New photography and archival pictures trace the progression of the Bulgari style, a distinctive look that has captivated royalty and movie stars, among other celebrities, for more than a century. Since its start in Rome in 1884—and throughout the years of expansion when shops opened from Los Angeles to New York and Madrid to Hong Kong—the Bulgari firm has launched influential trends and revivals in jewelry design. Bulgari is famous for the mixing of colorful semiprecious stones with diamonds, the mounting of ancient coins in gold jewelry, and the creation of easy-to-wear everyday pieces made with precious gems. These and other Bulgari fashions have sparked countless imitations by other jewelers, imitations that can never rival the polish and flair of the original pieces.

Initially published in 1996 as the first-ever book on Bulgari, this elegant volume delighted Bulgari enthusiasts and those interested in fashion and jewelry design. The need for an updated history of Italy’s most renowned jeweler was prompted by newly discovered historical material, recently launched Bulgari collections, and a great demand for the book.

This revised edition, featuring several new chapters, presents the achievements and developments of Bulgari in the past decade, including design trends in jewelry and watches. Here also are new lines of luxury fashion accessories as well as the distinctive architecture and interior design of Bulgari stores and hotels. It is these latest accomplishments, exquisitely portrayed in this new edition, which have made Bulgari one of the most important luxury brands of the new millennium.

Amanda Triossi and Daniela Mascetti are jewelry experts at Sotheby’s London and the authors of several books on jewelry, including Earrings: From Antiquity to the Present.