Our Favorite Rare and Collectible Bvlgari Necklaces
Learn more about the Bvlgari necklaces you need in your collection.
Brief History of Bvlgari
Bvlgari was founded by a Greek silversmith Sotirio Boulgaris (later Italianised to Bvlgari) in 1884 initially selling 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—a signature style.
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 Necklaces
Whether you are a seasoned collector or new admirer of Bvlgari necklaces, we have highlighted four rare and collectible Bvlgari necklace styles. While some of these specific Bvlgari necklaces may be hard to source, these provide a foundation for Bvlgari necklaces that are rare and collectible. We chose these Bvlgari necklaces 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 necklaces to your collection, read on to learn more about four distinct styles to consider.
Bvlgari Serpenti Necklace
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 necklace is highly desired by collectors due to its timeless blend of history, mythology and modern design. A Bvlgari Serpenti necklace combines a snake motif, fluid flexible design with bold luxurious materials including gold, diamonds and gemstones.
Bvlgari Monete Necklace
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 necklace 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 necklace.
Bvlgari Tubogas Necklace
The Bvlgari Tubogas collection is on the most innovative and iconic designs. A Bvlgari Tubogas necklace is celebrated for its unique flexible metal design that embodies both modernity and timeless elegance. The term Tubogas refers to a particular jewelry-making technique that was first developed in the early 20th century that Bvlgari masterfully revived and refined in the 1940s. The collection draws from Bvlgari’s Roman heritage and is closely associated with Bvlgari Serpenti designs. Vintage Bvlgari Tubagas necklaces are especially desired by collectors since they represent the brand's industrial design influences in a classic aesthetic that still feels modern today.
Bvlgari Diva's Dream Collection Necklace
Bvlgari's Diva's Dream collection was launched in the 2010s and is inspired by the essence of Italian femininity and glamour of Rome's golden era of the 1950s and 1060s. One of the defining features of the Bvlgari Diva's Dream collection is the shape, reminiscent of the ancient mosaics that adorned Rome’s Caracalla Baths. The fan-shaped motif of the collection is a stylized interpretation of these historical Roman mosaics. These baths were not only architectural marvels but also a symbol of Roman luxury, social life, and sophistication, elements that Bvlgari wanted to reflect in this collection. Another important inspiration is the glamorous life of Italian movie stars since Rome was a hub of movie making. Actresses like Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida, and Elizabeth Taylor were seen as icons of beauty, style, and elegance, were often wearing Bvlgari pieces. The Diva’s Dream collection embodies this glamour, creating pieces that evoke the timeless elegance and allure of these cinematic legends. A Bvlgari Diva's Dream necklace is both highly collectible and most styles are also very accessible.
Buying and Selling Bvlgari Necklaces At Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has impressive rare and collectible Bvlgari necklaces available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of Bvlgari necklaces available for immediate purchase. If you would like to view a Bvlgari necklace 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 necklace.
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