Bvlgari B.Zero1 Rock
The word “iconic” gets bandied around so much these days that its meaning has been brutally diluted, but few would disagree that the Bvlgari B.Zero1 ring is worthy of such an appellation. Audaciously simple yet unapologetically bold, the design is the epitome of Bvlgari’s dedication to innovation, imagination, and individuality. Not to mention one of the most popular, having sold over two million times since its inception in 1999 (and that’s besides the necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that soon followed). Small wonder it is described as, well, iconic. This year, to kick off a third decade of revolutionary success, Bvlgari has unveiled the line’s latest incarnation: the Bvlgari B.Zero1 Rock.
As with its predecessors, the B.Zero1 Rock evokes the sweeping curves of the Colosseum in Rome, except now its sinuous silhouette has been given a definite edge with rows of pyramidical studs. Up to five spiked bands, which mimic a heritage choker from the 1980s, are held in place by two flat rings engraved with the famed double Bvlgari logo, conveying a sense of irreverence and exuberance. This key design animates every piece in the collection, including two different ring versions, slender bangles, pendants with geometric chains, and lobe-hugging earrings, all of which are intended to be worn regardless of gender.
A feat of craftsmanship, the characteristic spirals of the B.Zero1 are crafted using Bvlgari’s ingenious Tubogas technique, wherein gold is stretched into long strips, wrapped around a pipe, then interlocked and capped at the ends, entirely without soldering. This method allows gold to be wrought into nearly any shape that the house fancies, and for the B.Zero1 Rock, that means slightly punk but still polished tapered studs. Elevating the design even further, yellow gold iterations are hand-set with brilliant pavé diamonds along the edges, while rose gold variants are inlaid with black ceramic for a striking contrast.