Once upon a Bulgari love story

MANILA, Philippines -Bulgari has been a part of the love story of many unforgettable couples. Perhaps the most romantic story is that of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton,who were often guests in Bulgari's private receiving room as they searched for extraordinary jewels. For over a century, Bulgari has received couples in its time-honored store at the foot of the enchanting Spanish Steps in Via Condotti 10 in Rome.

1503: Named for the year in which the first engagement ring was exchanged in Venice,Bulgari’s 1503 features a solitaire diamond set against a fine pave.

The Taylor-Burton love story is the inspiration behind the making of “Bulgari Bridal,” a film about a man and a woman meeting and finding love in the Eternal City that is Rome. The film is directed by Michael Haussman, an awardwinning director who has done music videos for artists such as Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Kanye West and Jennifer Lopez . The stars are Italian actor Giulio Berruti and English actress Kathy Saunders, with Russian composer Sasha Gorden doing the soundtrack entitled “The Eternal Promise.” Photography was done by Yelena Yemchuck whose work embodies a cinematic style.

The film features the romantic sceneries of Rome, from the majestic Coliseum to the sensuous Trevi Fountain, the Capitole with its magnificent sculpture to the chic vibrancy of Piazza di Spagna.It also captures the glitter of Bulgari's bridal jewelry through the years. According to a document dated 1503, the first time a ring and a diamond were joined and given as an engagement ring happened in Venice, Italy.

Bulgari's history is studded with extraordinary diamonds — magnificent stones like the 40-carat "Pasha of Egypt" once belonging to King Farouk.Then there is the “Nassak,” an 89-carat pear-shaped diamond originally adorning the statue of Shiva in India's Nasik temple, which was later re-fashioned into a 43-carat emerald-cut diamond and acquired in the '70s by the Saudi Arabia king.

Bulgari stands for elegance and romance as seen in engagement rings, wedding rings and eternity rings which now continue to be part of  modern love stories.

 In the Philippines, Bulgari is exclusively available at its shop in Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati.