The storied Roman jewellery house Bvlgari has been mesmerising generations with iconic creations such as the Tubogas and B.zero1 since 1884. Today, it continues its journey to new horizons in the world of high jewellery with the unveiling of its collection, Aeterna. In a tribute to its 140th anniversary, more than 140 pieces were unveiled alongside high jewellery watches, high end bags, and fragrances. These serve as a testament to the Maison’s ability to reinvent itself, its excellent craftsmanship, and its celebration of the Italian sense of la dolce vita by embracing colour and exuberant designs.
Jewellery of the Future
(right photo) The Sapphire Brocade necklace’s intricate patterns reflect 140 years of expertise.
The inimitable Serpenti motif, once worn by Elizabeth Taylor, has been interpreted on more than 100 items, including handbags and timepieces, but never quite like this. The Serpenti Aeterna necklace, featuring the seductive reptile, is the most precious work of art ever crafted by Bvlgari and is its magnum opus. Serpenti, which fittingly celebrated its diamond jubilee last year, is reimagined using the coveted gemstone instead of colour gemstones, as many would have predicted.
The Maison’s artisans poured a total of 2,800 hours into making this exquisite necklace, which will mesmerise wearers and jewellery connoisseurs alike for years to come. The daring undertaking required cutting a rough diamond of more than 200 carats into seven D flawless ultra clear and pure pears diamond drops totalling 140 carats, symbolising each year of the brand’s history. Further displaying the expertise of Bvlgari are drops that embrace a sinuous three-dimensional wave structure in platinum, embellished with 698 baguette diamonds weighing 61.81 carats.
As they say, ‘Perfection takes time’, and the enchanting Sapphire Brocade necklace required two years merely to collect the precious gems cut to create the 13 cushion sapphires characterising its exquisite layout. A piece imbued with the Roman arts, an intricate tapestry of 63.48 carats of diamonds and sapphires takes inspiration from the sumptuous textiles found in Roman palazzos. A reflection of Rome’s enduring legacy, the precious gems are meticulously arranged to evoke brocade’s intricate patterns, resulting in a mesmerising play of light and colour.
Bvlgari’s Joie de vivre, Exemplified
(right photo) The Monete Aeterna Augustus Emerald is a testament to Bvlgari’s Roman patrimony.
A necklace that truly embodies Italian character, the Bvlgari Lotus Cabochon is a vibrant creation where tradition meets innovation thanks its vivid colours and intriguing pebble-like structure. Crafted using Bvlgari’s tappetino technique, each stone is positioned within claw-like architectural elements. Rubellite, turquoise, emerald and amethyst cabochons are set on a carpet-like gold base to create an avant-garde collar inspired by haute couture fused with bold geometries. A supple yet stable piece, it harmonises the jubilant array of cabochon gems with round-cut diamonds and delicate pavé, producing a flawlessly symmetrical necklace.
Finally, the Monete Aeterna Augustus Emerald sautoir is a true ode to Bvlgari’s Roman origins and heritage. Exuding royal splendour, a rare imperial bronze coin minted during the reign of Tiberius shows the magnificent profile of the first Roman emperor, Augustus, who commissioned the building of the Ara Pacis as well as of his mausoleum, which faces the new Bvlgari Hotel in Rome. This majestic necklace is completed with 149 identical emerald beads weighing 615.04 carats, 80 buff-top emeralds, and pavé set diamonds.
The Bvlgari Aeterna collection truly reveals an outstanding combination of creativity, expertise and audacity that has defined the brand’s vision and continues to shape its future.
