140 Years of Bvlgari: A Legacy of Luxurious Craftsmanship
The origin and foundation of Bvlgari
Bvlgari has long become a symbol of refined luxury. For many years, there have been disputes about the origin of the name. On the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the founding of the famous brand, let us look at the roots and culture that bring Bvlgari to life. It is well established that although the family came to Italy from Greece, it has Bulgarian roots.
The Voulgaris family can still be found in modern Greece. These are usually the descendants of over 2,000 Bulgarian compatriots who actively participated in the struggle for the Independence of Greece (1821-1830). Among them were many military men, even generals, and Prime Minister, Dimitrios Voulgaris.
The most famous lineage of Voulgaris or Bulgari is from the island of Corfu. It is assumed that they originated from Bulgarian royalty. The importance of this family is highlighted by the fact that they held the relics of Saint Spyridon, the patron saint of the island. The great educator and statesman Evgenios Voulgaris, who was one of the scholars shaping the modern Greek language, is also associated with this family.
Sotirios Voulgaris: The Goldsmith’s Journey
The founder of the jewellery company, Sotirios Voulgaris, was born in 1857 in the mountain village of Kalarites, located east of the large Epirus city of Ioannina. According to the French newspaper “Le Figaro”, there is no doubt that his family emigrated from Bulgaria, like many other Bulgarians, to this lands that were later annexed by Greece during the Balkan Wars (1912-1913). Another Russan-Turkish War (1853-1856), the Crimean War, was cited as the reason for the departure.
The only word she knows in Italian is Bvlgari. I introduced Liz to beer and she introduced me to Bvlgari.
by Richard Burton
Sotirios and his entire family were engaged in crafting silver and gold jewellery. The Bulgarian Liberation War, Russia-Turkish War in 1877-1878, forced the family to seek again refuge in a more peaceful place. They moved to Corfu, and in 1880, the young goldsmith went to Italy, settling first in Brindisi, then Naples, and ultimately Rome. The names “Bulgari”, “Bulgaria”, “Voulgari” and “Voulgaris” have existed as a phonetic pronominal adaptation for more than 13 centuries and refer to the same group of people.
It is speculated that the name Bvlgari is a blend of “Bulgari” and “Voulgaris,” derived from the original “Bulgari.” In Rome, Bvlgari’s saga truly began. The brand initially gained recognition for its exquisite silverware, inspired by Thraco-Bulgarian and Islamic art with floral motifs. The 1920s saw the introduction of Art Deco platinum fittings, while the 1930s featured geometric diamond designs combined with colourful gemstones. The iconic Trombino, a tube-shaped ring, became Bvlgari’s reversible jewellery trend hallmark.
…From the iconic Octo collection, characterised by its distinctive octagonal case, to the elegant Serpenti line, which pays homage to the brand’s iconic serpent motif, Bvlgari watches seamlessly marry exquisite design with precision engineering.
Bvlgari Through the Ages
Sotirios’ legacy was carried forward by his sons, Giorgio and Constantino, after his death in 1932. They navigated the challenging years of World War II, when gold became the primary material for jewellery due to the scarcity of precious stones. This period birthed the famous Serpenti watches and bracelets, which remain timeless classics. The post-war era catapulted Bvlgari to global fame, with Hollywood and Italian movie stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Anna Magnani, Ingrid Bergman, and Gina Lollobrigida adorning themselves with Bvlgari’s masterpieces. The brand expanded its reach in the 1970s, opening boutiques in New York, Monte Carlo, Geneva, and Paris, solidifying its status as a global luxury icon.
Bvlgari stands as one of the most prestigious and recognised luxury brands globally, synonymous with opulence, style, and exceptional craftsmanship.
by Unknown
A Legacy of Timeless Elegance
Today, Bvlgari stands as a testament to 140 years of exquisite craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless elegance. As part of the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) group, Bvlgari continues to captivate connoisseurs with its extraordinary jewellery, deeply rooted in the tradition of Bulgarian gold metalwork dating back to the 5th millennium BC.
Museums across Bulgaria hold some of the most exquisite golden treasures in the world, Varna, Panagurishte and Borovo golden treasures, to name just a few of them. Bvlgari’s journey from a small village in Bulgaria to the pinnacle of luxury in Rome is a tale of resilience, artistry, and enduring legacy. It celebrates not just a brand, but a heritage that intertwines history, culture, and unparalleled craftsmanship. As we commemorate 140 years of Bvlgari, we honour the timeless elegance and luxurious allure that continue to enchant the world.
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