Bulgari has become a luxury powerhouse with a rich history and dedication to craftsmanship and timeless design. And some Bulgari designs and items have become iconic in their own right. We take a look at the history and design of these quintessentially Bulgari collections…

1. The Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas-Motif 

The Bulgari Serpenti collection of yellow gold wristwatches debuted in the 1940s. To capture the slinking movement of a serpent, Bulgari developed their now-iconic Tubogas motif which drew upon an old Roman technique that involved twisting twine to make decorative jewelry. But the Tubogas motif earned its moniker because its modern iterations looked like the gas pipes used in the 1920s.

In Greek and Roman mythology, the serpent represents wisdom, life, strength and seductiveness. The Bulgari designs of the 1960s echoed this mythological sentiment, but also looked dangerously alluring—an appeal only further heightened by its association with actress and sex-pot Elizabeth Taylor who wore a Bulgari Tubogas bracelet while promoting her film Cleopatra.

2. The BVLGARI BVLGARI Collection 
Following the death of their father and Bulgari founder, Sotirio Voulgaris, in 1932, Constanino and Giorgio Voulgaris began updating the Bulgari brand image and logo. To honor the brand’s Italian history, Contantino and Girogio revamped the Bulgari logo to its now-iconic BVLGARI spelling. BVLGARI (still pronounced Bulgari) used the traditional Roman alphabet and, in turn, swapped out the U for the V. It was also inspired by the inscriptions of ancient Roman coins.

The Bulgari BVLGARI logo is now an integral part of the brand’s designs, proudly showcased in the pendant necklaces and stud earrings of the BVLGARI BVLGARI collection. The BVLGARI logo would also play an integral part in the design of the B.Zero1 Collection.

3. The Bulgari B.Zero1 CollectionUnveiled in 2000, the Bulgari B.Zero1 Collection beautifully combines two of Bulgari’s most-recognized designs: the Tubogas motif and the brand’s Roman BLVGARI logo. The sweeping and stark lines of the B.Zero1 Collection also draw inspiration from the Rome’s Colosseum. The unconventionally bold band emphasized form and was designed to be worn every day.

The collection is constantly refreshed and reimagined in new materials and color combinations. Most recently, Bulgari introduced the B.Zero1 Collection by architect Zaha Hadid who was known as the “Queen of the Curve” because of her undulating designs that used expressive lines to create a beautifully flowing space.

4. Elizabeth Taylor’s Bulgari “Cleopatra Mirror”
Actress Elizabeth Taylor was a fanatical fine-jewelry collector, notorious for her love of incredible diamonds, often bestowed upon her by her husbands and admirers. Taylor’s collection also included some of the most well-known Bulgari jewels. One iconic piece was the “Cleopatra Mirror.” Commissioned in 1962 by Taylor’s then-fourth husband, singer Eddie Fisher, as a 30th birthday gift, the Bulgari Cleopatra Mirror was made of turquoise and yellow gold with an Egyptian-motif. The mirror’s release coincided with the premiere of Taylor’s epic blockbuster Cleopatra.

5. The Bulgari Blue, Two-Stone Diamond and Colored Diamond Ring

In the 1970s, Bulgari designed their incredible BVLGARI Blue Diamond ring. The two-stone ring includes two triangle-shaped diamonds: one-9.87 carat colorless diamond and one hefty 10.95-carat Fancy Vivid blue diamond. Fancy Vivid blue diamonds are one of the rarest colored diamonds and it is estimated there are only about one in ten million diamonds that would compare to the Vivid blue included in the Bulgari ring.

The bold geometric setting proudly showcases these brilliant diamonds. It also marks the time in Bulgari’s brand history when the Italian-base jeweler was breaking away from following French jewelry trends and establishing their own design aesthetic. When it was put up in a Christie’s auction in 2010—and was the largest triangular-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond to ever appear at auction—the winning bid was a stunning $15.7 million USD.

Since its introduction in late 1999, the Bulgari B.Zero1 ring has been a top-seller for the brand. The industrial design features the classic BVLGARI logo and pays homage to the architecture of Rome’s Colosseum. The ring is meant to celebrate both the history and future of Italian design.

However, this meaningful ring is highly susceptible to counterfeiters. Here are some warning signs to look for and ensure the Bulgari B.Zero1 ring you’re eyeing is the real deal.

1. Material

All Bulgari B.Zero1 rings are made of 18K white, yellow, or rose gold with some special iterations featuring ceramic, enamel, or marble inlays.

The white gold version is dipped in rhodium to give the ring extra shine. However, the ring will seem less brilliant over time if the ring isn’t re-dipped. Although a slightly less shiny but authentic Bulgari B.Zero ring in white gold is no reason for concern, be on the lookout for fake rings made of inexpensive silver. These forged rings will show signs of discoloration, especially around the inside of the band.

Similarly, if your ring in question is chipped with another color peeking through, the ring is likely plated and counterfeit.

2. Stamps

There are several key stamps to look out for on a Bulgari B.Zero1 ring. On the outside of the ring, it will be stamped on both sides, twice around the edge with BVLGARI. It is good to note there is a special Bulgari Roma Collection that includes a B.Zero1 ring stamped on the outside with BVLGARI on one side and ROMA on the other. Looking at the inside of the ring, an authentic B.Zero1 ring will be stamped with “Made in Italy,” the Bulgari signature and, for rings made of 18K gold, the number “725.”

3. Logo/Lettering

As noted above, the Bulgari B.Zero1 ring is engraved with the BVLGARI logo twice around its band. The letters should be evenly spaced and sized.

4. Seller Location

Whenever you’re shopping pre-owned jewelry, it’s important to factor in the seller’s location. Business Insider recently estimated that 87% of counterfeits in the United States come from China. That said, not all China-based sellers are listing fake Bulgari B.Zero rings but it is a potential red flag.

To further investigate a seller’s credibility, read through their customer reviews. If the posts sound suspiciously similar across different customer experiences or are incredibly brief or vague, you should reconsider shopping with this seller.

Also double-check the website URL. If their URL is not a business name but a close misspelling of Bulgari, Bvlgari, or B.Zero1, it’s best to shop elsewhere. Some counterfeiters try to capture misdirected traffic that erroneously lands on their page after misspelling a key search term.

5. Price

Bulgari is an in-demand luxury brand and its resale prices should correspond accordingly. Because Bulgari B.Zero1 rings are a particularly popular item, sellers should not have to significantly drop their prices to pique the interests of shoppers. We highly recommend you price-compare across multiple sellers’ pages to get a general price range for a Bulgari B.Zero1 ring. And, if you find a ring that is well below that range, it’s likely a fake.

6. Serial Number
All Bulgari B.Zero1 rings are engraved with a unique serial number. You can contact Bulgari to confirm the serial number exists in their records and matches the product you have.

7. Get your jewelry appraised
The only guaranteed way to determine if your Bulgari B.Zero1 ring is authentic or fake is to bring it to a jeweler for a professional appraisal. If you have further questions regarding TrueFacet’s authentication process, contact our concierge representative here.

Though Mother’s Day was introduced to the United States in 1908, the celebration of motherhood has been around for millennia. The day celebrates the importance of motherhood and the influence of mothers across the world. In the U.S., we mark down the holiday as the second Sunday of every May — this year that’s May 10.

We want to help you celebrate your influential woman, so we’ve made a list of our favorite Mother’s Day gifts and found a beautiful item for every price range.

Mother of Pearl
It’s all in the name. This stone symbolizes protection and healing, and if that isn’t matronly, we don’t know what is. Mother of Pearl jewelry makes for the perfect Mother’s Day gift no matter what your price range. Check out our favorites below.

High — $1,000 and Up

This midsize Rolex Datejust features a stainless steel oyster band, a custom pink Mother of Pearl dial and diamond hour markers and is priced at $7,695.

Mid– Under $1,000

This blush-toned Ippolita chain necklace features a 40-inch sterling silver chain with mother of pearl and quartz doublet stones for $695.

Low — Under $500

This pendant necklace set in yellow gold is a triple threat — it’s heart shaped, features Mother of Pearl and it’s only $324.

A Symbol of Eternal Love
A mother’s love is unconditional and eternal, so show her that yours is too with a symbol of eternal love.

High — $1,000 and Up

These platinum Oscar Heyman Earrings feature one carat diamond pave in a beautiful heart design, perfect for mother’s day at $3,500.

Mid — Under $1,000

The Cartier Trinity ring is the perfect gift from partner to mother. This band features three different types of gold, each with its own meaning. The pink band symbolizes love, the yellow symbolizes fidelity and the white symbolizes friendship. You can get this one for $995.

Low — Under $500

The heart is one of the most classic representations for love in the world. This Tiffany & Co. open heart pendant expresses the love flowing from the heart of the giver the heart of the wearer. You can show your mother or partner your appreciation of their matronly spirit with this necklace for $270.

New and Expecting Mothers
New and expecting mothers know the trial and triumphs of motherhood can be an emotional experience, but you can give your partner symbolic support with these beautiful stones that each hold their own special meaning.

High — $1,000 and Up

Peridot is said to increase awareness, energy, and rid the wearer of exhaustion, making it a lovely symbol of support for a new or expecting mother. This diamond and peridot Chopard lariat necklace is set in 18k gold and features a heart-shaped pendant set with diamonds, with a gold and diamond chain leading to a 6.5 carat peridot stone. This beautiful and elaborate necklace costs $4,900.

Mid — Under $1,000

Moonstone is said to ease high emotions and bring a sense of harmony to the wearer. It is also said to a ease stress, fear and tension. This Alberto Juan necklace features a sterling silver chain with 12 grey moonstone cabochons. You can gift your partner with this symbol of support for $641.

Low — Under $500

Serpentine symbolizes energy, strength and confidence — everything a mother needs. This green David Yurman bracelet features spiritual serpentine bead balls with an adjustable length for $330.

Bulgari ranks as one of Italy’s most prominent fine jewelry and luxury brands, expanding from silver jewelry into a myriad of categories including a chain of hotels. We look back at the history of the Bulgari brand, from its origins in a humble Greek village to its rise in popular culture, and get to the bottom of exactly why its logo is, not Bulgari, but BVLGARI.

The Early Life of Sotirio Voulgaris
Born in 1857, Sotirio Voulgaris hailed from a small village in the Pindus Mountains in northern Greece. For generations this area was known for its exceptional silversmith art, a refined skill that had been passed from father to son since the Byzantine Era. Naturally, Voulgaris’s family were also silversmiths who specialized in unique silver earrings, belt buckles, and sword sheaths. And in this same tradition, Voulgaris was trained in his ancestors’ craft, but he distinguished himself as a real artist and entrepreneur. Voulgaris worked alongside his father in the Epirus region, further honing and perfecting his innate silversmith skills.

In 1877, Voulgaris moved to Corfu, an island off Greece’s northwest coast, then Naples before finally taking root in the rapidly modernizing city of Rome in 1881. Voulgaris opened his first store in Rome in 1884. As his business grew, Voulgaris Italianized his name to Bulgari, the phonetic version of his Greek family name, and adopted Bulgari as his company’s name.

Voulgaris opened the Bulgari flagship at Via Dei Condotti 10 in 1904 with his sons, Constantino and Giorgio. The prime address was meant to appeal to well-heeled British and American tourists visiting Rome. The Bulgari store quickly built its reputation for luxurious, exceptionally well-crafted Greek and Roman-inspired jewelry designs.

The Second Generation at the Bulgari Helm
After Voulgaris’s death in 1932, the Bulgari business passed into the hands of Constantino and Giorgio. The two sons ushered in a new era in the Bulgari brand history. The duo lavishly remodeled the store interiors to align with the wealthy and cosmopolitan air the brand had cultivated. As a part of this renovation, the brand introduced the pink and beige Italian marble that would become a hallmark of their future retail stores. More notably, they updated the logo to the now-iconic BVLGARI which used the traditional Roman alphabet, hence the V instead of the U. That said, the BVLGARI logo is still pronounced with a U-sound (BULL-gur-ee). With the two brothers at the helm, Bulgari firmly established itself as a preeminent source of fashionable and distinctive fine jewelry.

With the advent of World War II and the wartime restrictions, Bulgari stripped their jewelry of precious stones and focused on designs made of yellow gold. But in the prosperous post-war years, Bulgari doubled-down on platinum jewelry encrusted with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. The Bulagri store quickly became a celebrity hub as the brand grew increasingly popular with Italian nobility and American socialites throughout the 1960s.

It was also in this boom period that Bulgari began defining their own jewelry aesthetic and shifted from being “on-trend” to being true trendsetters. Bulgari designers turned to architecture—especially Roman architecture—to inspire their new collections. As a part of establishing their own creative vision, Buglari largely broke away from the French jewelry trends. Instead of using the then-popular diamond center-stones, Bulgari incorporated large, colorful and un-faceted gemstones to craft dramatic and impressive pieces.

Building the Bulgari Brand and Celebrity
In 1967, the third generation of Voulgaris brothers, Giorgio’s three sons, took over the Bulgari business. Throughout the 1970s, Bulgari expanded internationally, opening stores in New York City, Geneva, and Paris. The brand also ventured into the watch category, debuting their trademark tubogas snake bracelet. Bulgari’s business boomed as it accrued a celebrity fan base that included Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor, a notorious fine-jewelry devotee.

However, business slowed in the 1980s. To revitalize the stagnant brand, Bulgari launched an aggressive advertising campaign, opened several new international retail stores, and diversified their product portfolio. Bulgari transitioned from special occasion jewelry to more everyday-wear designs and, in the next decade, expanded into perfume, scarves, neckties, sunglasses, and leather goods. More impressively, Bulgari formed a joint venture with hotelier Luxury Group to develop the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts in 2001. The first Bulgari hotel opened in Rome in 2004 followed by Milan, Bali (2006), London (2012) with more locations planned for Shanghai, Beijing and Dubai.

In 2011, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (LVMH) acquired the family-controlled Bulgari company for an incredible $6 billion USD, the highest amount LVMH had previously ever offered for any other company. LVMH outbid the Swiss luxury goods holding company Richemont and French luxury goods holding company PPR (now Kering).

When words just can’t express the appreciation you have for the handsome man in your life, try piercing his heart with a touch of grace and sophistication only found in luxury jewelry. At TrueFacet we believe in style, quality, and of course, providing the highest caliber pieces of unique jewelry we can find. So if your man is the type of gentleman with whom a lawnmower just doesn’t resonate with, keep reading for great authentic watches and men’s jewelry ideas.

Panerai Luminor Marina PAM00164 PAM 164 Men’s Watch

Steeped in luxury, this never-worn Panerai Luminor Marina watch is cased in stainless steel with a brown alligator leather strapping. The watch features a black dial with a sub-dial for seconds at the 9 o’clock position for a cleaner look. Gift wrap one of these today and watch him smile proudly at his new wrist companion.

Jaeger LeCoultre Master Grande Reveil Silver Dial Moonphase

When your guy needs a simply stunning wristwatch that marvels at every turn of its craftsmanship, you turn to Jaegar LeCoultre. Cased in stainless steel case and bezel with a 45 hour power reserve, this beauty is sure to steal his elegant beating heart. The bracelet band is genuine leather with a nice crocodile textured finish on the outside.

14K Yellow Gold & Diamond Tribal Men’s Ring

A point of conversation in every circle it enters, this 14k yellow gold and diamond tribal men’s ring pairs subtlety with authenticity for an overall luxurious aesthetic. Uniquely patterned diamond shapes encompass the body of the ring while .50ct of diamonds shine powerfully in the center.

Want your guy to have them all? So do we! Order one of these pieces now and receive free shipping on your order!

Back in 2008, Johnny Depp graced the cover of Esquire magazine looking as stylish as always while wearing one incredibly unique accessory. The timepiece featured in the shoot was a vintage 1960s Juvenia. Also known as the Protractor — or alternatively the Architect — this rare piece created quite the buzz. Now, the very same model has landed right here on TrueFacet! This means you could be the next one to add this fantastic piece to your collection.

This gold-filled watch features a manual movement with a protractor-shaped hour hand, golden arrow minute hand, a second hand that resembles a pointer in a compass as well as leather strap. The timepiece is quite compelling with mathematical indicators that offer crisp and clean design. You can find it here!

Have more questions about this timepiece? Our concierge service is here to help at 1-800-690-3736

It’s worth noting that watch collecting is not the same as investing in the stock market where you can easily plan out how to buy low and sell high to profit from your initial purchase. There are many factors that influence the future value of your watch, which means you cannot accurately calculate a return on investment. Here we outline those key determining factors and share our best shopping tips for timepieces that will best retain value.

Brand

There are several watch brands that are consistently in high demand. In turn, collectors and watch enthusiasts are willing to pay top dollar for a pre-owned brand-name watch, and this steady interest effectively closes the gap between the retail price and the resale price.

Patek Philippe, Rolex, A. Lange & Sohne, Vacheron Constantin, and Jaeger-LeCoultre are brands that retain the most value of its full retail price. For instance, if a Patek Philippe watch retails for $15,000, its resale value will likely fall somewhere around $12,000. This means it retained about 80% of its original value—and that is actually one of the strongest retention rates for watches.

That said, if you purchase a pre-owned Patek Philippe watch, you will not necessarily enjoy that 80% retention rate but you will avoid incurring that initial and staggering 20% resale value drop that comes with simply walking out the store doors. Therefore, we advocate for, whenever possible, shopping pre-owned watches over out-of-the-box models.

Model

(Left to right: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control, Rolex Submariner, Patek Philippe Calatrava)

Under those core watch brands, there are key models that most likely will keep their resale value:

Patek Philippe Calatrava
Patek Philippe Nautilus
Rolex Daytona
Rolex Submariner

Some other significant models from brands not listed above include:

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Breitling Navitimer
Omega Speedmaster
Panerai Luminor Marina
TAG Heuer Carrera

The classic design and timeless appeal of these styles means you will have an easier time finding an interested buyer. And if we speak in broad strokes, for models not listed here, watches of an average case size, with an automatic Swiss movement, and made of quality and durable materials (like stainless steel) are more likely to retain a higher resale value. Alternatively, more elaborate complications may appeal to a smaller segment of watch collectors, which means it may take longer to resell and negatively influence its resale value.

Gender

There is far less demand for pre-owned women’s watches, so the resale value is much lower compared to men’s watches.

That said, when shopping for a women’s watch to later resell, opt for a very simple and timeless design like a Cartier Tank watch which retains its value well. Flashy watches are usually too trend-driven and, if the fad fades before you are able to resell it, can become very difficult to unload.

Release Date

Generally speaking, the newer the watch, the less time it has had to depreciate and the closer its resale price will match its retail price. Like investing in stocks, it is difficult to predict which contemporary or recently released models will appreciate in value. It takes about ten years minimum for a watch to appreciate in value. That is also assuming the watch is kept in perfect condition and, like the stock market, you buy and sell at just the right time.

There is currently a high demand for increasingly valuable vintage watches. As watch collecting has become a serious practice, collectors and enthusiasts alike are willing to pay a substantial amount for a rare or novel vintage watch.

All year round, there’s a seemingly endless supply of festivals celebrating arts, music, and culture worth checking out. If you’re thinking about heading to one or two festivals this season, you have the perfect opportunity to get a little creative with your style. Go ahead and rock that look you’ve been wanting to try that you haven’t been able to pull off in your day to day life.

Check out some of our ideas for vintage and pre-owned jewelry looks for your next festival outing!

Spring
Coachella | April 15-17 and April 22-24

Given its overwhelming boom in popularity in recent years, Coachella has expanded to two separate weekends of fun. With a location south of Los Angeles in Indio, CA, the annual music and arts festival is a favorite among Hollywood celebs. As such, fashion bloggers and photographers cover the event every year to scout the best dressed and notable among the crowd. The festival is known for its trendy, bohemian-chic aesthetic, and it’s the perfect time to break out your best boho pieces.

Summer
Outside Lands | August 7-9

San Francisco’s most popular festival is Outside Lands, located in the lush Golden Gate Park. The food, arts, music, and wine festival drew more than 180,000 revelers to the City by the Bay for its 2014 iteration with a diverse roster of major names in the music industry. The festival draws an equally diverse crowd with attendees of all ages, interests, and styles coming out to enjoy the event. Given San Francisco’s relatively chilly, fog-filled summers, festival goers bring layers upon layers to stay warm. Ensembles tend toward the more subtle side, with the emphasis on a few well-curated accessories like a vintage necklace and a unique ring to complete a look.

Fall
Burning Man | August 31-September 7

Perhaps the most creatively focused festival of the group, Burning Man draws an eclectic crowd of more than 50,000 attendees every fall. Located in the remote Nevada desert, the attendees construct an elaborate temporary city called Black Rock City with a massive effigy in the center, the eponymous ‘Burning Man’. While the festival has long been popular with Hollywood’s entertainment industry, recent years have welcomed Silicon Valley’s tech elite like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. Festival attendees are spending up to $25,000 per person for a fully glammed out experience, their camps decked out with everything from private chefs and luxury concierge services to satellite-enabled internet.

With the focus squarely placed on uninhibited creativity and self-expression, it’s the perfect place for showing off your most adventurous jewelry looks.

Winter
Carnival in Rio | February 5-10

If you’re seeking a more international experience, head down to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil for its wild Carnival celebrations. In addition to the locals, the five-day festival draws international attendees from around the globe, with last year’s celebration attracting fashion industry icons like Riccardo Tisci, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Mario Testino. As attendees escape the winter chill of the Northern Hemisphere with a little Brazilian heat, the style is all about over the top glitz. If you think you’re wearing too much jewelry, you’re only halfway there.

If you’re making plans to attend one of these upcoming festivals, check out the vintage and pre-owned jewelry collection at TrueFacet today to get your own unique look!

Photo Credit: refinery29 / vogue.com /andphilosophy.com