The jewellery House of Bulgari was founded in Rome in 1884 by Sotirio Bulgari, a talented Greek silversmith. The first shop opened in Via Sistini, which was replaced by the flagship store in 1905 and still stands today over a hundred years later in Via dei Condotti. Initially pieces were forged in silver and were very popular amongst English tourists visiting Rome which made the business thrive. When Sotirio’s sons Giorgio and Costantino joined the business, they suggested that the family company focus on fine jewellery, taking advantage of the legacy of silversmithing. The firm soon became internationally famous for producing impeccable jewellery.
Conceived by Giorgio Bulgari in 1932, the very first Trombino Bulgari ring was set entirely with diamonds as an engagement ring for his future wife, Leonilde Gulienetti. The Trombino’s undisputed high glamour profile proved irresistible to the jewellery cognoscenti of the 1930s.
The Trombino is translated to, ‘little trumpet’ and is one of Bulgari’s most instantly recognisable and iconic designs. Undeniably eye-catching, the Trombino Bombé cluster was pioneering as it enabled the central impressive gemstone(s) to stand proud as the centrepiece. The broad integrated shank of the Trombino design consists of grain set round diamonds with a graduated horizontally set row of baguette-cut diamonds tapering down from the central gemstone.
Renowned for incorporating awe inspiring gemstones into their creations, Bulgari introduced dramatic combinations recalling the cupolas Roman landscapes and the cabochon became a hallmark of the brand to glorify the vivid colour of gems. One of the most famous Trombino rings was bought by Elizabeth Taylor in 1971. The ring consists of a sugarloaf cabochon sapphire that weighs more than 25 carats, and realised $866,500 when it was sold at Christie’s in 2011.
Over the decades, Bulgari established a reputation for Italian excellence, exquisite craftsmanship and the finest quality gemstones. While always honouring its cultural legacy, Bulgari created designs that stood out as icons throughout time such as the Trombino ring design. At Berganza we have two magnificent original Bulgari Trombino rings in our current collection. To view these spectacular pieces visit the showroom or enquire today!
