Bulgari and the Stars

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Italian Jewels:  Bulgari Style is in its last weeks of showing at the National Gallery of Victoria.   If exquisite gems excite and cause you to gasp, then hurry and don’t miss out.  This is a star studded exhibition.

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The collection includes emerald and diamond jewellery from the personal collection of Elizabeth Taylor as well as curated pieces representing Bulgari’s longstanding relationships with Hollywood stars through the 1950s and 1960s.  So, so gorgeous!!!

Emerald and diamond necklace belonging to Elizabeth Taylor   Photograph:  GRACIE

Emerald and diamond wedding necklace belonging to Elizabeth Taylor Photograph: GRACIE

This platinum emerald and diamond ring was given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton when their love affair first bloomed on the set of Cleopatra (1963).  Be prepared to be dazzled by this piece alone.

Ring in platinum with emerald and diamonds, 1961. Ring in platinum with a step-cut octagonal emerald of ca. 7.40 carats; the 12 pear-shaped diamonds have a total weight of ca. 5.30 carats. Created by Bulgari in 1962, it was the first jewel that Elizabeth Taylor received from Richard Burton in Rome during the filming of Cleopatra, when their “scandalous” love story started.

Bulgari, Rome (manufacturer) Italy 1884– Ring 1961 platinum, emerald, diamond 2.0 x 1.5 cm Bulgari Heritage Collection, Rome (MUS0431) Photo © Antonio Barrella Studio Orizzonte

Stunning additions to the exhibition are creations for Sophia Loren, Grace Kelly, Anita Ekberg, Gina Lollobrigida and Ingrid Bergman.  The earrings and necklace are both featured in the exhibition.

talian actors Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni on the set of the film Prêt-à- Porter (Ready to Wear) (1994), directed by American Robert Altman. Loren wears a Bulgari necklace and earrings in gold with rubies and diamonds Photo © Grazia Neri Photo Agency, Milan

Italian actors Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni on the set of the film Prêt-à- Porter (Ready to Wear) (1994), directed by American Robert Altman. Loren wears a Bulgari necklace and earrings in gold with rubies and diamonds
Photo © Grazia Neri Photo Agency, Milan

Necklace in gold with rubies and diamonds, 1994. Designed as row of cushion-shaped rubies within a frame of baguette and brilliant-cut diamonds in pavé settings supporting a second row of cushion-shaped rubies framed by diamonds and embellished by calibrated cut rubies. The necklace is set with 48 cushion-shaped rubies for a total weight of 59.33 carats. The necklace and the earrings were worn by Sophia Loren in the film Prêt-à-Porter (1994) by Robert Altman

Bulgari, Rome (manufacturer) Italy 1884– Necklace 1994 gold, ruby, diamond 43.0 x 1.8 cm Bulgari Heritage Collection, Rome (MUS0492) Photo © Antonio Barrella Studio Orizzonte

Channeling the glamour of the past, Keira Knightly wore this necklace and matching pendant earrings to the Academy Awards in 2006.  Created in 1967 with cabochon emeralds, rubies, sapphires and brilliant cut diamonds set in gold, these pieces well illustrate the designs favoured by Bulgari in the 1960s.

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Bulgari necklace comprising cabochon emeralds, rubies, sapphires and brilliant cut diamonds set in gold. Photograph: GRACIE

A 21st century comparative design is on display with this 2011 glittering necklace.  The gems have been carefully collated in colour and size to create this unique piece which has it’s own dramatic aura.

Bulgari necklace created in 2011 comprising gold (white) emeralds, sapphires, rubies and diamonds   Photograph:  GRACIE

Bulgari necklace created in 2011 comprising gold (white) emeralds, sapphires, rubies and diamonds Photograph: GRACIE

Bulgari’s unique style is further showcased in pieces featuring ‘cabochon cut gems in chromatic combinations’ forming exquisitely delicate tremblant brooches, specifically designed with a quivering effect.  Here, Ingrid Bergman wears a tremblant brooch in platinum and diamonds created in 1958.  Note:  The necklace and earrings are not featured in the current exhibition.

  Ingrid Bergman in 1963 posing for a picture on

Ingrid Bergman in 1963 posing for a picture on the set of the movie The Visit (1964) Photo © Ingrid Bergman Archive – Wesleyan University Cinema Archives

80 stunning pieces make up the Bulgari exhibition featuring fascinating film clips and photographs.  Other pieces of interest are the Melone evening bags and a fabulous collection of sautoir pendants.

Go choose your take home piece!

The Exhibition closes on 29 January 2017.
Level 3, National Gallery of Victoria
St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Entry is free

Further information available by clicking here

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