Bulgaris B Zero 1- A 'Perfect Mistake'

Birthed in 1999, Bulgaris B.zero1 ring has gone from being a sketch inspired by the Colosseum to the centrepiece of a diverse range that is as relevant today as it was 17 years ago. 

- Kenny Loh

The Colosseum towers over me as I take in the view of this mammoth historical Roman structure. It is not difficult at all to see how Bulgari’s hallmark B.zero1 ring was inspired by this work of art. Its circular form is similar to the Colosseum’s elliptical shape;

its sensual, fluid lines echo the amphitheatre’s different levels; and, like the ancient landmark, it is finished – on the top and at the base – with flat loops that anchor the middle. First unveiled at the end of 1999, the B.zero1 was the most revolutionary of its kind for both Bulgari and the jewellery scene then. Not only did the ring boast a refined design that fused the Tubogas (a flexible tubular chain which Bulgari reintroduced in the ’40s) with the Italian label’s highly distinct 1934 “BVLGARI” logo, it was also crafted using an ingenious system of wrapped and interlocked metal strips that did not require any soldering.

Touted by Bulgari as the “unbroken link between past, present and future”, the B.zero1 has evolved from its original yellow and white gold guises to include refreshing, precious material combos including gold and marble, gold and ceramic, and, most recently, a mix of pink, yellow and white gold in a collection entitled Perfect Mistake.