The Moretto
Gold and Silver “Morčići”
“Morčići” are used in traditional Croatian jewellery from Rijeka, Kvarner and the Croatian coast. They first emerged as the result of a Venetian trend in the 17th and 18th centuries. This was a time when Venice was obsessed with all things Oriental, which is why Venetian jewellers began to design decorative pins with the motif of a black man wearing a turban – the “moretto”.
At the same time, jewellers in Rijeka began to design their own version, “morčići”, which is famous for its use of enamel elements. The interesting new pieces eventually became to be considered traditional jewellery in Rijeka and other parts of the Croatian coast. In the 19th century, master craftsmen from Rijeka helped the city become a famous centre of moretto-inspired jewellery.
Our gold and silver “morčići” are available in the shape of earrings, pendants, brooches, rings, necklaces and bracelets.
“Moretto” – gold necklace
Silver moretto – earrings