Elite Traveler Summer 2023

BULGARI Long known for its mastery of high jewelry, exquisite craftsmanship and bold designs inspired by its Roman roots, Bulgari is an expert at crafting art for the body. Founded in Rome in 1884, Bulgari has grown to legendary status. It is in the world of haute joaillerie that the brand brings its incredible penchant for color, passion for quality artistry and prowess in visionary techniques to the forefront; the brand is known for its exceptionally colorful suites of jewelry that boast some of Earth’s most beautiful hues in cabochon cuts and whimsical designs. Bulgari is also known for its iconic, timeless Serpenti jewelry. Inspired by the serpent, the Serpenti collection was fi rst unveiled in 1948, and this year celebrates its 75th anniversary. From jewelry and watches to accents on Bulgari leather goods and more, the Serpenti is adored by men and women around the world. Serpenti transcends time and creativity. Over the decades, Bulgari has created it in precious metals, set it with nearly every gemstone imaginable and has even presented the beloved snake on gold sinewy, fl exible Tubogas bracelets that coil around the wrist. In fact, Elizabeth Taylor wore a Serpenti on her wrist when she starred in the 1963 movie Cleopatra . After all, in the Rome of 2,000 years ago,

Cleopatra had her own a ffi nity for the serpent, as well as for gold and gemstones. This year, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of this icon and Bulgari’s inexhaustible design ideas, the brand breaks out — teaming with a variety of artists around the world for collaborations that yield mind-boggling Serpenti results. The Serpenti by Re fi k Anadol, for instance, was on display in Madrid from February to April, and subsequent partnerships will produce new results and new exhibitions around the globe. At the same time, Bulgari is launching a campaign, 75 Years of In fi niteTales , that showcases the captivating evolutions of the Serpenti. And, of course, Bulgari creates enthralling new Serpenti jewels and watches. Easily one of the most alluring is the high jewelry Serpenti Fruit Garden Necklace crafted in 18-karat pink gold and meticulously set with diamonds and gemstones that features two snakes — their bodies entwined to form the necklace — whose heads meet at the center of the necklace and form a dramatic drop. Each head features a faceted brilliant step-cut red tourmaline (weighing 5.41 carats) on the top of the head, and each boasts a bold, faceted gemstone hanging from its mouth. On either side of the snakes graduated larger to smaller

stones also drip from the snake coils to just about where the necklace starts to wrap around the neck. Crafted using a breathtaking medley of purple, pink and red, the necklace also consists of seven pear brilliant-cut pink tourmalines (28.35 ct), seven pear brilliant-cut amethysts (35.82 ct), 87 fancy bu ff -top rubellites (9.81 ct), 86 fancybu ff -top amethysts (7.57 ct), four pear brilliant-cut diamonds (D-F VVS weighing 0.34 ct), 13 fancy shape step-cut diamonds (D-F VVS weighing 0.91 ct) and pavé-set diamonds (D-F IF-VVS weighing 34.73 ct). In total, the extravagant masterpiece weighs more than 122 carats. Readying the gold necklace for the setting of the stones takes hundreds of hours, while the stone setting matches, if not exceeds, that preparation work. The entire process takes more than 1,400 hours. However, one of the most di ffi cult challenges in creating a museum-worthy piece such as this is the collecting of perfectly sized, perfectly matched colored gemstones. This is just one of the pieces being released this year in the brand’s high jewelry and Serpenti collections. In short, it is but one example of the quality craftsmanship and the pioneering spirit of this luxury leader. bulgari.com

The high jewelry Serpenti Fruit Garden Necklace in 18-karat pink gold with diamonds, gemstones, and step-cut red tourmaline on each snake’s head

Bulgari is known for its timeless Serpenti jewelry

Inspired by the serpent, Bulgari’s Serpenti collection was fi rst unveiled in 1948 ,and this year celebrates its 75 th anniversary

Photos Antonio Barrella/Studio Orizzonte Gallery