One of the world’s most significant and rare jewellery collections is on display in Sydney this week, featuring over 120 years of Bulgari history.
Assembled by Sotheby’s jewellery expert and Bulgari consultant Amanda Triossi, the Bulgari Vintage Collection was originally created for the commemoration of Bulgari’s 125th anniversary in Rome last year.
Triossi has spent 13 years locating and buying back vintage pieces from auctions and private collectors, including Elizabeth Taylor, Ellen Barkin and Lyn Revson.
Prior to this, the Bulgari family owned only a few of their own creations, and had no major archive of four generations of work. It now has over 300 pieces, with a select group of these being shown for the travelling exhibition.
Francesco Trapani, CEO of the Bulgari Group, says he is proud of the company’s achievement, in establishing and maintaining a brand that, like its jewels, has stood the test of time.
“Celebrating 125 years of activity is a significant achievement that few companies, whether in Italy or abroad, can claim,” he says.
“It represents an immense patrimony not only of rare and precious objects, but of equally valuable testimonies and memories which together constitute the heart of this retrospective.”
Covering many decades of design – from the early antiquity-inspired pieces of the 1880s to the bold, colourful designs of the 1990s – visitors are able to see the progression not only in Bulgari’s own signature, but also the fashions of each era.
One of the main highlights is an emerald necklace, appropriately nicknamed “The Seven Wonders” for its astonishing display of Columbian blue-green emeralds.
While not as recognisably ‘Bulgari’ as some of the other items in the collection, the flawless quality of the stones, the impeccable setting of the emeralds and diamonds, and the timeless quality of the design, all attest to its position as one of the most valuable pieces on display.
The collection is on show at the Bulgari store on Castlereagh Street, Sydney from April 28 until May 6.
To book an appointment to view the collection email Bulgari on: [email protected]
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