![Animal Attraction](https://cdn.magzter.com/1337346145/1680340369/articles/tQK54oYP11680584798652/Bulgari.jpg)
Jewellery enduring love affair with animals has produced many iconic creations, among which the most famous and well-loved is arguably Bulgari's Serpenti. So firmly tied is the serpent to the Italian jeweller's identity that one can't help but instantly recall its name at the sight of snake-inspired creations.
This year marks Serpenti's 75th anniversary, an occasion that once again shines a spotlight on the seductive symbol that has ceaselessly charmed women of all ages over the decades. What makes the snake - fearsome, powerful and yet mysterious and alluring - such a fitting source of inspiration in jewellery design? Let's look at how Bulgari popularised the reptile and made it the stuff of legends.
SYMBOL OF POWER
Bulgari isn't the first to use the snake as a motif in jewellery, even if it may have become the most well-known for doing so. Seen on jewellery dating back to ancient times, the creature has been featured for its many symbolic meanings in mythology. The serpent represented different things to different cultures, naturally - to the Greeks, it was symbolic of royalty, rebirth and renewal, while the Romans associated it with protection and healing. Other cultures might have attached other associations to the snake, which sometimes fringed on the dark side, but all of them acknowledged one thing - its divine power, whether it inspired hope or fear.
The serpent first arrived at Bulgari in 1948, interpreted into jewellery watches that were worn wrapped around the wrist a design style that was destined to extend to endless variations at the Roman house for the indefinite future. These early Serpenti timepieces were crafted with the brand's signature Tubogas technique, which employs the wrapping of metal to form a supple tube or pipe that is strong yet flexible, such that it moulds seamlessly to the wrist.
STYLISTIC TRANSFORMATION
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![In The Know](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/AGhzki4b31717747419645/crp_IN-THE-KNOW.jpg)
In The Know
Fashion designer SHANNON LEE's Shirt Number White flies under the radar, just where he likes it ... for now Words:
![Turn Of Thai Rice](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/aAWPmpRj_1717747050833/crp_TURN-OF-THAI-RICE.jpg)
Turn Of Thai Rice
Rare Okinawan spirit awamori captures a slice of the Japanese island's soul.
![Art For Heart Sake](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/QaO9hpMB_1717747520139/crp_ART-FOR-HEART-SAKE.jpg)
Art For Heart Sake
Ceramicist JEANETTE ADRIENNE WEE moulds a future in pottery art.
![Empire State Of Mind](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/TtKRvIUNv1717751374750/crp_EMPIRE-STATE-OF-MIND.jpg)
Empire State Of Mind
Harry Winston's New York Collection is a love letter to the city that never sleeps. The jeweller's latest high-jewellery collection explores NYC's landmarks and symbols through several chapters.
![Guarding A Grand Heritage](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/4upw8BFQm1717751674890/crp_GUARDING-A-GRAND-HERITAGE.jpg)
Guarding A Grand Heritage
In an exclusive interview with Prestige, fourthgeneration Patek Philippe chief THIERRY STERN discusses meaningful innovations, business continuity and what surfing's got to do with it.
![Layers Of Meaning](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/Cv83wuH9E1717746519888/crp_LAYERS-OF-MEANING.jpg)
Layers Of Meaning
Louis Vuitton’s Les Parfums Purs, a collection of single notefocused perfumes, allows you to be your own master perfumer.
![His Time To Shine](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/a6IaOvXQg1717752553168/crp_HIS-TIME-TO-SHINE.jpg)
His Time To Shine
2024 is the year men’s jewellery is shown off for what it ought to be bold, brilliant and tastefully transgressive.
![Watches And Wonders 2024: A Show Of Range](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/CWWnGysaN1717751922064/crp_WATCHES-AND-WONDERS-2024-A-SHOW-OF-RANGE.jpg)
Watches And Wonders 2024: A Show Of Range
In the second instalment of our report on Watches and Wonders the horological trade fair took place in Geneva in April we highlight standout new releases from 10 brands, ranging from stealthy tool watches to statement pieces you couldn't miss, even if you tried.
![Raise A Glass To China](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/XZnXfNOLr1717753760090/crp_RAISE-A-GLASS-TO-CHINA.jpg)
Raise A Glass To China
At the inaugural Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, three experts tell Prestige why you should consider picking up a bottle for your next dinner party or date night.
![TOAST TO LOCAL SPIRITS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/812/1725327/VrmK46Ize1717753616620/TOAST-TO-LOCAL-SPIRITS.jpg)
TOAST TO LOCAL SPIRITS
A growing class of \"Made in Singapore\" liquors give drinkers a taste of home.