Book Description
The enduring appeal of a luxury jewellery house lies not only in exceptional craftsmanship, but also in its deep connection to a city, a culture, and an aesthetic tradition. Since its founding in 1884, Bulgari has shared an inseparable relationship with Rome. For the maison, the Eternal City has never been merely the location of its headquarters—it has been an inexhaustible source of creative inspiration. From the harmonious proportions of ancient architecture and the vibrant colours of Roman mosaics to the geometry of streets, piazzas, and archaeological ruins, the spirit of Rome has been transformed into Bulgari's unmistakable design language. *Bulgari and Rome: A Notebook* offers an intimate exploration of this remarkable relationship, presenting a beautifully crafted volume that guides readers through the city while revealing how Rome has shaped the identity of one of the world's most celebrated jewellery houses.
Unlike conventional brand monographs that focus primarily on products or corporate history, this book places the city itself at the centre of the narrative. It weaves together Rome's iconic landmarks, architectural details, and cultural memories with Bulgari's most recognizable jewellery designs. The spiral form of the **B.zero1** ring echoes the circular structure of the Colosseum; the octagonal motifs found on many Bulgari watch dials draw inspiration from the coffered ceilings of Roman basilicas; and the maison's bold combinations of coloured gemstones reflect the richness of ancient mosaics and the city's ever-changing light. Rather than simply borrowing historical motifs, Bulgari reinterprets architecture, art, and the urban landscape into a distinctly contemporary visual language that has become synonymous with the brand's vitality and elegance. Complementing these visual connections are essays by Italian writers, art historians, and influential figures from the worlds of fashion, film, music, and culture, allowing Rome to be experienced not only through its monuments, but also through the perspectives of those who continue to shape its cultural life.
One of the book's greatest strengths is that it never attempts to present a definitive history of Bulgari. Instead, it unfolds like a leisurely walk through the streets of Rome. It reminds readers that the true value of a brand is rarely defined by a single iconic creation, but by the long and evolving relationship it shares with the culture that surrounds it. The city's architectural grandeur, historical depth, and artistic heritage have become deeply embedded within Bulgari's design philosophy, transforming jewellery from precious objects into miniature vessels of cultural memory. Each creation becomes a fragment of Rome itself, establishing a timeless connection between its wearer and the city that inspired it.
*Bulgari and Rome: A Notebook* is therefore far more than a book about jewellery or travel. It is a thoughtful cultural notebook exploring how brand identity, local heritage, and design aesthetics continuously shape one another. It reminds us that the value of fine jewellery extends well beyond gemstones and craftsmanship—it resides equally in the layers of history, art, and emotion that accumulate within a city and are transformed through design into objects that can be worn, collected, and appreciated for generations. For readers passionate about jewellery design, luxury branding, and Italian art and culture, this volume offers both an inspiring journey through Rome and a compelling reflection on the enduring legacy of beauty.
Details
Authors: Jan Kralicek, Costantino D'Orazio
Publisher: Mondadori Electa
Publication Year: 2020
Dimensions: 24 × 17 cm
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 256 pages
