Brief History of Bvlgari
Bvlgari was founded by Greek silversmith Sotirio Boulgaris (later Italianised to Bvlgari) in 1884. Initially Bvlgari sold silverwork, antiques, curiosities and jewelry in Rome. Bvlgari gained prominence in the early 20th century, with the opening of its flagship store on Via dei Condotti in Rome in 1905. By the 1920s, Bvlgari had shifted from silverwork to jewelry, drawing influences from French styles, especially Art Deco. By the 1940s and 1950s Bvlgari started developing its own unique identity with the use of bold designs, colored gem stones and drawing inspiration from Roman and Greek motifs. Bvlgari became known for mixing large, cabochon-cut colored stones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies with diamonds.
The 1960s were pivotal for Bvlgari as the brand became a favorite of Hollywood stars and global royalty. Famous figures like Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren were often seen wearing Bvlgari pieces, catapulting the brand to international fame. In 2011, LVMH acquired Bvlgari for about 4.3 billion Euro and remains one of the most popular luxury brands today due to its link with Italian glamour and heritage of innovation and craftsmanship.
Rare & Collectible Bvlgari Bracelets
Whether you are a seasoned collector or new admirer of Bvlgari bracelets, we have highlighted four rare and collectible Bvlgari bracelet styles. While some of these specific Bvlgari bracelets may be hard to source, these provide a foundation for Bvlgari bacelets that are rare and collectible. We chose these Bvlgari bracelets since they are timeless in their design, represent the most iconic motifs or reflect Bvlgari's heritage of quality and luxury. If you are looking to add rare and collectible Bvlgari bracelets to your collection, read on to learn more about four distinct styles to consider.
Bvlgari Bracelet Serpenti
Bvlgari Serpenti collection was introduced in the 1940s and is one of Bvlgari's most iconic and enduring designs. The first Bulgari Serpenti piece was designed in 1948: a bracelet-watch in gold with a square head for the dial and a body that wraps around the wrist. The serpent motif, central to the collection, has deep historical and cultural roots, making it a timeless representation of wisdom, transformation, and immortality. Over the years, Bvlgari has reinterpreted this ancient symbol into stunning jewelry and watches, blending tradition with modern artistry. The Bvlgari Serpenti collection has become more than just a jewelry line—it is a symbol of transformation, power, and seduction. The snake, with its associations of rebirth and renewal, has found resonance with modern women who value independence, strength, and sensuality. A Bvlgari Serpenti bracelet is highly desired by collectors due to its timeless blend of history, mythology and modern design. A Bvlgari Serpenti bracelet combines a snake motif with bold luxurious materials including gold, diamonds and gemstones. Vintage Bvlgari Serpenti bracelets in rare enamel and gemstone combinations are highly desired by collectors. Bvlgari Serpenti bracelets in the secondary market range from $10,000 to over $100,000 depending on the diamonds, gem stones and design details.
Bvlgari Bracelet Monete
Bvlgari Monete collection was introduced in the 1960s and is one of the brand's most distinctive jewelry collections incorporating ancient coins into the design. A Bvlgari Monete bracelet blends the opulence of luxury jewelry with a deep reverence for history and heritage, paying homage to Bvlgari’s Roman roots. The collection is characterized by its use of authentic ancient Roman, Greek, and Byzantine coins set in gold and gemstone pieces, creating a unique connection between the past and the present. The inspiration for this collection can be traced to Bvlgari’s Roman heritage and its founder, Sotirios Voulgaris, who had a passion for history and antiquities. Coins have always held significant historical and cultural value, and Bvlgari sought to bring these ancient treasures into modern life by integrating them into luxurious, wearable art. Bvlgari Monete jewelry remains a celebrity favorite today and has been worn by Adele, Bella Hadid and Taylor Swift. A Bvlgari jewelry collection wouldn't be complete without a Bvlgari Monate bracelet. Our favorite Bvlgari Monete bracelets feature a Tubogas style bracelet since they combine two important design motifs together. Bvlgari Monete bracelets start around $20,000 to around $50,000 depending on the design.
Bvlgari Bracelet Bold Gemstone
Bvlgari solidified its identify during the 1950s with its focus on bold designs and the use of cabochon cut colored gemstones. Bvlgari's mastery of the cabochon cut has been a recurring design preference since the 1950s. The smooth rounded style stones without facets allow the color of the gemstone to stand out versus the facets. The Bvlgari Celtaura collection, launched in the 1990s, fuses ancient inspiration with contemporary design. Bvlgari bracelets featuring colorful cabochon colored gemstones in bold 18K gold are highly collectible since they represent the brand's blend of modern design and timeless craftsmanship. Prices for Bvlgari bracelets featuring cabochon gemstones range from $10,000 to over $50,000.
Bvlgari Bracelet High Jewelry
Bvlgari has been creating High Jewelry collections since the 1950s. Bvlgari High Jewelry bracelets are celebrated for their refined craftsmanship, use of exceptional diamonds and gemstones and a legacy rooted in Rome's rich artistic Italian history. Sotheby's has sold a number of rare and exceptional Bvlgari High Jewelry bracelets including a Bvlgari diamond bracelet featuring over 60 carats in total diamond weight with three elegant anemone flowerheads surrounded by round and baguette diamonds. Many Bvlgari High Jewelry bracelets also combine bold colored gemstones in faceted and cabochon cuts with diamonds to create the ultimate statement piece. A Bvlgari High Jewelry bracelet is the ultimate addition to any collection since these pieces are often custom designs that epitomize Bvlgari's iconic Italian craftsmanship. Bvlgari High Jewelry bracelets generally start at around $100,000.
Buying and Selling Bvlgari Bracelets At Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has impressive rare and collectible Bvlgari bracelets available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of Bvlgari bracelets available for immediate purchase. If you would like to view a Bvlgari bracelet or other Bvlgari jewelry piece, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source Bvlgari jewelry from its global supplier network. Rare and collectible Bvlgari bracelets start at around $10,000 and can exceed $100,000 for Bvlgari High Jewelry designs.
- 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 bracelet.
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