In an era dominated by oversharing on social media, the allure of keeping secrets has become a luxury. This concept underpins one of the most popular jewellery trends, where hidden messages of love, empowerment, or whimsy are discreetly conveyed through diamond codes. This clandestine communication is brought to life through sparkling diamond braille and Morse code adorning gold pendants, rings, and other pieces.
While the use of these codes may not align with Louis Braille's original 1821 invention aimed at facilitating touch reading and writing for the visually impaired, designer Jessie Evans of the Jessie V E collection sees a deeper significance in incorporating braille into jewellery. According to Evans, "Diamond braille gives jewellery an element of touch, something intimate, and sentimental." She exemplifies this sentiment with a recent creation—a custom gold ring engraved with the words "FEEL THE LOVE" in braille—for a discerning client.
"I think in diamonds," expressed Evans. Inspired by Morse code, developed by Samuel Morse in the 1830s, she envisioned translating the dots and dashes into diamonds, incorporating it into her inaugural jewellery collection in 2015.
The demand for expressions like "MARRY ME" in diamond braille or Morse code as an unconventional choice for engagement rings is growing, according to Evans. However, the appeal extends beyond romantic messages. Evans notes, "You can hide something funny or rude, but no judgments from us, I promise." The pricing for these unique pieces starts at $900, with a production timeline of four to six weeks.
Emphasizing the universality of braille, George Inaki Root, CEO, and creator of the Milamore brand in New York, highlights its visual beauty in design and the readability for blind individuals. Root's inaugural jewellery collection in 2019 featured a gold puzzle charm with braille initials, which remains a bestseller. Crafted in Japan using recycled 18-karat gold (with prices starting around $900), Root offers both custom braille pieces and inspirational words like "SELF LOVE" and "TRUST" on pendants, bracelets, rings, and hoop earrings.
"As a kid, I was captivated by 'The Secret Garden' and the idea of having your own private world," shared New York designer Amina Sorel. Drawing inspiration from that sentiment, she crafted jewellery featuring diamond messages in Morse code and rings that can be flipped to reveal personal words.
Sorel finds the combination of lines and dots in Morse code particularly well-suited for diamond baguettes and round stones. This style holds special appeal for men who value the simplicity, sleek patterns, and discreet messaging, according to Sorel. She recently designed wedding bands for a same-sex couple, with one band reading "MARRY ME" for a partner who is a pilot and well-versed in Morse code.
Among Sorel's latest creations are hoop earrings bearing the message "SOULMATE" and a bangle engraved with "I LOVE YOU." All of her pieces are meticulously crafted by skilled jewellers in New York's renowned diamond district.
While not everyone seeks jewellery adorned with personal names and dates, there is a growing desire for pieces imbued with meaning and sentimentality. A client, exemplifying this trend, approached New York designer Brent Neale with diamonds sourced from her engagement ring and family heirlooms. These diamonds were artfully arranged to depict her and her husband's initials using Morse code's dots and dashes, resulting in a unique and personalized ring.
