Mid Century Elegance, Imagined by Bulgari
Bulgari, a fine jewelry outfitter established in 19th century Italy, has traveled through the changing tides of time, constantly on the pulse of emerging fashion movements. From humble beginnings in a Roman merchant’s stall to a current fleet of over 300 stores across the globe, Bulgari has secured a spot amongst the most elite luxury retailers. Here, Vock & Vintage honors Bulgari’s most defining cultural moment, the 1960s.
18KYG & Diamond Demi Parure by Bulgari
Following World War II, during which most jewelry production had ceased, Bulgari returned with opulent flashes of colored necklaces, brooches and bold earrings — lavishly set with precious gemstones. This momentum continued through the 1960s, with the brand gaining international fame through celebrity clientele and forward-thinking design motifs. Cinematic icon Elizabeth Taylor dripped with Bulgari jewels on the set of Cleopatra, including a Serpenti bracelet gifted by her husband Richard Burton and a gold and turquoise hand mirror adorned with ancient Egyptian inspired details. Sophia Lauren sported a Bulgari diamond necklace at the 1961 Cannes Film Festival, followed by dazzling emerald and diamond accessories worn by Gina Lollobrigida at the 1965 premiere of The Sound of Music.
18KYG, Turquoise & Diamond Brooch by Bulgari
The Bulgari aesthetic continued to evolve through the decade and a distinct design philosophy began to emerge, featuring striking combinations of colored gems presented in geometric shapes with small diamonds used sparingly as accents. Vock & Vintage’s circa 1966 Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire Vintage Ear Clips perfectly encapsulate the era’s look, with a floral-inspired array of color dotting each diamond-studded petal. The Serpenti series, including Vock & Vintage’s 18KRG & Diamond Serpenti Tubogas Ring, added a sensual, vampy note to the brand’s legacy, a collection of golden snakes with diamond-set heads and tails. The wrap-around design of Serpenti wristwear occasionally concealed a timepiece hidden beneath the serpent’s head, with movement mechanisms supplied by elite watch manufacturers Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet.
18KYG & Diamond Demi Parure by Bulgari
The ‘Monete’ collection was born shortly after, a series of ancient Roman coins mounted on regal gold settings. Necklaces served as signature pieces of the series, including Vock & Vintage’s 18K Gold and Diamond Monete necklace featuring a coin depicting King Louis the XII of France. Rings, cufflinks and earrings were later introduced, their coins stamped with the likenesses of Alexander the Great and King Ferdinand the III of Sicily. The coin’s opposite side is carved with a phoenix motif rising from the ashes. The bold designs spoke to the empowered women of the era, with Monete pieces sported by Goldie Hawn, Barbara Sinatra and Candace Bergen.
18K Gold and Diamond "Monete" Necklace by Bulgari
The mark Bulgari has made on popular culture throughout the 20th century continues to influence contemporary fashion. Vintage Bulgari pieces regularly grace the red carpet, including a Monete chain worn by Laura Dern and a Monete clutch used by Kate Winslet at the 2007 Oscars. A circa 1960s Bulgari piece holds a glimpse into the vivid ethos of a gone by world, a monument to the transformative nature of the decade.
Sapphire, Diamond & Rock Crystal Ring by Bulgari