Just as you choose a special watch for a special occasion, a gift should also possess a certain elegance befitting its status. A gift that carries with it a story and background will more vividly convey the giver's aesthetic sense. This time, we introduce three exquisite pieces from Bulgari Dolci, including the "Chocolate Gems." Bulgari has established a solid position as a jeweler and developed numerous iconic collections. This philosophy lives on in Bulgari Dolci, and is evident in every detail, from the selection of materials to the design.
Text by Yui Togawa
[Article published on January 7, 2026]
What kind of Bulgari world view does a master chocolatier create?
Beyond its elegant appearance, the experience is a luxury akin to savoring a full-course meal. The sheer impact of just one piece makes the name "Jewel" all the more understandable. Bulgari Dolci's "Chocolate Gems" are handcrafted in a Tokyo workshop using rare Italian ingredients and other carefully selected materials from around the world, under the guidance of a master chocolatier—a true masterpiece showcasing artisanal skill. The process, requiring unparalleled creativity and delicate sensibilities to embody the Bulgari worldview, is truly like creating a "jewel." Through numerous meticulous steps, it takes 2-3 days for a single piece to be completed.
Throughout its history spanning over 130 years, Bulgari has consistently expressed its affection for and respect for Rome, the city where it was founded. Bulgari Dolci, with its deep understanding of Italian cuisine, generously incorporates luxurious ingredients carefully selected by Bulgari Dolci, including pistachios and almonds from Bronte, Sicily, hazelnuts (Gentile variety) from Piedmont, as well as vintage balsamic vinegar, saffron, white truffles, wine, and sometimes even pancetta, basil, and tomatoes.
This time, we're introducing a selection of five chocolate gems, carefully chosen from among many. The flavors, from left to right in the photo, are saffron & almond, orange honey, pistachio & apricot, black olive & olive oil, and strawberry & ricotta. The chocolate is 10mm thick. Depending on the ingredients used, they are offered in two styles: double ganache (two layers of ganache) and single ganache (one layer of ganache). The single ganache allows you to enjoy the rich and delicate flavors of cocoa and Italian ingredients, while the double ganache offers a bold and rich taste where the two ganaches melt and blend together in a balanced way in your mouth.
The master chocolatier for Bulgari Dolci. Born in Milan, Italy in 1975. He established international recognition as the founder of "FUSTO Milano" and has received numerous prestigious awards, including the "Tre Torte" from Gambero Rosso.
Gianluca Justo is the master chocolatier for Bulgari Dolci. He adheres to his own philosophy of "contemporary artisan pastry," constantly pursuing creativity, minimalism, and exquisite technique that maximizes the inherent appeal of the ingredients. Justo, who repeatedly creates prototypes in his own workshop in Milan, says the following about "Chocolate Gems":
"We call each and every piece a 'chocolate gem,' or jewel. Just as Bulgari meticulously crafts each and every gem, we imbue these chocolates with a variety of emotions and finish them with the same care and attention as we would a jewel. That's how important we consider them to be. And while incorporating new emotions and essences, we continue to pursue the fusion of flavors yet to be discovered, without being bound by conventional methods or ideas. At the heart of it all is our constant desire to express Italy through chocolate."
Innovatively reimagining Italian food culture
While Bulgari Dolci is primarily associated with chocolate, its baked goods also reflect the Bulgari worldview, boasting a collection of masterpieces and a large following. "Biscotti Nocciole e Cacao" is a biscotti, a traditional Italian confection. However, those picking it up for the first time might wonder, "Is this really a biscotti?" While biscotti are typically long and slender, often served with coffee cups, these are square. Their elegant appearance, unique to the square shape, is part of their charm, and the texture is truly refined. By incorporating rice flour in addition to wheat flour, they achieve a light, crisp, and crumbly texture.
The tin, featuring the logo design, is filled with two flavors, Nocciole and Cacao, alternating between the two. The Nocciole has a rich buttery flavor thanks to the use of hazelnuts from Piedmont. The Cacao is a sophisticated taste, generously using Madagascar cacao with a sweet and sour flavor reminiscent of berries. These biscotti, which exude originality, convey a sense of surprise, playfulness, and a pursuit of aesthetic beauty that is reminiscent of "Octo Finissimo" and "Serpenti," sometimes surprising people.
A new gift that resonates with aesthetic sensibility and craftsmanship.
Finally, let me introduce a brand new product that was just released on July 22, 2026. It's a special gift box containing Bulgari Dolci's signature "Chocolate Gems" and "HIKARI," a yuzu sencha from "AJIRO MATCHA," a Japanese tea brand that cultivates its teas using thorough organic farming methods.
AJIRO MATCHA is a tea brand that connects the traditions and aesthetics that thrive in Japan to the modern age through tea leaves grown in organically cultivated tea gardens. They carefully prepare small batches of tea leaves grown in mineral-rich soil, and each blend embodies a philosophy of calming the mind and cultivating enriching moments. This philosophy of craftsmanship and sincere approach to ingredients deeply resonates with the values of Bulgari Dolci. Currently, the Bulgari Ginza Cafe in Ginza 2-chome offers a matcha experience with AJIRO MATCHA, born from the desire to allow people to enjoy that moment at home or as a gift for someone special.
Yuzu Sencha "HIKARI" is an original blend from AJIRO MATCHA, expressing the harmony of earth and citrus. Combining yuzu from Tokushima Prefecture and sencha from Shimane Prefecture, it offers a crispness with a pleasant bitterness and a dry aftertaste, leaving a refreshing feeling in the mouth. Considering its compatibility with this sencha, which is perfect for this season, the six flavors selected for this set are, from top to bottom on the left side of the box: white tea, rosemary & lemon, and orange honey. From top to bottom on the right side: black olive & olive oil, sencha, and jasmine. Enjoying these together with Yuzu Sencha "HIKARI" will surely provide a new and delightful experience due to their excellent compatibility.
In creating "Chocolate Gems," the original flavors inspired by Italian gastronomic culture symbolize Bulgari, but the spirit cannot be fully realized without motifs unique to Japan, the land where Bulgari Dolci began its history. In addition to sencha, they have also produced masterpieces using matcha and sake, and "Chocolate Gems" born from encounters with Japanese ingredients are also captivating "jewels" that stir people's hearts.
With its elegant gift bag and box, a Bvlgari Dolci gift offers a blissful experience from the moment you open the lid to the moment you savor the taste. It's perfect for that special occasion.
Shop information
Bvlgari Dolci
Address: 9F, Bulgari Ginza Tower, 2-7-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
TEL：03-6362-0555
Hours: 12: 00 ~ 20: 00
It can also be purchased at Bulgari Hotel Tokyo, Bulgari Dolci Ginza Matsuya store, Bulgari Osaka Cafe, Bulgari Dolci Shinsaibashi store, and the Bulgari Dolci online shop.
Yui Tonokawa's profile
Food journalist. Believing in conveying the stories and passions of the creators, she writes articles about restaurants, hotels, sweets, alcohol, and other food-related topics. She is in charge of the "Creators of Otherworldly Delicacies" column in the lead column of "IN THE LIFE" in the Japanese edition of "Kronos."
