Seductive in every curve and coil, Bulgari’s Serpenti has hypnotized a plethora of legendary figures for decades—most notably Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Vreeland—and modern-day celebrities like Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and Charlize Theron (even male stars like Kris Wu have fallen under its spell!)
It all makes sense. Equally intimidating and enchanting, the legendary Serpenti motif has consistently been a favorite among those who dare to make a statement, for these very six reasons.
1. The Serpenti Effect
The Bulgari Serpenti embraces a quintessentially 80s aesthetic in this shoot, with a model showcasing a dazzling assortment of colorful enamel bracelets. (Photo courtesy of Bulgari)
Bulgari's Serpenti collection has continuously shed its skin since its introduction in 1948, showcasing the inventive spirit of its glorious Roman origins.
Initially designed as elegant wrist-wrapping jewelry-watches, these slithering pieces debuted with a sleek, flexible design using the famed Tubogas technique. By the '50s, the collection adopted a more life-like aesthetic, setting the stage for the '60s when it transformed into a vibrant playground of gemstones and colorful enamels.
The Serpenti collection grows more iconic with time, constantly reimagining its signature hexagonal scale motif. Destined to morph into entrancing new designs, the legendary line stands as a testament to eternal rebirth and daring change. “The Serpenti is a symbol of power and seduction, but it is also transformative,” shares Bulgari’s creative director Lucia Silvestri with T&C.
2. Hollywood’s Choice
The legendary Elizabeth Taylor famously wore her diamond-headed Serpenti bracelet watch while filming Cleopatra in 1962. (Photo courtesy of @Bulgariofficial via X)
In 1962, the Serpenti collection became an international icon at Cinecittà, Rome's famed movie studio, during the shooting of Cleopatra by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. Elizabeth Taylor, the leading actress of the movie, was captured on set looking spectacular in her exquisite diamond-headed Serpenti bracelet watch. This widely shared image catapulted the Roman store to international fame, establishing Bulgari's reptile—once and for all—as a quintessential symbol of Italian glamour.
Today, the biggest names in Hollywood get Oscar-ready with none other than Bulgari’s Serpenti. Charlize Theron frequented the event since the '90s, yet she still continues to reinvent her red carpet moments.
Charlize Theron's Oscar night in 2019 was marked by her spectacular jewels, most notably the white-gold double-wrap Serpenti necklace from Bulgari. (Photos courtesy of Vogue)
In 2019, the Academy Award winner made a memorable appearance with a brunette bob and a frosty, sleek gown from Dior. The pièce de résistance? A striking white-gold double-wrap Serpenti necklace from Bulgari.
Stealing the show, the statement necklace featured over 75 carats and a lively snake motif, clearly outshining the typical, more conventional jewelry designs. “The fact that the dress was completely covered and the Serpenti pieces were layered over the dress and not just on skin, made it feel fresh and modern,” Leslie Fremar, Theron’s stylist, commented.
3. A Reptile for Every Style
In her usual glamorous style, actress Priyanka Chopra-Jonas showcases magnificent pieces from the Bulgari Serpenti collection. (Photo courtesy of National Jeweler)
Going Serpenti? It’s a ‘vicious’ cycle of selection and indulgence—with subtle rings and standout bracelets to intensely seductive necklaces, elegant wrap-around watches, and even voguish bags and accessories, each Bulgari Serpenti creation ensures your magnetic appeal is ever-present.
The Serpenti also morphs into never-before-seen designs that have adorned the world's most beautiful women—and men. Whether you fancy white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or precious stones like emeralds, sapphires, or diamonds, choosing Serpenti means the ‘wrong choice’ is never part of the equation.
4. A Symbol of Feminine Power
Looking effortlessly iconic, Zendaya is fitted with the breathtaking Bulgari Serpenti Hypnotic Emerald necklace. (Photo courtesy of Lifestyle Asia)
Beyond its breathtaking design, the Serpenti motif is a vital symbol of feminine power. Over the past seventy-five years, Bulgari’s Serpenti has gracefully wrapped itself around modern women as they claim their independence, hone their unique talents, and pursue their wildest dreams.
From high-profile events to everyday office life and even cozy home settings, the iconic reptile has proved to be the ideal companion, continuously adapting alongside women who proudly display their authentic beauty.
5. Old-School or Avant-Garde? Good Luck Choosing!
Benedetta Barzini exuded timeless seduction in Bulgari Serpenti jewelry, captured by Gian Paolo Barbieri for Vogue US in 1968. (Photo courtesy of The Jewellery Editor)
Bulgari Serpenti has come a long way since 1948, evolving with the latest in technology and materials to produce stunningly balanced Serpenti pieces. Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, the executive director of product creation for watches at Bulgari, remarks on this evolution, “Today we have the opportunity to make a beautiful Serpenti with the right proportions because we have different technology and materials.”
Modern times are indeed impressive, but Buonamassa firmly believes that Bulgari “will never be able to reinvent a piece more beautiful than the original.” The house consistently returns to its most mesmerizing creation, perfectly capturing the eternal symbol of a snake consuming its own tail.
Yet, as the adage reminds us, our standards for the iconic Serpenti designs will remain sky-high, because “no matter how many times a snake sheds its skin, it will always be a snake.”
6. More Affordable Than You Think
A photo captures the exquisite craftsmanship of Bulgari's iconic Serpenti—truly a masterclass in excellence. (Photo courtesy of Only Natural Diamonds)
Bulgari's Serpenti isn't cheap—that's no secret. But here’s something you might not know: you can find these coveted pieces at a dramatically lower price in the second-hand luxury jewelry market.
Better described as "pre-loved," these curated items are sold in pristine condition that withstands the test of time, a reflection of the enduring craftsmanship of the esteemed Italian luxury fashion house. Even more enticing, these jewelry pieces were previously owned by someone with a fashion sense just like yours!
For those with a Bulgari jewelry wishlist, zenluxe is the place to make your dreams come true. This exclusive platform offers a breathtaking array of pre-loved, authentic jewelry at significantly reduced prices, neatly packed and swiftly delivered right to your doorstep.
Looking for other luxury houses? Dior? Cartier? Or perhaps Tiffany & Co.? You'd be pleasantly surprised!
About The Writer
Meet Mariam - a fashion writer who lives and breathes all things vogue and glamour. For her, the most therapeutic aspect of fashion goes beyond simply shopping for the latest styles that appear in stores—it’s fully experiencing this glamorous world from the little details to the big moments (there's nothing quite like the thrill of flipping through a sleek fashion magazine, is there?).
