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 Rings
Whether you are a seasoned collector or new admirer of Bvlgari rings, we have highlighted four rare and collectible Bvlgari ring styles. While some of these specific Bvlgari rings may be hard to source, these provide a foundation for Bvlgari rings that are rare and collectible. We chose these Bvlgari rings 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 rings to your collection, read on to learn more about five distinct styles to consider.
Bvlgari Serpenti Ring
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 ring is highly desired by collectors due to its timeless blend of history, mythology and modern design. A Bvlgari Serpenti ring combines a snake motif with bold luxurious materials including gold, diamonds and gemstones. Vintage Bvlgari Serpenti rings in rare enamel and gemstone combinations are highly desired by collectors. Most Bvlgari Serpenti rings in the secondary market range from $10,000 to $40,000.
Bvlgari Monete Ring
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 ring 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 ring. Bvlgari Monete ring is also the most accessible in terms of price since rings can start at as low as $5,000 to around $20,000 depending on the design and addition of diamonds and gem stones.
Bvlgari Trombino Ring
The Trombino design dates back to the 1930s, its name derived from the word tromba, Italian for little trumpet, as the design is somewhat reminiscent of the small instrument. In 1932 Giorgio Bulgari gave one of the very first Bvlgari Trombino rings to Leonilde, his future wife, as an engagement ring. The Bvlgari Trombino ring is defined by a prominent central gemstone, typically a large diamond or colored stone, set in a broad, tapering band that mimics the flare of a trumpet. This Bvlgari ring also features pavé-set diamonds along the band and shoulders. The Bvlari Trombino design remains relatively unchanged and is one of the most successful and iconic ring designs by Bulgari. Bvlgari Trombino rings have become famous for their rare and high-quality center stones, such as large blue diamonds or Colombian emeralds, adding to their exclusivity and collectibility. A Bvlgari Trombino ring can range in price from $30,000 to over $1 million depending on the size and type of center stone.
Bvlgari Diamond Ring
Bvlgari has a long history of sourcing impressive diamonds for rings. Sotheby's has sold a number of exceptional Bvlgari diamond rings including the Bvlgari Lagauna Blue, a 11.16 carat pear shaped Fancy Vivid Blue diamond for 22.6 million CHF. The 11.16 carat blue diamond was worn by celebrated actress and Bulgari Ambassador, Priyanka Chopra Jones at New York’s Met Gala in 2023, international fashion’s biggest red carpet event. It was showcased mounted on a necklace inspired by bay laurel wreaths worn by Greco-Roman Emperors – a bespoke creation by Bulgari crafted especially for the occasion prior to the sale. A Bvlgari diamond ring featuring a rare white or colored diamond over 10 carats is rare but highly desired by Bvlgari collectors.
Bvlgari High Jewelry Ring
Bvlgari is also known for its High Jewelry collections. Specifically the Le Magnifiche collection has been one of its long standing High Jewelry collections since the 1990s. A Bvlgair ring from the Le Magnifiche is highly desired by Bvlgari collectors. Bvlgari's high-jewelry collection, Le Magnifiche translates to "The Magnificent" in Italian. This Bvlgari collection is a celebration of opulence, craftsmanship, and creativity, showcasing the brand's expertise in creating some of the most luxurious and striking jewelry pieces in the world. The Le Magnifiche collection is known for its bold use of rare gemstones, intricate designs, and vibrant colors, pushing the boundaries of high jewelry. Many of the pieces from this collection are also one of a kind. A Bvlgari High Jewelry ring is the ultimate for collectors since these pieces feature the most exceptional diamonds and gem stones and epitomize the Bvlgari's iconic Italian craftsmanship. Bvlgari High Jewelry rings generally start at around $100,000.
Buying and Selling Bvlgari Rings At Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has impressive rare and collectible Bvlgari rings including Bvlgari High Jewelry rings available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of Bvlgari rings available for immediate purchase. If you would like to view a Bvlgari ring 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.
- 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 ring.
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