Bulgari Celebrates 50 Years of Iconic Jewelry Designs in Milan

Editor-in-Chief Stellene Volandes attends the brand's high jewelry showcase at a historic villa.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:00pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph shot through condensation or rain-streaked glass, depicting a luxurious jewelry display in a lush, elegant setting, with soft pools of warm color and light.Bulgari's high jewelry collection shines in the opulent, historic surroundings of Villa Necchi, showcasing the brand's mastery of color, texture, and design.Today in Miami

Stellene Volandes, the Editor-in-Chief of Town & Country magazine, recently traveled to Milan to attend Bulgari's latest high jewelry showcase. The event, held at the historic Villa Necchi, allowed Volandes to appreciate the impact of Bulgari's design choices and the power of their color palettes in an elegant setting. Volandes also took the opportunity to visit some of her favorite Milanese haunts, catch up with friends, and indulge in her passion for Greek Easter traditions and Lalaounis egg charms.

Why it matters

As one of the most prominent luxury jewelry brands, Bulgari's high jewelry collections are closely watched by industry insiders and fashion enthusiasts alike. Volandes' firsthand account of the brand's latest showcase provides readers with an exclusive glimpse into the world of high jewelry and the creative process behind Bulgari's iconic designs.

The details

During her trip, Volandes was able to see up close the necklaces worn by Priyanka Chopra and Anne Hathaway at the Oscars, which were part of Bulgari's new collection. She was particularly intrigued by Anne Hathaway's necklace, which had some of the hallmarks of Bulgari's Art Deco pieces, a lesser-known aspect of the brand's history. Volandes also took the opportunity to visit her regular Milanese haunts, such as Bice, Cova, and Cracco, and went to see the Kiefer show again.

  • Volandes attended Bulgari's high jewelry showcase in Milan.
  • Volandes visited her regular Milanese haunts and saw the Kiefer show.
  • Greek Easter is on April 12, 2026, and Volandes has been wearing her collection of Lalaounis egg charms for a few weeks leading up to the holiday.

The players

Stellene Volandes

The Editor-in-Chief of Town & Country magazine and a jewelry expert, author of the book "Jeweler: Masters and Mavericks of Modern Design".

Lucia Silvestri

The creative director of Bulgari, who oversees the brand's high jewelry collections.

Priyanka Chopra

An actress who wore a piece from Bulgari's new high jewelry collection to the Oscars.

Anne Hathaway

An actress who wore a piece from Bulgari's new high jewelry collection to the Oscars.

Frank Everett

A jewelry expert at Sotheby's who often discusses Bulgari's Art Deco pieces with Volandes.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes I wonder if it's really necessary to travel so far to see a high jewelry collection, but then I take in a Bulgari High Jewelry emerald and yellow gold collar or a jumbo Tubogas choker in the tennis court of Piero Portaluppi's Villa Necchi in Milan and think, of course it is.”

— Stellene Volandes, Editor-in-Chief

“Would that famous green room at Villa Necchi have the same effect in yellow? Would Bulgari creative director Lucia Silvestri's latest Serpenti evolutions seduce similarly if not in turquoise or coral or Madagascar sapphire, diamonds, and onyx?”

— Stellene Volandes, Editor-in-Chief

What’s next

Volandes plans to return to Milan during the Salone del Mobile design fair to see the Kiefer show again.

The takeaway

Bulgari's high jewelry showcases provide a unique opportunity for industry insiders like Volandes to appreciate the brand's design prowess and the impact of their creative choices in a carefully curated setting. Volandes' passion for jewelry and her insider access offer readers a glimpse into the exclusive world of luxury jewelry.