Dripping in symbolism and metaphors, Aeterna might tickle those with literary inclinations and a passion for ancient Western civilization. It successfully ties in motifs associated with Italy’s rich history, making not only beautiful jewelry but an homage to Romulus’s creation of his eponymous city in 350 B.C.

The collection’s magnificent centerpiece, the Serpenti Aeterna necklace, pays tribute to Bvlgari’s 140th anniversary in its seven pure pear diamond drops totaling a celebratory 140.00 carats. The platinum structure flows in a snake-like movement, evocative of the mythic Ouroboros serpent eating its tail—and, true to the Maison’s animating principle, serves as a symbol of eternal rebirth.

Apart from the stunning Serpenti Aeterna, the collection boasts eleven main creations, with a snake motif appearing in several pieces. The Serpenti Chiseled necklace includes a strawberry-red pear-shaped rubellite suspended from a snake’s mouth. And a white gold snake with two heads holding two pear-cut sapphires sourced from a pair of 1930s Bvlgari earrings is the motif of Serpenti Sapphire Echo. The Sapphire Aeterna Waves platinum necklace’s shimmering shades are inspired by the Sri Lankan ocean, the country of origin for the cushion-cut sapphire incorporated in the creation. The piece includes a detachable pendant— a nod to Bvlgari’s tradition of creating transformative and versatile jewelry. Diamonds and sapphires are also the combination used in the Sapphire Brocade necklace, with the added treat of buff-top emeralds, a Bvlgari signature.

Drawing on inspiration from the iconic 1980s Chandra Line, the Aurea Chandra spherical choker consists of five rows of alternating pink gold and pavé-set diamond spheres referencing cyclicity. The Tubogas Flower of Time necklace fuses the modernity of the iconic Bvlgari Tubogas design with a classic romantic floral motif engraved on an oval-cut Zambian emerald. Bvlgari’s distinctive smooth cabochon cut can be seen on the Lotus Cabochon, inspired by the lotus flower—yet another symbol of eternal rebirth. The necklace evokes the silhouette of a sartorial collar with flamboyant colors and a pebble-like texture.

Earth Song is a brilliantly kaleidoscopic creation combining a thick pink gold chain and an array of five colorful gems cut in three different shapes. The Mosaic of Time necklace is a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship achieved by Bvlgari’s master jewelers. 150 distinct modules form a mosaic in an array of pastel colors and gem cuts in a creation that pays tribute to Rome’s eternal transcendence. The Monete Aeterna Augusts Emerald necklace celebrates the brand’s heritage through utilizing a rare Imperial bronze coin sporting the profile of Augustus, the first Roman emperor. A directional arrangement of diamonds symbolizing a radiant future can be seen on the Sequence of Eternity earrings, at the center of which appear two oval-cut rubies. Attached are three diamond drops representing the past, present, and future—which for Bvlgari, of course, is as bright as this storied collection.

This story appears in the pages of V149: now available for purchase!

Photography Mattia Lotti

Lighting technician Giacomo Gianfelici

Photo assistant Matteo Cigala

Location Villa Aurelia, Rome