LOS ANGELES, Mar 23, 2002/ --- Bvlgari is the world's third largest jewellers in the world, after Cartier and Tiffany.

It was founded by Sotirio Bulgari, (born 1857 in Greece) who moved to Rome 1879.

Armed with his skills as a silversmith, Sotirio Bulgari sold silver at Trinità dei Monti.

In 1884 he opened his first shop in via Sistina in Rome. In 1905 the business is transferred to a shop in via dei Condotti in Rome

After Sotirio's death in 1932, his two sons Constantino and Giorgio inherited the business. They had been helping their father and already knew the ropes of the jewelry business.

The brothers developed an interest in precious stones, and it was them who originally developed the "Bvlgari style" as we know it today.

Bvlgari created their own unique style during the 1950s.

The 1970s was the decade when Bvlgari made its international expansion, opening stores in New York, Paris, Geneva and Monte Carlo. It was also during this decade (1977) that the Bvlgari-Bvlgari watch was created, which was destined to become a great classic.

The 1990s was the decade when Bvlgari expanded its product lines with the introduction of Eau Parfumée, its first perfume and in 1996, Acquerelli, its first scarf collection was unveiled to the public.

On July 17 ,1995 the Bvlgari Holding Company S.p.A. started to be traded at the Italian Stock Exchange Telematic system and the International SEAQ in London.

Today, Bvlgari has 81 stores throughout the world.

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