Bulgari Vintage Mid-Century Sapphire Diamond Articulated Bracelet

Bulgari, founded in Rome in 1884 by Sotirio Boulgaris, had been making sparkling jewels since the 1920s when the Italian luxury jewelry house still relied upon traditional French techniques and platinum diamond designs. During WWII, jewelry production for Bulgari practically ceased, but slowly recovered in the 1950s. Indeed Bulgari’s style that we know today comes predominantly from the flourishing Dolce Vita era of the 1950s and 1960s when Paolo, Gianni, and Nicola Bulgari ran the business out of their one shop at Via dei Condotti and personally oversaw the design studio. By this time Bulgari was developing their signature Italian style of voluptuous and bold jewelry lavishly set with precious (and mostly colored) gemstones with a daring and bold aesthetic that celebrated stunning unconventionality.

This Bulgari Vintage Mid-Century Sapphire Diamond Articulated Bracelet, made in Italy in the 20th century, circa 1950s, is crafted in platinum and 18K yellow gold and set with richly colored blue sapphires surrounded by wreaths of diamonds. The gross weight of platinum is approximately 71 grams. The bracelet which measures 7 inches in length (17.78 cm) is Signed Bvlgari and features 8 oval and antique cushion-shape sapphires with an estimated weight of 62.00 carats total, graduated from 4.6 to 8.3 carats approximately.

The sapphires are accompanied by report no. 68173, dated 30 April 2013, from the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) stating that two of the natural corundum blue sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) origin, five are of Burmese (Myanmar) origin, and one is of Madagascar origin. The gems are arranged in bracelet itself in the above said order from the clasp (pictured on the report). All eight sapphires are evaluated as “blue of medium strong saturation” with no indication of thermal treatment. Unheated Ceylon, Burmese, and Madagascar sapphires with such magnificent coloration as these are quite splendid, as the majority of colored gemstones on the market have been heat-treated to improve color saturation and clarity. Burmese sapphires are among the rarest and most valuable types of sapphires, owing to their rich, intense royal blue color. Ceylon sapphires typically have a slightly lighter cornflower blue. Madagascar sapphires showcase supreme quality and size and can display a strong vibrant blue. Although the sapphires in this bracelet originate from three different locations, the stones have been matched in color to perfection.

Ovals and cushions are amongst the most popular cuts for sapphire with less rough discarded as waste as the sapphire is being faceted, thus maintaining carat weight and size. The block-like patterns of light produced by the antique cushion creates a unique charm reminiscent of a by-gone era. Cushions will have a slightly more plump appearance than an oval, but both provide a rich and brilliant sparkle. Each sapphire is set in warm 18K yellow gold, accented strikingly with four yellow gold prongs. This is in contrast with the cool halo of white round brilliant cut diamonds, set in platinum which surround the colored stones. Set in between each halo is a diamond foliate motif that gives the piece a regal and opulent wreathlike look. The motif is comprised of a central marquise diamond oriented vertically and accented on top and bottom with 6 smaller round diamonds. The total weight of diamonds for the bracelet is an estimated 40.00 carats.

Measures approx. 7” in length. 8 oval and antique cushion non-heated sapphire weight approx. 62.00 carats total: 2 Ceylon Sapphires, 5 Burmese Sapphires, 1 Madagascar Sapphire, all certified by SSEF. Round marquise diamond weight approx. 40.00 carats total. Overall weight approx. 71.00 grams, made in platinum. Signed Bulgari; circa 1950s.

SKU :B1016
Category :BRACELETS
Metal :PLAT

BUL

Platinum

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