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.
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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’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 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