FAVORITES

Bulgari or Bvlgari?

Actually, both are correct according to Bvlgari, a stunning book that outlines the history of the luxury jeweller.

Bvlgari by Amanda Triossi and Daniela Mascetti, details the house’s story from the late 19^th century, when silversmith Sotirios Boularis fled a small Greek town near the Albanian border for Italy. He opened a shop in Rome and Italianized the family name to Bulgari. Following Sotirios’ death in 1932, his sons changed the name of the shop to Bvlgari, in the style of ancient Rome.

What has been remarkably consistent is the house’s style, with its signature cabochons, rounded contours and use of gold coins.

Old Hollywood and new Hollywood have embraced the brand and the book contains many historical celebrity photos, including a 1957 image of a Bvlgari-clad Sophia Loren eyeing Jayne Mansfield’s substantial cleavage.

Richard Burton was once quote as saying, “I introduced Liz to beer, she introduced me to Bvlgari.”

When Taylor and Burton began an adulterous affair, her husband Eddie Fischer gave her a suite of Bvlgari diamonds, hoping it would save their marriage. Burton also tried to pacify his wife with a Bvlgari bauble, to no avail. Both marriages ended, and Taylor and Burton’s love was celebrated with – what else? – Bvlgari jewels.

Bvlgari

By Amanda Triossi and Daniela Mascetti

$75 U.S.

Abbeville Press