Richard Burton once said of Elizabeth Taylor, whom he married (and divorced) twice, “The only word Elizabeth knows in Italian is Bulgari.” And, indeed, while Taylor’s husbands came and went, her passion for Bulgari never faded.
Through Sept. 13, the actress’s fantastic collection, part of a historical exhibit of over 500 Bulgari jewels, will be on display in Rome’s Palazzo delle Esposizioni in celebration of the 125th anniversary of Bulgari’s first store in Rome. Though most of us cannot afford a diamond and emerald brooch like the one Burton gave Taylor on the occasion of their first engagement, at least we can admire it in all its sparkling splendor.
“Between Eternity and History, 125 Years of Italian Style” emphasizes the cultural relevance and Italian influence of Bulgari’s ever-changing designs, which will hypnotize even the most seasoned collector. The exhibit flows through cool, darkened rooms, offering refuge from Rome’s burning summer sun and highlighting both the ageless beauty and the historical specificity of the stones. From the Art Deco-inspired, diamond-encrusted jewels of the ’20s to the 1970s’ experimental “Star Spangled Banner” pieces made of diamonds set in polychrome enamel, Bulgari’s jewels have always remained unapologetically current.
Brought to worldwide fame through an ongoing flirtation with the cinema and its stars –- from Ingrid Bergman and Sofia Loren to Chloe Sevigny and Jennifer Aniston –- Bulgari’s innovative designs have long surpassed the world of luxury goods. As Andy Warhol once remarked, “I always visit Bulgari because it is the most important museum of contemporary art.”
“Between Eternity and History. Bulgari. 1884-2009.125 Years of Italian Style,” Palazzo delle Espozioni; via Nazionale, 194; 06-39-96-75-00. May 22 through Sept. 13. Gours: Sun. to Thur., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (closed Mondays). Tickets (also available online): 10 euro; reduced price (under 25, over 65, or disabled): 7.50 euro. (After July 3, ticket prices will increase by 2 euro and will include admission to the Scuderie del Quirinale.) On the first Wednesday of each month, admission is free between 2 and 7 p.m. for persons under 30.http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/global/word_reference/ref_bubble.png", sizingMethod="image");" style="DXImageTransform.Microsoft.AlphaImageLoader(src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/global/word_reference/ref_bubble.png", sizingMethod="image"); cursor:pointer;background-attachment:scroll;background-position-x:0%; background-position-y:0%">
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