Serpenti is one of the Bvlgari’s most famous icons. The figure of the reptile, a symbol of eternally youth and immortality in the mythological bestiary, is an integral and long-established part of the aesthetic universe of the Italian jeweler, and consistently appears in the most striking Bulgari creations. In religion, mythology, and literature, serpents and snakes represent fertility or a creative life force. An object of desire for women all around the world since its first introduction.
The initial three coil gold snake wristwatch and bracelet, such as the ones in the collage above, were extremely successful in the 1950s and 1960s. Bulgari has expanded upon the theme by introducing other versions until today.
Recently, I was lucky to see this Bulgari museum piece from around 1965 which is not for sale:
Snake bracelet in gold and polychrome enamel (B616). The flexible bracelet designed as a coiled snake, the scales decorated with white and black enamel, the head with pear-shaped diamonds eyes.
It has already adorned the wrists of many celebrities, as you can see below:
Probably you can imagine how honoured I felt to wear this piece of contemporary history.
Eve was the first woman tempted by a serpent in paradise… and thanks to Bulgari many women have followed. In case you are ready to be tempted by the newest Serpenti 2012 collection, I invite you to click here for a previous post.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Bulgari, © Getty Images, © Guindani, © Irving Penn for Vogue and © Sandra Bauknecht
