Rago Auctions

Marina Bulgari, granddaughter of Bulgari's founder, is considered to be one of the most important woman jewelers of the 20th and 21st centuries. She began her career working in Bulgari’s flagship store in Rome and, after completing university studies in art and mathematics, she returned to her family’s company and began contributing jewelry designs. Following her father’s death there was disagreement in the direction of the brand, which was the impetus for Marina to depart the company and carve her own path.

Marina B’s first boutique opened in Geneva in 1978. Her unique arsenal of skills–an understanding of gems, proportion, design, and what women desired to wear–led to almost immediate success. She created bold pieces that deftly combined innovative techniques with classic style and recognized that modern women were buying jewelry for themselves, not solely for special events. Marina was also a trailblazer, inventing her own gemstone cuts and devising intricate reversible pendants and interchangeable ear drops.

As her fame grew, she opened boutiques in Milan, Paris, and New York to better serve her international clientele. Her stunningly opulent yet timeless baubles continue to be coveted just as much today as when they were decades ago. In 2019, renowned contemporary jeweler Guy Bedarida was named Creative Director of the company, with the goal of honoring and expanding upon Marina B’s reputation for design and impeccable workmanship.