s. Initially inspired by the Art Deco movement, the Bvlgari Serpenti design featured coiled snake-like bracelets and watches that became a hallmark of the brand. By the 1950s, Bvlgari had fully embraced its signature aesthetic of combining colorful, contrasting gemstones such as rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds. This period marked the birth of the iconic Bvlgari style: large pieces featuring vibrant hues, cabochon-cut gemstones, and Roman-inspired motifs. The post-war era saw a surge in popularity among international clientele, royalty, and Hollywood stars. During the filming of Cleopatra in Rome, Elizabeth Taylor and Gina Lollobrigida were known for wearing Bvlgari pieces. Today, Bvlgari is known for having crafted some of the most expensive and intricate high jewelry pieces ever made, featuring extraordinary gemstones like the Bvlgari Blue and the Magnifica collection. These collections showcase the brand's dedication to craftsmanship, luxury, and its continuing influence in the world of high jewelry.
Bvlgari Serpentine High Jewelry
Bvlgari's Serpenti High Jewelry collection is one of the brand's most iconic collections and symbolizes the pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship. The Bvlgari Serpenti motif, inspired by the snake and symbolizes power, seduction, and transformation. The unique design of the serpentine demonstrates the house's innovative features. The snake's body is made with a flexible movement which allows for the snake to warp tightly around the wrist or neck. This design is called “Tubogas”, the name comes from the material that resembles coiled gas pipes. The flexible rounded construction is embellished with diamonds and gemstones to make one-of-a-kind Bvlgari High Jewelry Sepentini creations. Sotheby’s has sold many Bvlgari Serpentine creations for record-breaking prices. This A Unique 'Serpenti' Rubellite, Diamond and Ruby Necklace sold at Sotheby’s auction in 2023 for 10 million HKD approximately $1.3 million. All Bvlgari serpentine creations are highly desirable collector's items especially those that display large gemstones and diamond detailing.
Bvlgari Gemstone High Jewelry
In both contemporary and vintage high jewelry collections Bvlgari focuses on incorporating large gemstones into their iconic designs and collections. With each Bvlgari necklace, bracelet, watch, and ring creation the house turns to sourcing the high quality and largest natural gemstones. Bvlgari is known for having an innovative gemstone-cutting techniques. One technique frequently used in high jewelry gemstone creations is the cabochon cutting technique. This technique cuts a stone into a smooth dome-like shape with no facets. This cutting choice is used in semi-transparent gemstones to enhance the color and natural aspects of the gemstone. These unconventional and unexpected techniques allow gemstones to shine in magnificent ways. Vintage gemstone creations from Bvlgari feature large gemstones have sold at auction for over $500,000. Bvlgari Contemporary Magnifica Collection is their most expensive high jewelry collection to date. The Magnifica Collection was highly anticipated and featured many necklaces priced over $5 million. Zendaya was photographed wearing a 93.83 carat, cabochon-cut Colombian emerald serpentine necklace from the Magnifica collection during the premiere of “Dune” (2021). This cabochon-cut Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Pendant-Necklace and Pair of Earclips sold for $340,000 at Sotheby's auction in 2021. Bvlgari creations featuring magnificent gemstones are a symbol of the house and highly desirable collector pieces.
Buying Bvlgari High Jewelry At Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has impressive Bvlgari High Jewelry creations available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of Bvlgari High Jewelry available for immediate purchase on marketplace. If you would like to view a Bvlgari High Jewelry creation, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source Bvlgari High Jewelry from its global supplier network.
- Explore upcoming jewelry at auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment
- Speak to a Jewelry Specialist about selling Bvlgari High Jewelry
Trust our worldwide network of leading jewelry specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280-year history.
