For centuries it has been passed on from generation to generation, showing readiness to marry new generations, but also richness when it was popular on men's folk costumes. Croatian traditional jewellery today represents, not only family, but a legacy of centuries-old influences in these areas.
ŠIBENSKI BOTUNI are among the most famous Croatian traditional jewellery. They date back to Illyrian times, and the Croatian National Tourist Board in 2007 declared them the most original Croatian souvenir. They used to decorate men's folk costumes, and today they preferred by women, either on earrings, bracelets, or collars.
North Adriatic, and especially Rijeka, is characterized by MORČIĆI, a black head with a white turban, which today many Croatians are proud of wearing on the ears. This indigenous jewellery is a combination of Venetian and Oriental influences. There are two legends about the emergence of morčići. According to the first, the domestic army defeated the Turks, and there were still scattered "Turkish white turbans" in the field. Proud Rijeka had had morčići made as a gift for their wives. The second legend is that of an Italian noblewoman who gave her black maid freedom, and as a memoir made earrings with her figure.
Traditional Croatian jewellery is also linked to the rich history of the island of Pag. PAŠKE ROČINE are simple earrings with pearls hang in the form of bells and pearls, and are just part of the rich Pag cultural heritage. Pag's jewellery throughout the centuries was decorated with metal lace, which is also the cultural heritage of this island.
Traditional KONAVOSKE VERIŽICE are increasingly seen as a decoration for young girls. Earrings that have for centuries been made of fine gold for centuries and are additionally adorned with pearls represent the cultural heritage of the Dubrovnik area. Rich young men gave them their girlfriends twice, smaller ones for engagement gift, and before the wedding ceremony bigger earrings.
Rich Slavonian women's ears were sometimes decorated with gold coins by the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. DUKATI were held to this day, and are an indispensable part of festive costumes and a recognizable Slavonian motif. They were and are still worn on ears, hands, and around the neck.