Setting coins into jewelry is a practice that dates back to ancient Rome, where coins were more than just currency—they symbolized power, diplomatic ties, and even served as protective charms. In the 1960s, Nicola Bulgari, the granddaughter of the brand’s founder and an avid coin collector, reimagined this tradition with Bulgari’s Monete collection. By incorporating Greek and Roman coins into the designs, the collection established a deeper link to the brand’s cultural heritage.
Bulgari carefully selects the finest coins, ranging from the 5th century B.C. to the 20th century A.D., depending on availability. Each piece is meticulously studied and mounted by hand, with settings crafted to follow the coin’s natural contours, ensuring its authenticity and historical value remain intact. The mount is then engraved in Roman-style lettering with the name of the figure or region depicted, along with the coin’s year of origin. Only genuine coins are used, and when multiple are featured in a single piece, they are chosen from the same time period and civilization. Every finished design undergoes rigorous inspection, and any that do not meet Bulgari’s high standards are dismantled, with materials repurposed.
Blending history, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance, Monete jewelry remains one of Bulgari’s most sought-after and enduring collections.
