Bulgari

Bulgari is a lavishly illustrated exploration of Italy's greatest jeweler. Since its beginnings in Rome in 1881 - and throughout its years of expansion throughout the world - the Bulgari firm has been at the forefront of jewelry design, launching many trends and revivals. Here, copious photographs and archival pictures trace the development of the Bulgari style, a distinctive look that has captivated royalty, movie stars and others for more than a century.

The book showcases a range of Bulgari's stunning innovations, such as its easy-to-wear everyday jewels made with precious gems, the powerful modular units combined in repeating patterns, its trademark watches and unique Vintage Collection, a private cache of Bulgari period jewels, watches and objets d'art. It also describes the creative inspiration that led the firm to its famous juxtaposition of unusual materials, from mixing colourful semiprecious stones with priceless diamonds and mounting ancient coins in gold jewelry to incorporating substances - such as steel and white porcelain - that had never before been used in couture jewelry. These and other fashions have sparked countless imitations by other jewelers, copies that can never rival the glamour and flair of the Bulgari originals.

This elegant volume will delight anyone in the field of fashion and jewelry design, as well as the many enthusiastic collectors of Bulgari jewels.