Bulgari "Bvlgari" Tricolor Gold and Steel Tubogas Serpenti Snake Bracelet Watch

Greek silversmith Sotirios Voulgaris arrived in Rome in 1881 and set up his own shop there in 1884, calling it Bulgari, an Italianization of his last name (in the brand's logo, it's styled BVLGARI, using the classical Latin alphabet in a nod to ancient Roman culture). In 1905, he opened the company’s flagship boutique on Rome’s Via dei Condotti. Since then, Bulgari has looked to Rome as a source of reference for its fanciful and decidedly romantic designs for necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other accessories.

Although the iconic jewelry house found success with its silverwork and Art Deco designs, popular through the 1920s, Bulgari’s signature style — bold, often using yellow gold embellished with big colorful gemstones — began to emerge when Sotirios’s sons inherited the business, in 1932.

The brand truly hit its stride in the dolce vita era of the 1950s and ’60s, when the founder’s grandsons Paolo, Gianni and Nicola Bulgari decisively departed from demure traditional styles to develop the house’s exuberant multi-gem looks, attracting celebrity collectors like Elizabeth Taylor.

In the 1940s, Bulgari debuted perhaps its most famous design, the Serpenti bracelet watch. The piece’s snakelike coils were made possible by the tubogas jewelry technique, which links a flexible series of thin horizontal bands. Both the sleek, modern tubogas construction and the sinuous snake motif continue to be synonymous with the Bulgari brand. 

On 1stDibs, the collection of vintage Bulgari jewelry includes rings, pendant necklaces, watches and other accessories.

Michael Kanners is a third generation jeweler, and throughout the three generations the Kanners family has been known for integrity and superior quality. This is as true of the gems and jewelry as it is of the service. Each and every piece is special and represents a distinct level of craftsmanship and unique design. Where applicable, full certification by the most reputable gemological laboratories is included. Sizing of rings, adjustments, repairs and detailed appraisals are all offered. A large component of Michael's work is the creation of custom designs. These include all types of women's jewels as well as the now famous cufflinks. No request is too large or too small, thanks to Michael's extensive worldwide network of stone dealers, lapidaries and the finest workshops. Don't hesitate to ask, as Michael has become the go to jeweler for a select group of in the know collectors and connoisseurs. Your trust is greatly appreciated and all transactions are handled personally to your complete satisfaction through the 1stdibs guarantee. All inquiries are welcome and are answered immediately regardless of your questions or thoughts. Delivery is overnight to insure the most precise timing, and the finest quality Italian jewelry cases are included.