In our age of information overload and constantly changing parameters of luxury, it takes an exceptional design to stand the test of time. Bulgari’s Tubogas is a true stalwart and a concept used in jewellery since 1870. Like the greatest designs, Tubogas is a function-inspired design that shunned the decorative scrolls and swirls of previous jewellery styles. The highly flexible bracelet simulated the coiling aspect of a snake’s body and was christened Tubogas because of its similarity to a lowly woven-metal gas hose that appeared in houses around the land with the arrival of piped gas.
Today, Bulgari celebrates the endurance of Tubogas, which has transcended its expected lifespan to become an icon blessed with authenticity, tradition, and craftsmanship. Capturing the Zeitgeist of an age of exciting upheaval, industrial optimism, and women’s renewed role in society, Tubogas reached the tipping point that took it from fad to icon.
The classic Tubogas coil shines bright with either rubellites, tanzanite or tsavorites, surrounded by turquoise or mother of pearl inlays and a dusting of diamonds.
In the late 1940s, designers at Bulgari’s HQ in Rome decided to insert a watch into the fashionable snake bracelets of the Art Deco period, resulting in the genesis of this timepiece with a bite. The first Serpenti watches were presented on an ergonomic gold Tubogas bracelet.
It helped that Elizabeth Taylor was a fan, Diane Vreeland adored the design, and countless divas have since adorned themselves with the empowering simplicity of Tubogas jewels, which became a metaphor for modernity.
Brand ambassador Hikari Mori models the Bulgari Tubogas bracelets and rubellite and mother of pearl choker, their sensual forms drape softly across the body.
Throughout generations, Tubogas has been strikingly recognisable, but it has subtly been kept up to date, always in the same idiom.The 16 new arrivals fuse elements from existing collections such as Serpenti, Monete, Bulgari Bulgari and Parentesi – based on the pattern of Roman pavements –as well as the house’s famous coloured gemstones to create new iterations of the Tubogas. Each design celebrates the sinuous litheness of the Tubogas, made of gold bands seamlessly joined together without any soldering to create a fluid coil that wraps around the body.
New bracelets, chokers, and earrings are made in the traditional yellow gold beloved by the house and adorned with gold diamond studs or a diamond-set Parentesi motif. Another version features all three colours of gold for a bold and contemporary look.
The Bulgari Tubogas bracelets get a make-over with the addition of diamond motifs and studs and a three-colour gold version adding to the allure of this timeless design that is perfect for wearing on its own or to create your own stack.
Bulgari’s indlgently opulent, richly-hued gemstones land on chokers set with either tanzanite, tsavorite or rubellite, the luminous gems framed by geometrical patterns of hard stones such as turquoise or mother pearl and off-set with diamonds.
The famous Serpenti drapes around the neck and finger with a slinky Tubogas body. The serpent’s diamond-set head clasps the tail end of its body to create a sensual double-wrap choker with a hint of danger.
The Bulgari Tubogas Serpenti choker and ring drape around the neck and finger with a slinky Tubogas body. The serpent’s diamond-set head clasps the tail-end of its body to create a sensual double-wrap choker with a hint of danger.
A Bulgari Tubogas watch is composed of a trio of coils in red, white, and yellow gold that wrap three times around the wrist. The watch face is a Bulgari design, with the logo spelt out twice around the bezel.
The techniques and perfection in craftsmanship required to make the Bulgari Tubogas jewels assure that each piece easily slips onto the body, from designs such as this Bulgari Bulgari watch and Tubogas choker worn by Hikari Mori.
The astounding Black Eagle choker tops the bill with six Tubogas coils stacked up the neck. The top coil is white gold, while the lower five are gold coated with a DLC black finish. The funnel-shaped choker is adorned with dozens of diamonds set in white gold for a dazzling and dramatic effect.
A sketch of the Bulgari Tubogas Black Eagle reveals the intricacy of this one-of-a-kind high jewellery creation that elevates the Tubogas to new heights of sophistication.
The Tubogas continues to inspire Bulgari's designers to create ever more surprising and original designs that have become a hallmark of the house. The arrival of the new Bulgari jewels confirm the iconic status of the Tubogas and its infinite design possibilities.
Three coils of red, white and yellow gold make up the distinctive Bulgari Bulgari Tubogas watch that easily wraps three times around the wrist and combines the classic spiral bracelet with the famous Bulgari Bulgari watch dials.
The Bulgari Tubogas bracelets get a make-over with the addition of diamond motifs and studs and a three-colour gold version adding to the allure of this timeless design that is perfect for wearing on its own or to create your own stack.
The techniques and perfection in craftsmanship required to make the Bulgari Tubogas jewels assure that each piece easily slips onto the body, from designs such as this Bulgari Bulgari watch and Tubogas choker worn by Hikari Mori.
The clean lines of the Tubogas allow for Bulgari’s designers to create new version featuring the house’s famous motifs such as the Parentesi inspired by the pavements of Rome or its rich heritage of gemstones such as tsavorite combined with mother of pearl.
The Tubogas choker is now adorned with gemstones such as rubellite with tsavorite and diamond accents in this sensuous new design that recalls the house’s strength in geometric designs.
Confirming the versatility of the Tubogas, the new Bulgari Bulgari watch features the iconic, coiled bracelet that perfectly matches the plain Tubogas choker for a contemporary and bold look.
The Bulgari Tubogas Black Eagle choker in DLC coated white gold with diamonds creates a strong look for the bravest of jewellery lovers. Its complex construction is the work of Bulgari's highly skilled goldsmithing team that have perfected the Tubogas techniques over 5 decades.
A sketch of the Bulgari Tubogas Black Eagle reveals the intricacy of this one-of-a-kind high jewellery creation that elevates the Tubogas to new heights of sophistication.
The Bulgari Tubogas Serpenti choker and ring drape around the neck and finger with a slinky Tubogas body. The serpent’s diamond-set head clasps the tail-end of its body to create a sensual double-wrap choker with a hint of danger.
The classic Tubogas coil shines bright with either rubellites, tanzanite or tsavorites, surrounded by turquoise or mother of pearl inlays and a dusting of diamonds.
Brand ambassador Hikari Mori models the Bulgari Tubogas bracelets and rubellite and mother of pearl choker, their sensual forms drape softly across the body.
Classic Bulgari colours and volumes find a new life in the Tubogas bracelets and choker, as modelled by Hikari Mori, Bulgari Ambassador, celebrate the design heritage of Rome’s most famous jewellery house.
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After many years as a freelance journalist and editor specialising in watches and jewellery, together with Christine Pasquier, Maria founded The Jewellery Editor. Maria’s work appears in a wide variety of notable publications, including the Financial Times, Intelligent Life, Telegraph ...
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