Fine Italian jewellery line Bulgari has opened an exclusive “jewel box” concept boutique at Vancouver’s Holt Renfrew (737 Dunsmuir Street). The compact shop-in-shop is only the second one operated by Bulgari in Canada.

Situated on Holt Renfrew’s main level, the 450-square-foot space carries the luxury label’s assortment of contemporary jewellery, coloured gemstones, men’s and women’s watches, and accessories such as leather bags and clutches. The brand’s bestselling collections—including the Serpenti, which features a snake motif in various shapes and sizes—are displayed front and centre.  

“It’s a symbol that we’ve played with for almost 100 years now in different iterations,” Daniel Paltridge, president at Bulgari North America, explained during a media preview of the boutique.  

Designed by Peter Marino, the boutique uses black and white marble, a grand Italian-designed crystal chandelier, and saffron accents that give a nod to Bulgari’s beginnings in the Eternal City. “It’s probably the emblem of the house of Bulgari,” Paltridge said of the warm hue. “And, for us, it really represents the Roman sunlight.”

Founded in 1884, Bulgari captured international attention when it was worn by stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor during the 1960s, a time when Rome was considered the “centre of cinematic world”, said Paltridge. Acquired by LVMH in 2011, the company has established a reputation for its Italian excellence and craftsmanship throughout its almost 135-year run. It operates a similar “jewel box” concept boutique in Toronto.