Bulgari

Bulgari
Bulgari
Bulgari

Bulgari Bulgari

A byword for the Mediterranean basin and its evanescent beauty, Bulgari is driven by this inexhaustible source of inspiration. In all its creations, the House is distinguished by a personal style, which is daring yet sophisticated.

Creation date: 1884
CEO: Jean-Christophe Babin
Head office: Via dei condotti 11, 00187 Rome - Italy
Website: www.bulgari.com

Identity

Surprise, innovate and reinvent have been part of Bulgari’s vocabulary since it was founded in Rome in 1884. Jewelry, watchmaking, accessories… Combining classicism and modernity, its creations are infused with an emotion that is unique to the excellence of Italian design. The sensuality of its shapes, the sharpness of its lines, the sparkle of colored stones… In order to blend dolce vita and creativity, Bulgari broke free from conventions very early in its history. A sensitivity to color which enables the House to combine precious and semi-precious stones in a way that brings its extraordinary pieces to life. Bulgari’s extraordinary success stems from this unquenchable desire to preserve its heritage while also looking energetically to the future. By nurturing its hallmarks, it invents new ways to express its creativity. The House’s figurehead is its historic boutique on Via Condotti in the Eternal City, which has borne witness to this dazzling journey.

High Jewellery necklace in pink gold with fancy shaped rubellites, round brilliant cut diamonds, cabochon cut peridots and spessartites - © Guido Mocafico

Icon

A symbol of wisdom, strength and eternity, the snake is a powerful cross-cultural symbol. Fascinating and mysterious, Bulgari's Serpenti collection reflects the Roman House's heritage and the Greek roots of its founder as well as its extraordinary ability to draw on the past to reshape the future.

Serpenti watch-bracelet in gold with diamonds and emeralds, 1962. Private Collection. Formerly in the collection of Elizabeth Taylor © Antonio Barrella

Insights

Jean-Christophe Babin, Bulgari CEO © David Atlan
” Bulgari stands for the contemporary Italian high jeweler, master of colored gemstones. An amazing story started 130 years ago by Sotirio Bulgari. This foundation has been enriched over 3 generations of creative Bulgari family members who have decade after decade created epochal and timeless masterpieces borrowing inspiration from 2700 years of Greco-Roman tradition. Clearly its bold, audacious, architectural and contemporary design exemplifies the craftsmanship and excellence of the brand through an innovative style that nevertheless remains timeless and faithful to Bulgari’s identity. “

Architecture

Opened in 1905 by Sotirio Bulgari, the House’s founder, the historic boutique on Via Condotti today remains the jeweler’s most emblematic showcase. Completely restored for the House’s 130th anniversary, the flagship still occupies the ground floors of two palazzi built in the characteristic Roman architectural style, the Palazzo Maruscelli Lepri and the Palazzo Boffil. Blending elements of restoration and transformation, the re-fit orchestrated by architect, artist and collector Peter Marino is in keeping with the House: a link between past and present. An eclectic rebirth in which attention to detail and high-quality materials and Italian design have been harmoniously combined.
Bulgari Condotti 10, the new store designed by Peter Marino © Bulgari
Bulgari Condotti 10, the new store designed by Peter Marino © Bulgari

Outlook

To celebrate its 130th anniversary, Bulgari is strengthening the ties that bind it to the city of its birth by financing the restoration of the steps that lead from the Piazza di Spagna to the Church of the Trinità dei Monti. A gesture rich with symbolism intended as a genuine tribute to the city of Rome. Located not far from the historic boutique on Via Condotti, this iconic monument links the House to its eternal destiny.

Key figures

  • 650,000 visitors attended The Art of Bulgari retrospective
  • 650,000 carats of stones are selected every year
  • 8,000 is the number of hours that the development of a grand watchmaking complication may require

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