La Storia

Marina Bulgari

Marina Bulgari was widely regarded as one of the most important women in jewelry of her time. Her adventurous and ambitious spirit led her to leave her family’s famed Maison in 1976 to launch Marina B. Determined to carve her own path while honoring her family’s passion and heritage, Marina's unique style became world-renowned for its boldness and timelessness.

Rich and opulent yet contemporary, Marina pioneered her own gemstone cuts and redefined many others, setting a new standard for creativity and craftsmanship. She opened her first showroom in Geneva in 1978, leading to boutiques in Milan, Paris, and New York, with a global clientele captivated by her vision. Marina B's modern aesthetic and innovative excellence inspired a generation of women to purchase jewels for themselves—a groundbreaking shift at the time.

Today, under the creative direction of Guy Bedarida, Marina B continues to celebrate her enduring legacy, bringing her iconic designs into the present while staying true to her trailblazing spirit. Marina Bulgari’s extraordinary contributions to the jewelry world will forever shine, reflecting her bold vision and timeless elegance.

 

Marina B Timeline

Marina Bulgari and her friend Gae Aulenti in 1976
The Marina B showroom in Geneva designed by Gae Aulenti in 1978
Marina Bulgari and Princess Grace at the Paris Hotel in Monte Carlo in 1982
The Marina B showroom opened in New York in 1986
The Marina B showroom opened in Paris in 1987
Sophia Loren accepting two Oscar awards, wearing the 'Terry' choker
An editorial photo showcasing the inventive mechanisms in the Aigle and Tantum collars
A vintage Marina B display showcasing iconic pieces such as the sprung chokers and bangles
The Marina B showroom in Japan opened in 2002
Craftsmen handcrafting the 'Trisola' collection in Italy
Hannah Davis wearing Pampilles earrings
Jennifer Lopez wearing Onda Earrings
Dita Von Teese
Trisolina collection launches in 2018

Guy Bedarida

Guy Bedarida

"The cultural landscape of my childhood is my greatest inspiration."

Guy Bedarida, a French/Italian native, is a leading figure in contemporary jewelry. With over 25 years of experience, he started his career at the renowned Place Vendôme, most notably designing for Boucheron. He then went on to work at Van Cleef & Arpels, before joining John Hardy as Creative Director from 1999 to 2015. Under his direction, Marina B’s rich design heritage and reputation of impeccable workmanship is honored as much as further expanded, so that a new generation of Marina B’s cherished clients can "shine bright."

"It is a dream come true to restore the iconic Marina B to its original glory."

History

Marina Bulgari was widely regarded as one of the most important women in jewelry of her time. Her adventurous and ambitious spirit led her to leave her family’s famed Maison in 1976 to launch Marina B. Determined to carve her own path while honoring her family’s passion and heritage, Marina's unique style became world-renowned for its boldness and timelessness. Rich and opulent yet contemporary, Marina pioneered her own gemstone cuts and redefined many others, setting a new standard for creativity and craftsmanship. She opened her first showroom in Geneva in 1978, leading to boutiques in Milan, Paris, and New York, with a global clientele captivated by her vision. Marina B's modern aesthetic and innovative excellence inspired a generation of women to purchase jewels for themselves—a groundbreaking shift at the time. Today, under the creative direction of Guy Bedarida, Marina B continues to celebrate her enduring legacy, bringing her iconic designs into the present while staying true to her trailblazing spirit. Marina Bulgari’s extraordinary contributions to the jewelry world will forever shine, reflecting her bold vision and timeless elegance.

Timeline

  • 2019
    Creative Director Guy Bedarida continues to give the brand a new look whilst continuing to honor the heritage of Marina B.
  • 2018
    The Marina B Salon opens on 67th and Madison in New York and the 'Trisolina' collection is launched.
  • 2017
    Guy Bedarida acquires the majority stake in Marina B and becomes the new Creative Director.
  • 2014
    The triangle was one of Marina’s first themes, beginning with a one of a kind, spring mounted choker set with three rows of triangular diamonds. Inspired by this, the Triangoli Collection is launched.
  • 1993
    Marina moves to Monaco, continuing to design conceptual jewellery until her retirement.
  • 1989
    Marina B introduces the ‘Atomo' and ‘Cardan' Collections, incorporating unthreaded beads, a Marina B trademark.
  • 1986
    Marina B opens her namesake boutique on Madison Avenue in New York City.
  • 1984
    The Shirine collection is created, one of the many high jewelry collections that encompasses the signature aspects of Marina B designs; boldness, color and quality.
  • 1980
    Marina B develops her now iconic(stone) cut, ‘The Chestnut’. Halfway between the shape of a triangle and a pear, the motif is now considered her classic signature shape in both gemstone and metal.
  • 1978
    Marina B creates her iconic ‘Onda' and ‘Pneu' collections, spearheading innovative design of spring- mounting, with a reimagined use of pave diamonds and interchangeable features.
  • 1977
    Realising a growing difference between herself and members of the family, Marina decides to found her own jewellery line, naming it ‘Marina B’. She opens her first showroom in Geneva, and spends many months travelling across Europe exhibiting in hotels in Monte Carlo, Gstaad, Crans-Sur-Sierre, St Moritz and the cities Rome, Paris and New York.
  • 1973
    After many years working in the family business, Marina succeeds her father at Bulgari.
  • 1930
    Marina is born in Rome to a Greek father and a German Italian mother and spends her childhood in Rome, Athens, and Corfu. Her father Costantino was the first child of Sotirios Bulgari, who in 1884, founded Bulgari.