Bvlgari's work with Save the Children takes center stage at Christie's New York during a special auction to benefit the Rewrite the Future campaign. The campaign has a mission of providing quality education for 8 million children living in conflict-affected areas. To celebrate their 125 year anniversary, Bvlgari will auction an extraordinary collection of 11 one-of- a-kind jewelry creations and 7 limited edition timepieces. The jewels' overall value is estimated at around $4 million and all proceeds will be donated the campaign.

The collection was officially presented to the public on May 20, 2009 at a private celebration inaugurating Bulgari's first-ever retrospective museum exhibition at the prestigious Il Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome. From June until November 2009 the collection will tour the world's greatest cities, where they will be presented at a series of high-profile events. The international tour will culminate with the New York auction in December when the pieces will be sold at Christie's.

You can also still participate in this important campaign by buying the Bvlgari Save the Children ring which is on sale until the end of the year.

On October 19th, Sotheby's will auction off a dazzling array of jewels, from a 29.53 carat flawless pear-shaped diamond ring to exquisite pieces designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, David Webb and Tiffany & Co. The sale, which will take place at Sotheby's New York headquarters, will feature jewels from private American collections, as well as a selection of high quality white diamonds and signed and period pieces.

The 29.53 carat pear-shaped diamond is the centerpiece of the auction. The D color, internally flawless stone has been recently determined to be both potentially flawless and type IIa by the Gemological Institute of America. The ring has an estimate of $1.8 million to $2.2 million or $61,000 per carat.

Another stunning piece is a fancy vivid yellow diamond ring by Tiffany & Co., which is set with a potentially flawless emerald-cut stone of 9.55 carats in a diamond crossover mounting. Its estimate is $250,000 to $350,000.

Also featured at the sale will be an 18 Karat gold, diamond and amethyst "Botticelli" necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. Designed with a foliate motif, it has an estimate of $50,000 to $70,000.

A diamond butterfly brooch by Bulgari, which is set with over 24 carats of diamonds, has an estimate of $50,000 to $70,000, while a David Webb-designed abstract star-shaped Abalone Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Diamond and Emerald Brooch has an estimate of $20,000 to $30,000.

The jewels will be on exhibition at Sotheby's New York showroom beginning on October 14th, 2009. An online catalogue is available to preview at Sotheby's website.

The last few months have seen a series of bad-news stories regarding Bulgari and its attempts to survive and adapt to the change in economic times. When things were good, Bulgari started to snatch up other watch makers such as Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta. As I feel the need to be clear, the men themselves Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta are not in some state of bondage, but rather that Bulgari owns the rights to the brands (the trademarks). I've mentioned this before, but I still find it odd that the namesakes of these brands no longer have a place at the brands - and perhaps only a small stake in the success thereof. Nevertheless, if the brand releases a bad product, it will still effect the men negatively from a PR standpoint.

Well, the brands have fine products, but are about to lose 50 employees between them. Some one out there is bound to get pissed at Gerald and Daniel even though they have no part in this. We go back to Bulgari who is attempting to stay afloat by terminating the employment of 50 out of just 130 employees. Over 40 percent of the work force. There will likely be a consolidation of efforts and less redundancy of roles between Bulgari, Gerald Genta, and Daniel Roth. As the demand for luxury watches is currently low, this makes sense. Even though this is bad news for fans of the brands as well as the employees of the companies (especially those losing their jobs), Bulgari isn't in a significantly worse position than other luxury brands these days.

Via World Tempus (in French).

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

To most people in the industry, it is obvious that Bulgari is having problems. Sales are hurting and although the economy seems to be rebounding a bit, the recovery of the luxury market usually sits impatiently at the end of the line. To help remedy things, Bulgari has been looking to its past for inspiration on what it can release that will be irresistible to fans of the brand. A new collection looks back to what helped make Bulgari the well known luxury name that it is. This watch is part of the Serpenti collection which is going to be a whole line of watches and jewelry. For women only I believe.

The watch face sits at the end of a wrist wrapping bracelet that is shaped like a series of reptilian scales while the bracelet itself is meant to resemble a serpent. The face has an almost arrow-head style triangular look to with while gold and diamonds make up the hour markers. Inside the watch is a small quartz movement. The Serpenti watches are available in a number of styles and materials. Each made of 18k white or rose gold. Onyx, diamonds, pink coral, and jade all all available as decorations on the pieces. The is certainly retro hearkening back to eras in the 20th century when luxury houses worked to emulate the decadent style of civilizations long past. This could easily be seen as some manner of Egyptian or Babylonian revival series. The Serpenti collection is a stylish and unabashedly bold luxury line from hopeful Bulgari - available soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Apparently Barbie (yes the Mattel doll) chooses endorsements like other celebrities (pseudo celebrity? 10 year old girl icon?). Currently she is supporting Bulgari's support of Save the Children International's "Rewrite the Future" campaign to fund education efforts for children in poverty stricken areas of the world.

In addition to a 1 million euro donation to the Rewrite the Future campaign, Bulgari has created a line of 11 jewelry pieces and 7 timepieces whose sales will help fund their dedication of 10 million euros to Save the Children by the end of 2009. One of the jewelry pieces is a signed silver Bulgari ring with a Save the Children inscription engraved inside the band. The ring will retail for $555. Barbie is modeling the ring - though I don't think you can get that particular size at your local Bulgari boutique.

As a guy I've never played with Barbie dolls, but it looks like she got a bit of a makeover for this Bulgari marketing image as one of the celebrities the endorse the campaign. Or maybe her hair looks like that right out of the box? You can see Barbie showing off her Bulgari ring, which might be one of the most expensive Barbie accessories available. Other celebrities (I am not really sold on the fact that Barbie is a celebrity at all, more like a piece of pop culture) that support the Bulgari Save the Children Rewrite the Future campaign so far include: Julianne Moore, Benicio Del Toro, Ben Stiller, Sally Field, Sting, Willem Dafoe, Rosario Fiorello, Gabriele Muccino, Jason Lewis, Andy Garcia, Valeria Golino, Isabella Rossellini and Debra Messing.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

The Ritz-Carlton is rolling out a new "Bar Experience" at its luxurious properties worldwide, building on a tradition of elegant cocktails and catering to a new generation of patrons. Where once such bars were once noted for their high-end singles scenes and some serious drinking, the company's latest research shows they are now primarily visited by those more interested in socializing with friends and colleagues, and hence food is increasingly important. So is the whole concept of "comfort" as opposed to ostentation. The new Ritz-Carlton bar experience includes both new cocktails, new appetizers and even edible cocktails. The impeccable service remains as always.

The new bar menu features gourmet comfort food meant for sharing among a group. The final menu includes 30 snazzy snacks such as brie and parsley risotto balls, smoked salmon and arugula egg rolls, chilly water lobster flat bread and calamari in remoulade sauce. Each Ritz-Carlton property features a selection of these 30 in addition to some local specialties. The idea behind the whole project is to reinvigorate and reposition the brand, eliminating the "illusion of rigidity" and prohibitive priciness the luxe chain may have given off in the past and "creating a nice environment where you feel comfortable" in the bars and lounges.

We went down to the elegant bar at 2 West at the amazing Ritz-Carlton Battery Park in New York City to experience it firsthand the other night and got extremely comfortable, so we would say it's definitely working. On the cocktail front, among our favorites was the Sunsplash, made with Grey Goose L'Orange vodka, Cointreau, fresh lemon and orange juice, and cranberry. Another standout was the Ritz-Carlton Martini, made with Tanqueray No. 10 gin, simple syrup, peeled English cucumber, mint and lime juice. Food-wise we particularly enjoyed the Italian spicy sausage and artichoke pizza, the mini Black Angus beef sliders, and the plate of artisanal cheeses served with quince paste, honey comb and chutney.

Bulgari is celebrating 125 years of legendary jewels with the first retrospective in the brand's history. "Between History and Eternity" 1884-2009 will open on May 20 at Il Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome and will be open to the public from May 22 to September 13, 2009. This comprehensive display will feature over 500 pieces of jewelry, watches and objets d'art. The pieces have come from Bulgari's Historical Archives as well as private collectors from all around the world. The retrospective will also feature a collection of never-before seen sketches, drawings and photographs of artists, aristocrats and celebrities who have worn Bulgari over the years.

The exhibition tells the story of the brand chronologically through eight galleries starting with a collection of silver works from the late 19th century crafted by Sotirio Bulgari, the Greek silversmith who founded the company. The original Bulgari moved to Rome in search of fortune, and these pieces represent the beginning of Bulgari. Other galleries will focus on Art Deco, jewels of the 1940s and 1950s, Bulgari's stylized pieces from the 1960s, the Pop Art pieces of the 1970s, the bold designs of the 1980s, pieces from the 1990s and finally a gallery that showcases the most magnificent creations of the new millennium, including a diamond necklace valued at over 20 million euros. An entire room will be reserved for Elizabeth Taylor's personal Bulgari collection: sixteen one-of-a-kind pieces including the diamond and 18 carat emerald brooch that Richard Burton gave Taylor as an engagement present in 1962. It was the only piece of jewelry that she wore for her first wedding with Burton on March 15, 1964 (and for the always-ornamented Taylor that's really saying something).

Francesco Trapani, CEO of the Bulgari Group says that "to visit the exhibition will be to embrace the entire history of a style that has endured for generations and transcended boundaries of every kind, passing down to our own time that unique taste for innovation and detail inspired by the heritage of ancient Greece and Rome, as well as the inexhaustible quest for new creative solutions that has made Bulgari one of the world's preeminent luxury brands."

Famed Italian jeweler and luxury goods firm Bulgari plans to cut jobs, close stores and pare down its collections in the wake of a disastrous 45% drop in profits. The company, which was founded in 1884, has seen its watch business suffer badly in the economic downturn, with sales plunging 10.6%, Vogue UK reports. Accessories dropped 1.5% and jewelery, the company's core business, dropped 2.5%. On the plus side, perfume sales have increased by 12%, perhaps an indication that consumers see fragrance as a relatively affordable luxury. Sales in America and Europe were particularly poor, though the Middle East was up by 9%.

The company, a red carpet favorite of stars like Halle Berry, Keira Knightley and Kate Hudson, describes its jewelry as "pure luxury obtained by means of daring combinations, precious materials, purity of design and meticulous attention to detail." "[This year] will be a very difficult year," states Bulgari CEO Francesco Trapani, adding that future earnings are impossible to predict. "We don't feel able to give a number of any meaning because the situation is so very complicated." He is no doubt feeling somewhat overextended on the retail side with over 230 locations worldwide.

Barbie's 50th birthday is turning into an epic celebration. She's already gotten her own pair of tiny Louboutin heels and a big pink book, now she's getting her own runway show during New York Fashion Week. As Fashion Week Daily reported last week, famous fashion designers including Diane Von Furstenberg will lend their talents to creating Barbie-inspired designs. The fashions will be matched by a special collection of jewels and bags by Bulgari.

Bulgari has an anniversary of its own this year, its 125th which it is celebrating with an exhibition on May 20 at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome.The exhibition will support the Save the Children "Rewrite the Future" campaign which is funding education programs for 8 million children in war-torn regions. Barbie will appear with many celebrities in a portfolio of photographs shot by Fabrizio Ferri who has contributed to the project on a pro bono basis. As I mentioned last fall, Bulgari's campaign for Save the Children also includes a silver ring which sells for $290.

Bvlgari is 125 years old and is celebrating with a limited edition of 125 watches in honor of the brand's founder, Sotirio Bulgari. Honestly, I can never figure out when to use a "v" or "u" in the brand's name, as they themselves seem to go back and forth.

This Sotirio Bulgari watch comes in gold (either pink, yellow, or white) in a 42mm sized case. It is a stunning design when you first behold it, with elements both classic and contemporary. Most notable are the broad lugs that prominently spread outward. As an homage to tradition as well as pocket watches, the rear of the watch case opens with a view into the movement (covered by a sapphire crystal).

The unique argente dial is completely made by Bvlgari with hand applied markers and partial skeletonization. The hands, in gold, are faceted for an excellent look. Being an important watch for the company, the BVL 250 automatic mechanical movement is highly decorated with a number of polishes and finishes, as well as engravings on gold rotor. It is also a thin movement at about 3.73mm thick.

With an alligator strap and an important name to live up to, this 125th anniversary watch from Bvlgari utilizes every luxury treatment the distinguished brand is known to offer in terms of quality and presentation. It is something that needs to be experienced in person to fully admire. Look for them in select Bvlgari boutique stores worldwide.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

The current economy has not been kind to Bvlgari, both in its watch and jewelry selling capacities. Not to be discouraged, Bvlgari has apparently returned to its roots with new designs that are attractive and conservative, though complex. A barrage of new models will be released at Baselworld in April, and the public reception of these watches will be an indicator of Bvlgari's short-term economic future.

New to the women's line is this updated "Bvlgari Bvlgari" (Bulgari Bulgari) Moon Phase watch. The classic name is taken from the double use of the brand name on the bezel. The dial is mother of pearl with diamond pavé decoration in a crescent moon shape. Opposite is the moon phase display also in mother of pearl. Other than the moon phase display, the complications are simple with just the time and a subsidiary seconds dial. Powering the watch is the automatic mechanical B77 movement, with applied Côte de Genève and perlage polish decorations.

The 38mm case is steel - as the company must remain a bit more modest these days - and is attached to a handsome white alligator strap with a folding deployment clasp. It is a fine luxury watch that is unmistakeably Bvlgari, exactly what the company needs right now. Availability starts in May at select Bvlgari boutiques.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

We've heard that high-end luxury brands will be safer than most but one brand that is feeling the pinch is Bulari. The world's third- largest jeweler has reported that fourth-quarter revenue fell by 10 percent. Bloomberg reports on the Italian company's stock exchange report which shows that sales dropped to 312.6 million euros ($409 million) from 346.5 million euros a year earlier. Like other luxury brands, Bulgari is far from sanguine about the immediate future, predicting more difficult times. Like some other European brands, Bulgari seeing slower sales in both the U.S. and Japan and also in Italy where sales dropped 18 percent. The brand has no plans to cut prices.

It's been a tough time for jewelry and watch companies, both Cartier and Tiffany also recently reported lower sales figures. Valentine's Day is traditionally a good time for watch and jewelry companies but the latest research from the National Retail Federation shows that consumers will spend slightly less on jewelry this year Last year 16.6 percent of consumers purchased jewelry for the holiday and this year it is predicted that 16 percent will buy jewelry for Valentine's Day.

Italian jeweler Bulgari has announced a campaign to support the "Rewrite the Future" campaign of Save the Children. Through the "Rewrite the Future" campaign Save the Children is committing to providing quality education to eight million children living in conflict-affected areas. Bulgari wants to raise 10 million euros by the end of 2009, of which one million euros will be donated by Bulgari in advance. Bulgari has created a silver ring for the campaign which features the Save the Children logo engraved inside. The ring will be on sale from February 1 to December 31, 2009 in all Bulgari stores throughout the world, in some selected department stores, and on Bulgari's e-commerce website for $290, $60 of which will be donated to the campaign.

Bulgari will also create a collection of 15 pieces of high jewelry and eight high-end timepieces, valued at three million euros. This collection will be officially presented on in June 2009 in Rome, on the occasion of Bulgari's retrospective exhibition "Between Eternity and History" to celebrate 125 years of the Bulgari brand. This collection of jewels and watches will be exhibited at various events throughout the year and the auctioned off on December 7, 2009 in New York and proceeds will be totally donated to Save the Children.

[via Vogue UK]

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Francesco Trapani, chief executive of Bulgari Group, sold his 137-foot yacht, the "Christianne B." The yacht, a beautiful sailboat built by Perini Navi in 1986 was for sale for a while through Cavendish White, first for 9.25 mullion euros in 2007 and then for 8.75 million euros before it sold this year. For a while the yacht was known as "the Bulgari yacht" and Trapiani sometimes conducted interviews on board. A gallery of pictures of this elegant yacht can be found here. Trapiani has said that he is being more frugal right now, not buying any more homes (although he did rent a vacation home this summer) and generally cutting back on his expenses.

On the heels of Kate Moss' already impressive fall ad campaign successes comes news of more coups scored by the eternally gorgeous supermodel: two more major contracts and some serious magazine exposure. On the ad campaign front, her latest big bucks gigs come courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent's beauty line (above) and renowned jeweler Bulgari, both shot in classic black-and-white.

In addition, she appears on the covers of the latest issues of both Vogue and Interview; in the latter she poses totally nude, and she also appears topless (yet again) in a stunning spread for the September issue of W magazine. All this comes as she launches her new clothing line for British retailer Topshop, to great fanfare. We predict the Kate Moss brand will develop into an extremely profitable luxury goods enterprise, with many more product lines to come.