patrick_y
[PuristSPro Moderator]
33677
When I go to Bulgari...
I perceive Bulgari as a top jeweler. The world of haute joaillerie is occupied by Lawrence Graff, Harry Winston, Chopard, Bulgari, and Cartier. These are the brand icons people go to when they want to acquire a substantial piece of jewelry, usually say, a substantial diamond necklace etc.
Bulgari is no exception, for over 125 years, the house of Sotirio Bulgari has been the leading jeweler in Italy. I believe (if memory serves me correctly) Bulgari first started working in silver and later moved towards the highest echelon of jewelry. Today, Bulgari jewelry designs are very provoking, there is a use of geometric shapes, sometimes a gothic look, snake and reptilian designs are utilized, and overall the jewelry has a very mysterious and abstract design. These pieces use diamonds (and other stones) of tremendous importance, usually very large stones and are very important pieces. Bulgari made their name due to their important pieces of jewelry.
The Bulgari company is also very unique, to my understanding, Bulgari remains independent whereas Cartier (it's closest competitor) has been acquired by an umbrella corporation. This is but one aspect that makes Bulgari fairly unique.
When I go into a Bulgari boutique, I expect to see jewelry, even moreso jewelry than wristwatches. The original store on Via Condotti in Rome usually has a fascinating collection of significant pieces. Admittedly, I don't buy the jewelry (at least I don't need to yet) and I perceive my next acquisition at Bulgari will actually be a men's clothing accessory. Despite this, I still nevertheless perceive Bulgari to be first and foremost a firm in jewelry.
Public Perception
MTF recently posted a thread in the Paiget forum regarding people's perception of Piaget as a watch company. I wanted to try and relate the question to Bulgari since, like Piaget, Bulgari is a very high end ladies jewelry oriented company as well, maybe e...
My take...
That's an interesting question. It seems that brands like Piaget, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, and Bvlgari are all first and foremost, women jewelry specialists, but as a guy, I have really only wanted to own a watch from Bvlgari. Not sure why, ...
Luxury appears to be the common thought...
Thank you for the personal and well articulated response. Indeed the brands that you mentioned, Rolex, TAG, and Omega do seem quite common and may not reflect the same level of status and luxury. Out of curiousity, have you looked at any other brands with...
Yes
I have looked at IWC (their sports watch line, since I am not a dress watch kinda guy), and although some of them look interesting, visually, I do not like watch dials with chronograph subdial arrangements in the 6,9,12 positions. I prefer the 3,6,9 layou...
My first thoughts are of jewelry and perfume...
...largely because I wear Bulgari perfume, and have been buying it for years. I love their bold, unique jewelry so those designs are top of mind for me. I think they've got some interesting watch collections currently. So far, not unlike many other brands...
I like your openmindedness Daos!
Seems like a lot of women like the Bulgari perfume. How would you characterize it?
I use their Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc
I think it's supposed to be a unisex fragrance, but I find it utterly feminine -- soft, lightly citrus, with hints of tea (of course) and a little dash of something peppery. I've been buying it for years. Cheers, Daos
How did you discover Bulgari perfume?
Hi Daos, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Bulgari. As Ping has touched on, it seems most people relate luxury to Bulgari products. But I'm curious to know how did you discover Bulgari perfume? Does the scent remind you of any special events in your lif...
Well, I always loved Bulgari gems...
...but I could never afford the pieces I really desire, so exploring their range of perfumes was a natural progression. I originally was drawn to their green tea scent, but the white tea has become my choice from their collection. I love perfume so I will...
Initial impressions and perception of Bulgari
My initial perception of Bulgari is high end jewelry designs and perfume. And also bespoke jewelry as a popular choice for female movie stars on the red carpet at events like Cannes and the Academy awards. But after visiting a few Bulgari Boutiques I've n...
Exactly.
Bulgari seems to be having the dual store concept at many of its locations. One half of the store focuses on the jewelry and high-dollar-value items (jewelry and wristwatches) while the other half is more of a gift-giving boutique that offers scarves, nec...
An interesting contradiction...
...which is likely shared by many. Quite a few people admire the jewelry but not as many people own it compared to their other products. I suppose this is mainly due to the affordabillity of their other products. Even their low end jewelry is pretty price...
I can consider buying it for someone else...
I would envision the highest dollar value of my purchases with Bulgari will be for a significant other. However, in the meanwhile, Bulgari does offer well-constructed seven-fold neckties and will be offering extremely interesting wristwatches that I can p...
Which section had more people?
That's kind of smart of them, have the separate watch entrance for the serious watch buyers but the two sections connected to get the crowd flow from the leather goods section. How did the Sotirio line look in person?
It was about equal on both sides
Hi Ping, During my visit the previous weekend it was about equal. I like the concept of the boutique, IMO it feels like two distinct shopping experiences with one side focusing on watches and jewelry and a second side for leather goods and other accessori...
When I go to Bulgari...
I perceive Bulgari as a top jeweler. The world of haute joaillerie is occupied by Lawrence Graff, Harry Winston, Chopard, Bulgari, and Cartier. These are the brand icons people go to when they want to acquire a substantial piece of jewelry, usually say, a...
A quick opinionated summary of some big jewelers and their wristwatch interests.
The below is heavily opinionated and almost provocative, please do not be offended. The high end jewelers I mentioned in my previous post are all dabbling in the world of wristwatches; 1. Lawrence Graff has this very sporty new watch line that I'm not fon...
RE: When I go to Bulgari
Hi Patrick, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Bulgari. What do you think of the new Sortirio collection? Regards, ED-209 This message has been edited by ED209 on 2010-02-22 19:44:49
The new Sotirio Collection
I find the design to be very strong; the lugs almost have a German approach. I've yet to see any pieces in person, so I will be reserving my judgement until I've seen the actual product in person. I also have to remind myself that what is made today, migh...
In my circle...
...perception is related to jewelry and expensive quartz watches for women. I hope that changes...
There is no doubt
Bulgari just celebrated their 125th anniversary of the founding of the Rome jewellery company BVLGARI (Italian) by Sotirios Voulgaris (Greek). Thus, they are a jeweller foremost. Various family machinations and inheritance intrigues later, they are now a ...
Coming from a person who never really 'knew' anything about Bulgari
I would pass displays in store windows and think, 'Fashion', 'Trendy', 'Flashy', 'Crass'. It would never occur to me that they were anything other than a 'name' attached to various products. It would never occur to me that they 'made' anything. I thought ...
I don't know if you mean that
sarcastically or seriously, but I in no way mean to be unkind in my post. I was just speaking bluntly about my own limited perception of the brand, as the question was asked. Cheers and always a pleasure to communicate with you, Art.
Absolutely not a tinge of sarcasm intended, Mostel . . .
. . . my interpretation of your post was that Bulgari was previously an unknown or under-appreciated quantity, and that you're now prepared to view the brand in a new light, which I think is precisely the reaction Ping and Ed are hoping for. Internet comm...
Always the gentleman Art.
You were right though, it did make my day. I didn't get your meaning immediately, but after about 15 seconds I did so I can see how there was some slight confusion there. Now that that is all cleared up...anyone expressing opinion on this forum makes my d...
It's for me to thank you, Mostel. I wonder how many times . . .
. . . a post of mine has been misinterpreted thru either clumsiness on my part or just the vagaries of internet communication . . . warmest regards, Art
Thanks for the honest opinion and being open about them now
Hi Mostel, Welcome to the Bulgari forum! Thanks for sharing your honest opinions and for being open minded about Bulgari. I'd like to learn more about what you think about the Bulgari watch collection. I've recently had a chance to briefly handle the one ...
Your perception
Hi Ping, So what are your perceptions of Bulgari? Jewelry? Leather goods? Perfume? or ?? Regards, ED-209
I think of...
jewelry first and foremost . To me, the name has a very cosmopolitan air to it which is interesting because what might be cool and fashionable worldwide might not be so much locally.
My take...
I think for a long time people have veiwed Bulgari as jewlery company, I have too Until I discovered their watches about four years ago, my first was the Aluminium I have been in love with their entire collection ever since, and actually owned six watches...
RE: My take...
Hi Faisal, It looks like we have a lot of DR/GG fans. Which lines in DR/GG would you most like to see continue? My favorites are the Papillon from DR and the Mickey Fantasy and Gefica from GG. Regards, ED-209