All of the earring designs from our Heritage Collection have a rich and long history. They originated in the beautiful country of Croatia, the heart of the Mediterranean and are finally becoming more recognized and proudly worn by many women around the world.
These were usually paired with folklore uniforms of our dance groups, but it would be a shame not to wear them every day - these gorgeous designs deserve to be out on the sunshine every day, catching everyone's attention in their full glory.
Ragusa Earrings
It's hard to say that any of these earrings are the most recognizable, but Ragusa earrings are rightly one of the most popular ones. They have been worn by many famous people worldwide, from presidents, CEO's, European royalty and Hollywood stars. And it's easy to see why - their unique, yet simple design makes them so versatile and able to fit in with almost any style and then lift it up even more.
Dating back to the 13th century and originally part of folklore costumes in the Dubrovnik and Konavle region, these earrings showcase the skills of the jeweller and that of the inherent art preserved in this beautiful jewellery, passed down from one generation to the next.
Traditionally, smaller versions of the earrings were worn by girls and young ladies while the larger versions were reserved for married women and traditionally gifted by men to their brides to be.
If you're in Croatia, you can find them under these names: Konavoke, Konavoske nausnice, or Dubrovacke nausnice.
Botun Earrings
These earrings are definitely one of the most recognizable souvenirs in Croatia and their design is so unique and the detailing differs from one jeweller to another, it's somewhat of their signature.
The “Botun” is a hollow sphere resembling a button, with its intricate and ornate filigree first adorning folklore costumes of men from the coastal Adriatic town of Sibenik.
Although popular in the 17th century in this region of Croatia, its origins date back as far as the 1st century BC. These particular “buttons” were also a prominent feature of military uniforms symbolizing rank and power, thus often having the function of a military medal.
Today these delicate, yet ornate earrings are often embellished with pearl and coral beads, and have become an essential accessory in women’s jewellery collections around the Mediterranean.
If you're in Croatia, you can find them under these names: Sibenski botun, filigree earrings.
Spalatum Earrings
The last earrings in this collection are the Spalatum earrings - they are very rich in details and some of the models made in the traditional workshops take days to complete. They originated in the city of Split, Croatia, formerly known as Spalato.
Spalatum earrings are a stylised representation of a basket, while also resembling a lace flower.
Venetian influence throughout the Adriatic and Mediterranean, inspired the creation of these earrings.
Originally worn as part of Split’s elegant folklore costume, these earrings are often adorned by pearl and coral beads, in a beautiful lace design using the filigree technique.
If you're in Croatia, you can find them under these names: Recine, Splitske recine, Splitske kosarice or Splitske nausnice
We hope you enjoyed this blog post!