Sotirios Bulgaris

Sotiris Bulgaris (Greek: Σωτηρης Μπουλγαρης; Italian: Sotirio Bulgari). (Born 1857; Died: 1932 Italy): Greek Jeweler.

Most websites, including unofficial Bulgari websites, start with he line: "The Bulgaris descend from an ancient family of Greek silversmiths whose activity began in the small village of Epirus".

One line with numerous unproven allegations; Firstly, the Bulgaris do not descend from an ancient family of Greeks. Secondly, the Bulgari family did not have any other silversmiths, Sotiris Bulgaris was the first one. Thirdly, Epirus is not a village.

Sotiris Bulgaris was probably born in the village of Paramythia, Epirus. His mother was probably from Paramythia and his father, Constantine, (we assume that his father's name was Constantine, based on the fact that his first son was named Constantine) moved to live there.

He must have been a very artistic person and a good business man, because he opened his first business in Paramythia before he was 20 years old. In 1877, he moved to Corfu, from there two years later to Naples. In 1881, he moved to Rome and, in 1884, he opened his second shop (first in Paramythia).

About 1886 he married and soon after his two sons were born, Constantine Bulgaris (1889-1973) and Giorgio Bulgaris (1890-1966).

In 1905, the Bulgaris opened their flagship store in via dei Condotti in Rome.

Since then, the Bulgari name became synonymous with quality jewelry and fashion accessories. The company went public in 1995 (Bulgari S.p.a.) and expanded into perfumes, eyewear, etc.