The art of Bulgari designers originates in the traditions of an ancient Greek dynasty of silversmiths. The house founder, Sotirio Bulgari, emigrated to Italy in 1884, and having settled in the foreign country opened a silver salon in Rome. His son Gorgio was the first Bulgari to use gems in his jewellery. He was inspired by ancient jewellery traditions and designed what is still called the «Bulgari» style.

Kosntantine, Sotirio’s second son, had every right to consider himself a follower of ancient traditions in silver jewellery. He gained world fame among jewellers and antique dealers after carrying out a broad research which resulted in a monograph on branding of Italian gold and silversmiths. Some fifty years later Bulgari became one of the world’s most renowned jewellery houses. Bulgari art is recognized by all royal families, and the European aristocracy in believed to buy the jewellery for personal enjoyment rather than official receptions.

However, at any ceremony in any corner of the Old World one would no doubt find ladies wearing Bulgary jewellery. The 60s are considered the true heyday of the company. It was then managed by the third generation of the dynasty - Gorgio’s sons Paolo and Nikola. In those days the Number 10 at Via Kondotti in Rome was known by all connoisseurs of gems in the world. Awhile later the company opened large salons in New York.

Now a representative of the fourth generation of the famous company, vice-president Nikola Bulgari, is in charge of the US operations. It is in this country that the company has most of its admirers. For those interested we remind that, like a hundred years ago, Bulgari is still working with silver, most popular being tea sets and other tableware, along with exhibitions of ancient silver jewellery held by Bulgari all over the world. The displays are the best indication of the link of times.

On the materials
of «Dorogoi» (Dear) magazine,
March 1999 (¹1)