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Bulgari

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BULGARI logo

Italian jeweler and luxury goods retailer Bulgari (usually written "BVLGARI") is named after its founder, Greek Sotirio Bulgari (Σωτήριος Βούλγαρης). The company was founded in 1884 in Rome, Italy. The current flagship store was opened in 1905 by Bulgari with the help of his two sons (Costantino and Giorgio) and the store quickly became a place where the world's rich and famous came for the unique, high quality jewelry designs combining Greek and Roman art. Although the company made a name for itself with jewelry, today it is a recognized luxury brand that markets several product lines including watches, handbags, fragrances, accessories, and hotels.

Bulgari opened its first international locations in New York City, Paris, Geneva and Monte Carlo in the 1970s. For many years the company maintained a showroom in New York's Hotel Pierre. Today Bulgari has more than 150 retail locations worldwide.

In 1984 Sotirio's grandsons Paolo and Nicola Bulgari were named Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the company and nephew Francesco Trapani was named CEO. Trapani's goal to diversify the company was started in the early 1990s with the release of the Bulgari perfume line. Under his tenure the company has established itself as a luxury goods brand recognized throughout the world.

In 1995 the company was listed on the Borsa Italiana. The company has seen 150 percent revenue growth between 1997 and 2003. Currently outside investors hold about 45 percent of the company's stock.

In 2001, Bulgari, along with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company founded Bulgari Hotels and Resorts. Bulgari opened its first hotel in Milan in 2004, and a second is scheduled to open in October of 2006 in Bali.

Bulgari jewelry design is unique, highly regarded and often imitated (and counterfeited). In the 1970's, many of the more expensive Bulgari pieces (such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings) were characterized by instantly recognizable, bold, almost brutal designs combining large and weighty gold links with black-surfaced steel. Genuine Bulgari items usually have a unique serial number that is registered with the company.