Bvlgari has launched a bold new initiative that transforms archival treasures into contemporary masterpieces. The Bvlgari Eternal collection represents the Roman jeweler’s commitment to honoring its rich 140-year heritage while creating pieces that resonate with modern collectors. Rather than simply reproducing historical designs, the collection reinterprets iconic pieces through a contemporary lens, maintaining the technical mastery and bold creativity that defined the originals while updating them for a new generation of jewelry enthusiasts.
The inaugural chapter, titled Vimini, takes its inspiration from a treasured 1942 bracelet housed in the Bvlgari Heritage collection. This wasn’t a random selection from the archives. The original piece was partly inspired by Greco-Roman willow-branch weaving techniques and became notable for its bold design and futuristic creativity during the World War II era. By choosing this particular bracelet to launch the Bvlgari Eternal collection, the house signals its intention to celebrate pieces that were ahead of their time, designs that broke conventions and pushed boundaries even in their original context.
The 1942 Original: Design Born from Wartime Innovation
Understanding the significance of the Bvlgari Vimini bracelet requires context about its 1942 origins. During World War II, the international jewelry industry faced unprecedented challenges. Traditional gemstone supplies were disrupted, precious metals were restricted for military use, and the luxury market itself was fundamentally altered by global conflict. Rather than retreating, Bvlgari responded with innovation.
The original Vimini bracelet exemplified the creative resourcefulness that characterized Bvlgari’s wartime output. The design drew inspiration from ancient Greco-Roman techniques of willow-branch weaving—a connection to classical antiquity that has always been central to Bvlgari’s Roman identity. This wasn’t mere nostalgia; it was a deliberate artistic statement that linked contemporary jewelry design to the eternal values and aesthetics of classical civilization.
The bracelet’s bold, geometric form was radical for its era. While many jewelers of the 1940s favored delicate, feminine designs, Bvlgari created a piece that was sculptural, architectural, and decidedly modern. The rhomboid shape, with its angular facets and three-dimensional presence, suggested modernist sculpture and avant-garde design movements as much as traditional jewelry. It was a piece that looked simultaneously backward to ancient Rome and forward to mid-century modernism.
Beyond the bracelet, the Vinimi chapter also boasts a necklace, earrings, and even a ring. We were fortunate to get a preview of the collection at the 2026 Golden Globes, where rapper Lisa of BLACKPINK stunned in the Vimini high jewelry necklace from the Bvlgari Eternal collection.
Greco-Roman Willow Weaving: Ancient Technique, Modern Interpretation
The Vimini name itself references the ancient practice of wickerwork, from the Latin “vimen,” meaning pliant twig or osier. In ancient Rome, willow branches were woven into baskets, furniture, and decorative objects—utilitarian items elevated through skilled craftsmanship into objects of beauty. The weaving patterns created by interlaced willow branches produced distinctive geometric designs, with overlapping elements creating visual depth and structural integrity.
The Bvlgari Vimini collection translates these weaving patterns into gold, transforming organic materials and techniques into permanent precious metal. The rhomboid shapes that define the silhouette echo the diamond-shaped gaps created when willow branches cross at angles. The dimensional quality of the design, the way elements layer and overlap, references the three-dimensional structure of woven objects.
This translation from natural, temporary materials to eternal gold exemplifies what the Bvlgari Eternal collection aims to achieve: taking designs rooted in specific historical moments and craft traditions, then reimagining them in ways that preserve their essential character while making them relevant for contemporary wearers. The pieces become both jewelry and sculptural art, equally at home in a museum vitrine or gracing a star at a Los Angeles rooftop party.
The Rodeo Drive Flagship: A California Connection
The choice to launch the Bvlgari Eternal collection in Los Angeles rather than Rome, New York, or another traditional luxury capital reflects Bvlgari’s recognition of California’s growing importance in the luxury market. The Rodeo Drive flagship represents a significant investment in the American West Coast market, which has shown particularly strong growth for high jewelry in recent years.
During the launch event on January 15, guests experienced more than just jewelry viewing. Bvlgari created immersive environments that told the story of the Vimini bracelet’s journey from 1942 to 2026, showcasing archival photographs, design sketches, and historical context alongside the contemporary pieces. Bespoke styling sessions allowed VIP clients to experience how the Bvlgari Vimini pieces could be incorporated into their personal style, while conversations with Bvlgari experts provided insights into the craftsmanship and design philosophy behind the collection.
“Vimini represents the elegance and technical mastery of Bvlgari—reinterpreted for a new generation,” said Hervé Perrot, Bvlgari North American President, in a statement. “Launching Bvlgari Eternal in Los Angeles at our new Rodeo Drive boutique allows us to honor our heritage while embracing contemporary design.”
What’s Next for Bvlgari Eternal
While Vimini serves as the inaugural chapter of the Bvlgari Eternal collection, it’s clear this initiative represents an ongoing commitment rather than a one-time project. Bvlgari’s archives contain over 140 years of designs, many of which could be similarly reimagined for contemporary audiences. The question isn’t whether additional chapters will follow, but which historical pieces will be selected for revival.
The success of this approach depends on careful curation, choosing archival designs that possess genuine aesthetic merit and historical significance, not simply reproducing old pieces for novelty’s sake. Each chapter of the Bvlgari Eternal collection should tell a story, connecting specific moments in Bvlgari’s history to broader cultural contexts while demonstrating timeless design principles that remain relevant regardless of era.
Future chapters might explore different periods of Bvlgari’s history, different design languages, or different jewelry categories. The house’s archives include spectacular high jewelry creations, innovative watch designs, and iconic pieces worn by celebrities from Elizabeth Taylor to modern brand ambassadors. Each offers potential for reinterpretation through the Bvlgari Eternal lens.
Featured images: Courtesy of Bvlgari
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