Sotirio Bulgari and his Extraordinary Journey to Rome

From a highly-skilled silversmith to the master of jewels. A pioneer of his time, this Greek immigrant arrived in Italy and settled in Rome, attracted by its cultural, artistic and economic vitality, as well as by its interest as a touristic destination. Hence his decision to open here his earliest Boutiques, beginning in 1884, including the boldly named "Old Curiosity Shop", curating and trading an original assortment of pieces and initiating a new culture of retail and entrepreneurialism. Due to this Graeco-Roman and multicultural heritage, Bulgari's "Roman-ness" is that of an immigrant drawing on his discoveries and experiences to create a universal vision of Rome that has deeply influenced the brand.

The Birth of a new Mediterranean Style

Bulgari's richness comes from its art of layering and merging different Mediterranean past & present cultures (East and West, Roman and Greek, Orthodox and Catholic, Antiquity and Renaissance) as well as blending different elements (several colors and materials). In a style initiated by the descendants of Sotirio, colors, materials and cultures were combined, creating a never-seen before visual and conceptual cross-pollination that is at the heart of Bulgari's masterful creations.

Cultural and Artistic Eclecticism

The third generation, driven by a vibrant passion for art and beauty, played a pivotal role in developing Bulgari unique Jewelry aesthetic. Beginning in the '60s, the three Bulgari Brothers, who embodied Italian elegance and refinement with their legendary charm and international allure, began to attract an eclectic elite of talented artists, collectors and personalities from around the world. This following included such luminaries as Andy Warhol, and elevated the Bulgari name to a new level of international recognition and success.