The Italian Gardens collection includes an ode to a masterpiece whose very theme is the eternal rebirth of nature: the Allegory of Spring by Sandro Botticelli. This creation refers to Bulgari’s past, recalling a visionary necklace from 1969 in yellow gold with pearls, coral and diamonds. Spring Encounter, amidst its beauty and romantic allure, is also testimony to cutting-edge techniques: sixteen brilliant diamonds in the centre of each flower vibrate like pistils brought to life; the petals are studded with pavé diamonds and seem as though they would break off to the touch, like the most fragile parts of a flower: attributes that can be infused in a gem only by the genius of Bulgari’s designer and craftsmen. Most of the Italian Renaissance gardens have an intimate and hidden area, a place of quiet where the most beautiful flowers bloom. Secret Garden takes its inspiration from these discreet and precious angles. It is the colour that reigns in this delicate necklace, crafted to give volume and movement to the stones: rubellite, tanzanite, citrine, amethyst and aquamarine are creatively combined, almost recalling the pop art flowers of Andy Warhol. Subtle yet substantial, thanks to the special fancy cut, they are mounted on very light claws that seem to bear them aloft in the air, leaning like petals that yield before a spring breeze. The distinctive Bulgari technique of imposing geometry on natural forms here creates an unconventional flower with four multi-coloured petals, alluding to the cloverleaf symbol of good fortune. Love’s Paradise alludes to the idea of the garden as a place of delight, a haven created for the pleasure of 07 08 09
those who have the privilege to enjoy it. An inevitable notion, given the magnificence of the sapphire that sits regally at the centre of this necklace (125.35 ct). Originating in Sri Lanka, it was fashioned from a 400-carat raw stone sapphire cut several times to get to the very heart of the stone and reveal the marine blue that can be admired now. The current brilliant cut was the idea of Bulgari, who, despite having to sacrifice several carats, seized on the chance to achieve perfection. This amazing sapphire was ultimately refined with gentle touches of light: fancy and brilliant cut diamonds (33.18 ct), pavé and a star of emeralds that frame the stone. Sinuous, lively and as scintillating as the water that flows in all Italian gardens, the Magical Reflections necklace in white gold and brilliant and pear cut diamonds is much inspired by water chains. This includes the cascading rivulets that can be admired at Villa Lante, the masterpiece of Renaissance architecture just a few kilometres from Rome. The architecture that guides the brook in the water chain here gives rise to a unique and unmistakable design. Likewise, the curved and threedimensional lines of Magical Reflections emphasise the purity of the diamonds in a play of light volumes. Masterfully executed by Bulgari, the arrangement at once recalls the lapping of the water flowing among the stone volutes. www.bulgari.com/en-us/bulgari-giardini-italiani