Buy a pre-owned Bulgari jewel or watch at The Swiss Collector
Founded in Rome in 1884 by Sotirio Voulgaris, a Greek-born goldsmith, the house of Bulgari has established itself as one of the world's greatest names in luxury jewellery and watchmaking. Drawing inspiration from Classical Antiquity, the Italian Renaissance and Roman architecture, Bulgari has forged an immediately recognisable style : intense colours, bold volumes and precious stones treated as compositional elements rather than mere ornaments. Today a member of the LVMH group, the house shines from Rome, Paris, Tokyo and New York, carried by mythical collections (Serpenti, B.zero1, Octo, Divas' Dream) that blend a millennial heritage with a resolutely contemporary design. At The Swiss Collector, our selection of pre-owned Bulgari jewellery and watches evolves continuously : each one unique.
The History of Bulgari : 140 Years Between Rome and the World
The Origins of a Visionary Goldsmith (1884–1940)
In 1884, Sotirio Voulgaris (whose name was Latinised to "Bulgari") opened his first boutique on Via Sistina in Rome. Trained in the Greek tradition of goldsmithing, he created jewellery inspired by Classical Antiquity and the Renaissance that quickly captivated Roman high society. His sons Giorgio and Constantino succeeded him and relocated the house to the heart of Via Condotti : the mythical address that remains the historic flagship boutique to this day. The signature "BVLGARI" (using the classical Latin V) became a distinctive mark engraved on every piece.
La Dolce Vita and International Recognition (1945–1984)
After the Second World War, Bulgari rode the golden age of Roman dolce vita to assert itself on the international stage. Via Condotti became the meeting point of Hollywood celebrities filming in Rome : Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Grace Kelly, and above all Elizabeth Taylor : who, in 1962, publicly wore a Serpenti wristwatch on the set of Cleopatra, catapulting the collection to worldwide fame. In 1977, Bulgari launched the BVLGARI BVLGARI watch, its double logo engraved in relief on the bezel creating an unmistakable horological signature.
The LVMH Era and Watchmaking Mastery (1984–Today)
The 1980s and 1990s saw Bulgari establish itself as a full-fledged watchmaking manufacture, opening workshops in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. In 1999, the B.zero1 collection revolutionised contemporary jewellery with its spiral ring inspired by the Colosseum. In 2011, Bulgari joined the LVMH group, gaining the resources to pursue its watchmaking ambitions : culminating in the Octo Finissimo, which broke several world records for thinness between 2014 and 2020. Bulgari is today the only house in the world to master high jewellery, manufacture watchmaking and luxury perfumery simultaneously.
Collections & Iconic Pieces
Jewellery
Watches
Key References & Secondary Market Prices
B.zero1 ring Yellow / White / Rose 18ct Gold
CHF 2,000 – CHF 4,500
B.zero1 ring 18ct Gold, diamond pavé
CHF 4,500 – CHF 9,000
Serpenti Tubogas bracelet 18ct Gold
CHF 5,000 – CHF 15,000
Serpenti bracelet Gold / Diamonds
CHF 8,000 – CHF 30,000
Serpenti watch Steel / Gold (quartz)
CHF 3,000 – CHF 8,000
Bulgari Bulgari necklace Yellow Gold
CHF 2,500 – CHF 6,000
Values vary depending on condition, metal, presence of stones and original box. Contact our TSC experts for a precise valuation.
Bulgari vs Cartier vs Tiffany & Co. : Which to Choose ?
Bulgari
The choice for lovers of bold Italian jewellery, intense colours and a design rooted in ancient Roman heritage. Its iconic collections (Serpenti, B.zero1) offer an immediately recognisable visual identity and solid appreciation potential on the secondary market. Ideal for those who want a jewel with character, history and a powerful signature.
Cartier
Shares with Bulgari the status of a global reference jewellery house, with a slightly higher secondary market value on flagship pieces (Love, Panthère, Trinity). A more Parisian and more formal positioning, with a more diversified watch range.
Tiffany & Co.
Shares the world of accessible luxury jewellery, with a strong visual identity (Tiffany blue) but a more American and more classic DNA. Generally lower secondary market value than Bulgari or Cartier on jewellery pieces.
Our Swiss Collector Verdict
If you are looking for a jewel with a powerful Roman aesthetic, a rich history and immediate worldwide recognition, Bulgari is hard to beat. The Serpenti for iconicity, the B.zero1 for everyday wear, the Bulgari Bulgari for vintage collecting.
Bulgari and Its Iconic Figures
Bulgari has always maintained strong ties with cinema, fashion and global culture :
- Elizabeth Taylor : the founding figure of the Bulgari myth, she wore a Serpenti on the set of Cleopatra in 1962 — an appearance that propelled the collection to worldwide fame
- Audrey Hepburn : historic emblematic client of the Via Condotti boutique, the very symbol of Roman elegance in the 1950s and 60s
- Zendaya : global ambassador of the house, embodying the modernity and power of Bulgari style for a new generation
- Anne Hathaway : international figure regularly seen in Bulgari high jewellery on red carpets worldwide
- Lisa (Blackpink) : Bulgari's ambassador in Asia, contributing to the house's resonance among a globally connected clientele
- The Cannes Film Festival & Venice Film Festival : institutional presences of the house on the two greatest red carpets in world cinema
Buying Pre-Owned Bulgari at The Swiss Collector
- Budget : Pre-owned Bulgari jewellery starts from CHF 600 for vintage or steel pieces. B.zero1 rings in gold start around CHF 2,000. Serpenti gold bracelets begin at CHF 5,000, and diamond-set pieces can significantly exceed CHF 20,000.
- Condition : Every piece is classified according to four levels (like new, very good condition, good condition or worn condition) with high-definition photographs.
- Rigorous Selection : Each jewel or watch is carefully selected and assessed by our experts before being listed for sale.
- Box & Papers (full set) : Clearly identified in our listings.
- Secure Delivery : Insured and trackable worldwide shipping.
Caring for a Pre-Owned Bulgari Jewel
Recommended Maintenance
Bulgari recommends professional cleaning every 2 to 3 years to preserve the brilliance of the gold and stones. The articulations of Serpenti and Tubogas bracelets should be checked periodically to ensure their suppleness and the integrity of the links.
Signs of Good Preservation
Supple articulations with no abnormal resistance, gold free from deep scratches or metal deformation, stones securely set with no visible scratching, "BVLGARI" engraving sharp and legible, fully functional clasp with no excessive play.