Melone evening bag c jewelry made from gold, sapphire, silk by Bulgari, was worn by celebrities. © Bulgari.Image: NGV
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – On September 30, an amazing selection of jewelry from the Bulgari’s archives will be on display at the National Gallery of Victoria, NGV. The exhibition titled Italian Jewels: Bulgari Style will include a stunning emerald and diamond jewelry from the personal collection of Elizabeth Taylor and a ruby and diamond necklace worn by Sophia Loren.
Eighty stunning pieces of Jewelry alongside film and photography will be on display. An exquisite emerald ring presented to Taylor by her paramour and fifth husband Richard Burton will captivate the audience. He gave her the ring when their love affair first began in Rome on the set of Cleopatra(1963).
Besides Taylor’s emerald ring, the show will also include gorgeous but delicate Tremblant brooches. Tremblant brooches got their names from small springs in the jewelry designs which create a quivering effect. A floral hairpiece worn by Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman when she starred inThe Visit (1964), is a beautiful example. Sautoirs from the 1970s and pieces featuring cabochon-cut gems in chromatic combinations that convey Bulgari’s unique style will also be on display.
Bulgari: A History of Style, Celebrities and Iconic Designs
The story of Bulgari dates back more than a century after moving to Rome in his search for a greener pasture. Sotirio Bulgari, a Greek silversmith, opened his first Jewelry shop in 1884. There he grew creating some amazing jewelry. Borrowing from Greek and Roman heritage Bulgari, he went on to achieve a distinct style that combines tradition and innovation. Since that humble beginning, Bulgari has grown into a phenomenon.
Many celebrities who can choose anything to wear are wearing Bulgari jewelry designs. Bulgari’s style and innovations have captivated leading women, including royalty, actresses, and high society alike. Many of them have worn his elegant designs and others are still wearing them. They include Grace Kelly, Anita Ekberg, and Gina Lollobrigida among many others. Stars like Rihanna, Zendaya, Naomi Campbell, and Laura Harriet have been photographed wearing their beautiful Bulgari jewelry on the red carpet during Oscar and other celebrity events. As a result of his beautiful designs, Bulgari has become the favorite of Hollywood stars walking the red carpet. Lady Kitty Spencer, Princess Diana’s niece was a Bulgari ambassador while Bella Hadid was the face of Bulgari.
Bulgari Serpenti Necklace and Bracelets
Beyond the historical value of the gems on display, the collection sheds light on the aesthetic sensibilities of Bulgari. Tony Ellwood, Director, NGV notes ‘Italian Jewels: Bulgari Style illustrates the bold design aesthetic of Bulgari through a selection of exquisite gems worn by iconic stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Ingrid Bergman. The exhibition thematically explores design motifs for which the firm is best known – ancient coins, striking color combinations, and the serpenti, among others. The long legacy of celebrities and the Bulgari Serpenti continues to grow.
At the 91st Academy Awards, Charlize Theron’s dazzled guests with a diamond-only, multi-wrapped, white-gold Bulgari Serpenti. On her wrist was a bracelet from the same collection coiled around her right wrist. Her outing was reminiscent of Elizabeth Taylor.
Bulgari Celebrities Jewelry Designs
Bulgari designs are rich in Italian history and exude high aesthetic values. Lucia Boscaini, Bulgari Brand, and Heritage Curator explain the history of the designs: ‘Spanning from the 1930s until today, the works illustrate a strong design heritage and aesthetic evolution, deeply entrenched in Italian history and artisanal traditions. Italian Jewels: Bulgari Style showcases the glamor of a Golden Age of cinema and design, and represents Bulgari’s constant experimentation and inimitable aesthetic codes.’
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Italian Jewels: Bulgari Style will be on display at NGV International from 30 September 30, 2016 – 29 January 2017.