Croatia collection

Croatia Necklace – Wear Your Crest With Pride

A Croatia necklace is more than jewellery – it's a piece of identity. Whether it's the Šahovnica, the coat of arms or the country outline: with a necklace from d'origine, you carry your Croatian roots right on your body. Our Croatia Collection includes emblem necklaces, bracelets, rings, keychains and phone cases – all made from high-quality materials and backed by a 365-day guarantee. Whether you were born in Croatia, grew up in Germany, or carry both identities: this necklace connects you to your homeland. At d'origine, people from more than 40 countries show where their roots lie. The Croatia Collection is among our most popular – because Croats around the world are known for wearing their heritage with passion.

What Does the Šahovnica Mean? The Croatian Checkerboard Explained

The Šahovnica – the red-and-white checkerboard pattern – is the heart of the Croatian coat of arms and one of the oldest national symbols in Europe. It consists of 13 red and 12 white fields and has been used as a symbol for Croatia and Croatian identity since the 10th century. The oldest surviving depiction dates from 1495 and can be found on a ceiling fresco in Innsbruck, Austria. No other country in the world has a comparable checkerboard pattern in its coat of arms. According to legend, King Stjepan Držislav won his freedom from Venetian captivity in the 10th century by defeating the Doge in three games of chess – and from that point on, the checkerboard pattern in the colour of blood became the Croatian emblem. The five small crests above the Šahovnica represent Croatia's historic regions: Central Croatia, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Istria and Slavonia. On our Croatia necklace, this symbol stands for heritage and unity.

Croatian Jewellery: From the Adriatic to Germany

Croatia has a rich jewellery tradition stretching from the Dalmatian coast through Slavonia and into the diaspora. Typical Croatian jewellery often combines religious motifs – especially the cross – with national symbols like the Šahovnica. In Dubrovnik and Split, fine goldwork has been crafted for centuries, and Croatian heritage even extends into the fashion world: the necktie (French: cravate) originated with Croatian soldiers in the 17th century. In the Croatian diaspora in Germany, jewellery with a national connection carries special meaning – whether as a gift for Confirmation, a wedding, or simply as a daily statement. Our Croatia necklaces combine this cultural depth with modern design and durable materials.

Material and Quality of Our Croatia Necklaces

Our Croatia Collection uses different materials depending on the product. The Croatia Emblem Necklace V2 for men is made from high-quality stainless steel with 18K gold plating – rust-proof, waterproof and scratch-resistant. The women's emblem necklace is crafted from 18K gold-plated brass and hand-set with zirconia stones – for an elegant, sparkling finish. Both versions are waterproof and allergy-friendly: you can wear them in the shower, during sport, or on holiday by the Adriatic. All products come with a 365-day guarantee. Each necklace is delivered in a premium jewellery box – perfect as a gift for special occasions.

Croatia Necklace for Men and Women

Our Croatia Collection has something for everyone. The Croatia Emblem Necklace V2 for men features a 60 cm curb chain with a striking Šahovnica pendant in stainless steel. The women's version comes with a finer 40 cm chain (plus 5 cm extension) and a zirconia-studded pendant – elegant yet equally expressive. Both are available in silver and gold. Particularly popular: our Croatia necklace with cross, which combines the checkerboard pattern with the cross as a symbol of Catholic faith. For those who want the full package, the Croatia Emblem Bundle offers a necklace and matching bracelet at a reduced set price.

Croatia Necklace in Silver or Gold – Which One Suits You?

The gold version of our Croatia necklace is especially popular – gold has always held a special place in Croatian jewellery tradition, from Dalmatian filigree work to modern emblem pendants. The 18K gold plating gives the necklace a warm, rich shine. The silver version offers a cooler, timeless look that pairs well with almost anything. Both variants are waterproof and allergy-friendly. Our tip: go with the jewellery colour you already wear most. If you prefer yellow gold, choose the gold Croatia necklace. For a modern, understated style, go with silver. Many customers order both colours or add the matching bracelet bundle.

More Than a Necklace: The Full Croatia Range

Beyond the classic Croatia necklace, our collection includes more accessories featuring the Šahovnica motif. The Croatia Emblem Bracelet pairs perfectly with the necklace and works on its own or as a set. The Croatia Keychain is ideal for anyone who wants to carry their connection subtly but daily. There's also the Croatia Phone Case with checkerboard design in durable TPU silicone, plus the Croatia Emblem Ring. Every product follows the same design concept: the Šahovnica on premium material, in a quality built for everyday life.

Buying a Croatia Necklace – What to Look For

If you're looking to buy a Croatia necklace, pay attention to three things: material, craftsmanship and chain length. For material, stainless steel and high-quality brass with 18K gold plating are the best options – far more durable than cheap fashion jewellery that tarnishes or discolours quickly. For craftsmanship, check details like the coating, the clasp and the thickness of the pendant. For chain length, we recommend 55 to 60 cm for men and 40 to 50 cm for women, depending on the desired look. At d'origine, you order directly from our shop – no middlemen. Shipping within Germany is free, and you'll typically receive your order within 1 to 3 working days. Within Europe, shipping is also free on orders over €25.

How Many Croatians Live in Germany?

Since the 2018 FIFA World Cup, when Croatia reached the final, the whole world knows the red-and-white checkerboard pattern. The jersey of the Vatreni – the Croatian national team – with its iconic Šahovnica design is one of the most recognisable in world football. But for the Croatian diaspora in Germany, the checkerboard was a symbol of belonging long before that. Around 400,000 people with Croatian roots live in Germany, many in the second and third generation. They wear the Šahovnica not just at international matches, but in everyday life – as a necklace, a bracelet, a sticker. At d'origine, we understand this feeling, because that's exactly why we founded the brand: jewellery that makes heritage visible. That's why we offer collections for more than 40 countries – from Germany to Bosnia to Serbia.