Bulgari

Sotirios Voulgaris, the founder of the Bulgari brand, was born in March 1857 in Paramythia. He hailed from the Greek village of Kalarrytes, known for silversmithing in the Balkans.

In 1880, Voulgaris and Kremos left Corfu and opened a small shop in Naples, Italy, selling their crafts. Despite the shop's success, it became a target for theft, leading to a robbery in 1881.

In 1881, after moving to Rome, Sotirios Voulgaris opened his first store, which marked the beginning of the Bulgari brand. The store quickly gained popularity for its unique Greek-inspired jewelry with an Italian touch.

After struggling initially in Rome, Voulgaris and Kremos were able to save enough money over three years to open their own shop, thanks to a Greek storekeeper's support.

Bvlgari, the renowned Italian luxury brand, was founded in 1884.

In 1885, Sotirio Bulgari, also known as Sotirios Voulgaris, founded the luxury Italian jewelry brand Bulgari. The company started with a focus on silver craftsmanship.

In 1904, Bulgari opened its flagship store near the Spanish Steps in Rome, solidifying its reputation for exquisitely crafted Greek jewelry with an Italian twist. The store became a symbol of luxury and elegance.

In 1905, Bulgari opened a larger shop in Rome at 10 Via dei Condotti, initially named the Old Curiosity Shop to appeal to affluent tourists. This location has since become the brand's main store.

By 1908, Bulgari had established seven permanent shops and two seasonal points of sale across Italy and Switzerland, showcasing the brand's growing popularity and success.

Sotirios Voulgaris passed away in 1932, leaving the business to his sons Giorgio and Costantino.

In 1934, the Bulgari store changed its name to 'BVLGARI' in classical Latin alphabet as a stylistic choice, honoring the founder's Greek heritage and birth surname 'Voulgaris'. This change marked a significant branding evolution for the company.

A convertible creation from the 1930s, this necklace can also be worn as a tiara when secured to a mount. It features large, round brilliant cut diamonds that set Bulgari apart during that period, paired with baguette-cut diamonds for extra sparkle and sumptuousness.

A stunning example of a convertible necklace from the 1930s, designed to be divided into smaller elements that could be worn as bracelets, dress clips, and a central pendant on a bangle.

In 1942, due to the difficult economic conditions caused by the Second World War, there was a very limited production of jewels with precious stones. Instead, there was a shift towards focusing more on design, with softer lines inspired by nature.

The iconic Bvlgari Serpenti collection, known for its serpent-inspired designs, was launched in 1960.

After Giorgio Bulgari's death in 1966, his son Gianni took over as co-chief executive with his cousin Marina. This marked a transition in leadership within the company.

In 1969, Bulgari created a gold necklace featuring an octagonal pendant that can be worn as a brooch. The pendant is adorned with a 44.60 carat cabochon emerald surrounded by rubies and brilliant-cut diamonds, showcasing the iconic geometric design inspired by the Eternal City.

In 1971, Bulgari created a sautoir made of gold and coral links with a central coral disk adorned with gold flame-like motifs and brilliant-cut diamonds. This design showcases Bulgari's signature style of emphasizing round shapes.

In 1976, Bulgari introduced the Melone evening bag in gold adorned with sapphires and diamonds. The bag featured a round shape, cabochon-cut stones, and unique hinged design with compartments for a mirror, comb, and lidded compartments.

The Bvlgari B.zero1 collection, characterized by its bold and innovative designs, was introduced in the 1980s.

The Bvlgari Bvlgari collection made its debut in the 1990s, showcasing the brand's distinctive double logo design.

In 1992, Bulgari launched its first fragrance called 'Eau Parfumée au Thé Vert', expanding its product line to include perfumes. The brand continued to excel in creating luxury accessories and jewelry for both men and women.

In 1993, Bulgari diversified its brand by introducing its first fragrance, Eau Parfumée au The Vert, and established Bulgari Parfums in Switzerland to manage perfume creation and production.

In 1995, Bulgari made a significant move by becoming listed on the Milan Stock Exchange, marking a milestone in its growth and expansion.

In 1996, Bulgari introduced its first accessories collection, starting with silk scarves and later expanding to include leather accessories and eyewear.

The year 1999 saw the launch of the iconic B.zero1 ring by Bulgari, adding to the brand's innovative and stylish jewelry offerings.

The Bvlgari Cocktail collection, known for its glamorous and sophisticated designs, was launched in the 2000s.

In 2001, Bulgari partnered with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company to create Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, offering luxury hotel and resort destinations worldwide.

The year 2004 marked the opening of the inaugural Bulgari Hotel in Milan, showcasing the brand's commitment to luxury hospitality in collaboration with Marriott International's Luxury Group.

In 2009, Bulgari initiated a collaboration with Save the Children, launching a special jewelry collection where a percentage of the sales is donated to the charity. By 2018, Bulgari had contributed a total of $80 million to the cause.

In 2011, Bulgari signed a strategic alliance with LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA, transferring the Bulgari family's shares to LVMH in a €4.3 billion all-share deal, making it the second-biggest family shareholder in LVMH.

Michael Zavros was the recipient of the Bulgari Art Award in 2012. This prestigious award, in partnership with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, includes a $50,000 cash prize and a $30,000 residency in Italy for mid-career Australian artists.

Jon Cattapan was honored with the Bulgari Art Award in 2013. This annual award, supported by Bulgari, recognizes mid-career Australian artists and provides a $50,000 cash prize along with a $30,000 residency in Italy.

In 2014, Bulgari celebrated its 130th anniversary by reopening its shop at Via Condotti 10 after a redesign by architect Peter Marino. The brand also donated €1.5 million to Rome for the restoration of the Spanish Steps.

Since 2015, Bulgari has been growing its retail presence with about 300 stores worldwide, including the impressive 10-storey Bulgari Ginza Tower in Tokyo.

Model Amanda Wellsh is seen wearing a selection of Bulgari creations from the 1930s in a photo by Gian Paolo Barbieri. The image showcases the timeless beauty and elegance of Bulgari's designs from that era.

In 2017, Bulgari opened the largest jewellery manufacturing headquarters in Europe in Valenza, with a Gold LEED certification for sustainability. The facility was built over the former home of goldsmith Francesco Caramora.

Nusra Latif Qureshi was honored with the Bulgari Art Award in 2019. This prestigious art award, in collaboration with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, offers a $50,000 cash prize and a $30,000 residency in Italy to mid-career Australian artists.

An event where Bulgari presented their High Jewellery Collection inspired by the Mediterranean region, featuring stunning and unique designs.

Marina Bulgari, also known as Marina B and the designer heir to the Bulgari jewelry legacy, passed away on February 14, 2024, in Rome at the age of 93.

Bulgari reveals Bulgari Studio in 2024, showcasing a new creative space or collection.