Description
Bulgari was founded in Rome in 1884 by a talented Greek silversmith.
It is known worldwide for its distinctive and bold style that combines innovation with historical heritage.
After leaving Greece in 1881 and spending three years in Naples, Sotirios Voulgaris (1857-1932) moved to Rome, where he set up his first shop on Via Sistina.
10 years later, Sotirios opened another shop on Via dei Condotti.
At 28, he decided to iterate his name into Sotirio Bulgari (a phonetic version of his surname). He dealt in a variety of goods, from silverware, antiques and bric-à-brac to jewellery.
In 1905, a new store is opened at Via Condotti, 10, which is still the reference point for all Bvlgari stores in the world.
The original name of Condotti's shop is "Old Curiosity Shop", this is to cash in on the rich British and American tourists visiting Rome.
While the stock is expanding with a larger selection of jewellery and objects, mainly influenced by art deco and French design. .
When Sotirio's sons Giorgio and Costantino joined him, they suggested that the family business could grow further with a focus on "high" jewellery.
Early "high" jewelry creations of the 1920s reflected the design of the traditional French school, incorporating platinum and diamonds with geometric and stylized Art Déco designs.
The first known examples of Bulgari wristwatches date from these years, although it is very likely that they were selling watches from the very beginning of their business.
The design of this jewelled watch was in keeping with Art Deco, the dominant style in the 1920s.