ML - Michigan Avenue

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BULGARI iconic collections, developed in the latter half of the 20th century: Parentesi (using straight and curved interlocking elements); Bulgari Bulgari (incorporat- ing the brand name into the designs); Tubogas (malleable gold coil designs); and Serpenti (the beloved serpent collection). "We always strive for dynamic designs that offer color and creativity, and top-quality craftsmanship," Silvestri says. Whether it is one of the brand's unique million-dollar offerings or a $1,000 production, every piece results from expert handcraftsmanship. Bulgari has an elaborate team of designers and an equally complex manufacturing process, with every step being closely monitored by the company for quality control. "We hire our craftsmen right out of school, and then train them ourselves to learn the Bulgari style," says Massimo Di Valentini, high jewelry internal workshop manager. "In addition to their schooling, it takes about seven to eight years to learn our style and implement our standards." TIMELESS TEMPTATIONS With its rich roots firmly in mind and in celebration of its 130th anniversary, Bulgari releases an exquisite Anniversary collection inspired by Rome and offer- ing global appeal. The collection, now in Bulgari boutiques, includes a high-jewelry Serpenti necklace, extraordinary special editions, a re-edition of the B.zero1 ring, precision timepieces, a new fragrance, and accessories embellished with gemstones. The one-of-a-kind Ultimate Temptation necklace reinterprets the iconic snake motif. It is set with more than 60 carats of fancy-shaped diamonds in a mosaic pattern that is a deft blend of superlative design and craftsmanship. Exactly 70 diamonds trace a path along the snake's tail, leading to a spectacular 12.16- carat diamond drop. Further highlighting this motif, Bulgari releases three elegant diamond Serpenti pendants on a necklace that resembles scales. Each Serpenti pen- dant is clad in diamond pavé and features a burst of color via a fancy-cut mandarin garnet, rubellite, or emerald center drop. The mandarin garnet is a 30.97-carat pear cut rare stone; the 13.86 -carat rub- ellite is cut in a geometric shape; the 23.75 -carat emerald swings freely in a drop cut that respects the stone's natural shape . On a more approachable level, Bulgari has also created a pink gold and bronzed ceramic B.zero1 Roma ring. The piece merges the Bulgari Roma logo with a Tubogas inspiration, symbolizing the brand's respect for its Roman origins and its vision- ary look to the future. Another major endeavor to honor its anniversary was Bulgari's renovation of its boutique at Via Condotti 10, for which the brand hired acclaimed architect Peter Marino. The redesign—with rich woods, Italian marble, and a new watch room—will serve as the inspiration for all future Bulgari boutique openings and updates. Marino even paid close attention to a small secret room with sliding doors that was the "salottino Taylor," where Elizabeth Taylor often spent time during her work in Rome on the famous film epic Cleopatra. The salon was reachable through a secret door from a private courtyard. While it has been closed for decades, Marino brought it back to service, ready for today's VIPs. "The renovations in the boutique clearly make it a store for the future," says Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari worldwide. "[Marino's] creativity in combining the historic aspects of the building with timeless woods, paints, and other touches makes it something we can emulate in future boutiques." Additionally, in an effort to pay homage to the Eternal City, from which the brand continually draws inspiration, Bulgari has become the sole financier of the restoration of the famed Spanish Steps—just minutes away from the store and the focal point of the celebrated street. MA "We hire our craftsmen right out of school, and then train them to learn the Bulgari style." –MASSIMO DI VALENTINI This Serpenti watch from Bulgari's High Jewelry collection is crafted in 18k pink gold with pavé diamonds and turquoise (price on request). MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM 133

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