Bulgari is based in Rome and, since 1884, it has been creating renowned fine jewelry. The global and diversified luxury brand develops a wide range of products and services, including jewels, watches, accessories, fragrances, skincare, hotels, and resorts.
Descending from an ancient family of Greek silversmiths, Sotirio Bulgari, the company’s founder, manufactured precious silver objects.
During the late 19th century, Sotirio moved to Italy and, in 1884, opened his first shop in Via Sistina, Rome.
In 1905, with the help of his sons Costantino and Giorgio, he opened the shop in Via Condotti. Today, it still remains Bulgari’s flagship store.
In the early 20th century, the two brothers developed a deep interest and expertise in jewels, precious stones, and watches.
Gradually, they took over their father’s role in the management of the business. The period immediately after the Second World War marked an important turning point in the history of Bulgari.
Giorgio and Costantino decided to move away from the dominant disciplines of the French goldsmith school to create a unique style inspired by Greco-Roman classicism, the Italian Renaissance, and the 19th-century Roman school of goldsmiths.
By the 1950s-60s, the bold and innovative style of Bulgari had gained success within the jet set and movie world.
Bulgari began its first global expansion phase in the 1970s as the brand grew internationally. The company opened stores in New York, Geneva, Monte Carlo, and Paris.
Following a period of steady growth during the 1980s, Bulgari began to diversify its product portfolio in the early 1990s.
Bulgari celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2009. Two years later, in 2011, Bulgari was acquired by the luxury group LVMH.
