Independent media since 2014
by Charlotte Wannebroucq · CNE Accredited Gemmologist

BVLGARI THE STORY THE DREAM

Charlotte Wannebroucq, CNE-certified expert gemmologist
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Updated on October 24
Updated on 24 October 2022
BVLGARI, THE STORY, THE DREAM

You still have one week to head to the famous Italian capital to discover the iconic creations of Bvlgari.

The exhibition Bvlgari, The Story, The Dream Highlights some 170 jewelry creations from the Heritage Collection and private collections, some of which are on display for the first time.

The history of this great House begins with the founder, Sotirio Bulgari, a talented Greek goldsmith who left to settle in Rome in 1884 in order to make his fortune there.

Silver bracelet made by Sotirio Bulgari Around 1877-1880
© Ejcw
Esprit Joaillerie at the Bvlgari exhibition in Rome
Achievements of Sotirio Bulgari around 1877-1880
© Esprit Joaillerie

The story then unfolds to reveal family anecdotes, marketing strategies, and creative insights up to the early 1990s. The Maison’s success with wealthy clients and high-profile personalities emerges as a defining element of the brand and its appeal.

Exhibition by Bvlgari
Bracelet Bulgari Around 1942
Brilliant, Yellow Gold.
© Esprit Joaillerie
Exhibition by Bvlgari
Bulgari necklace or, platinum, emeralds, sapphires, rubies, diamonds. 1960.
© Esprit Joaillerie

From a small Italian family business to a major global luxury brand, the House Bvlgari he has managed to maintain his original creativity.

Exhibition by Bvlgari
Bulgari bracelet, mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli, diamonds. 1971.
© Esprit Joaillerie

She seduced stars like Gina Lollobrigida, Ingrid Bergman, Anna Magnani, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor, who created the myth of Bvlgari, Dolce Vita and its glamorous spirit.

Exhibition by Bvlgari
Bulgari necklace in platinum, diamonds, emeralds.
Elizabeth Taylor Collection. 1961
© Esprit Joaillerie

The scenography hosts models wearing the haute couture dresses from the private collection of Cecilia Matteucci Lavarini, thus offering a dynamic view of the tastes and trends of the different eras that have shaped the city.’The story of Bvlgari.

The exhibition focuses on the key elements of the Bvlgari style, still unique and recognizable today, as the flagship of the Italian jewelry school.

A style that knows how to constantly evolve while drawing on its ancient sources. Valuing the most emblematic creations, expressing the excellence of craftsmanship, a taste for color, sumptuous patterns, and the curved lines so characteristic of Bvlgari.

Exhibition by Bvlgari
Bulgari necklace or, rubies, sapphires, diamonds, lapis lazuli. 1979. © Esprit Joaillerie

Among the Maison’s most iconic and distinctive creations are, in particular, gold jewelry studded with antique pieces, fabulous cabochons of colored stones, and a beautiful collection of watch bracelets. Serpenti.

Exhibition by Bvlgari
Bulgari gold necklace, diamonds, adorned with antique pieces, «Aureus» in gold, «Denarius» in silver, «Semis» in bronze. 1978.
© Esprit Joaillerie
Exhibition by Bvlgari
Bulgari «Serpenti» gold watch bracelet, enamel, emeralds.
Around 1965
© Esprit Joaillerie

An exciting exhibition that takes place in two emblematic locations, the Palazzo Venezia and Castel Sant’Angelo.
A good reason to go to Rome.

Until November 3, 2019

Palazzo Venezia
Via del Plebiscito, 118
00186 Rome
and
Castel Sant’Angelo
Lungotevere Castello, 50
00186 Rome

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Charlotte Wannebroucq, CNE-certified expert gemmologist
The author

Charlotte Wannebroucq

Gemmologist expert, member of the CNE-Art, and expert in signed jewelry. Twenty-five years of experience at the heart of Parisian jewelry, between the Carré Rive Gauche and Place Vendôme.
She signs the decryptions of collections, the analyses of stones and the estimates published in Esprit Joaillerie. Each piece commented on is examined in person, in the workshop, in the sales room or in the showroom.
  • Expertise

    Gemmology and signed jewellery

  • Member

    CNE-Art

  • Experience

    Over 25 years in Parisian jewellery