I’m sure you’ve heard of Morse code necklaces. You know, the ones that use beads or other symbols to represent dots and dashes in order to spell out a hidden message.
These types of jewelry are very popular these days for all sorts of occasions — birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, etc. And they’re especially popular as gifts for moms.
But I think there are a few things you should know about these kinds of necklaces before you purchase one. So here’s what you need to know about how to choose, personalize, and decode a Morse code necklace.
What Is a Morse Code Necklace?
A Morse code necklace is any kind of personalized jewelry that uses dots and dashes (beads, spacing, symbols) to encode a secret message using Morse code. It’s similar to a necklace that spells out a hidden message using beads, but instead of representing letters with specific colors or shapes, it represents them using the dot and dash system used in Morse code.
So when you look at a necklace like this…
…it’s not just a necklace that has little round beads on it. The beads encode dots and dashes, often with short or round beads for dots and longer beads for dashes. Gaps or spacer beads can separate letters. The seller’s stated convention matters; an unmarked gap is not automatically a dash.
In this case, the message is “BRAVE,” so let’s break down how that works.
The first letter is B, which is represented by one dash followed by three dots. That would be written as –•••, so the first letter is represented by four beads, where the first one is a dash and the next three are dots. Then comes R, which is •–•, so that’s three beads again — one dot, one dash, one dot. A is •–, so two beads — one dot, one dash. V is •••–, so four beads again — three dots, one dash. E is •, so just one dot.
So the whole word is made up of 4+3+2+4+1=14 beads.
Some designs mark letter boundaries with spacer beads or larger gaps; others explain the grouping only on a decoder card. Check the specific design rather than assuming the beads alone have an unambiguous reading. But if you don’t want to buy the necklace just to find out that it doesn’t say what you thought it said, then make sure that the brand you choose includes a decoder guide somewhere in the product listing so you can double-check your message before purchasing.
And also keep in mind that not every dot-and-dash necklace encodes a genuine Morse code message. Some people just create a pattern of dots and dashes without taking the time to actually convert their message into real Morse code. So always make sure that the necklace you choose actually does encode an accurate Morse code message.
How Much Do They Cost?
Prices vary widely with material, seller, shipping, and customization, so check the current listing rather than treating a past price range as fixed.
Rather than comparing unsourced prices or ratings, check the listing’s metal composition, chain length, return policy, custom-message proof and decoding convention. Gold-tone, gold-plated and solid gold are different descriptions. A sterling-silver label does not by itself guarantee that every wearer will avoid a skin reaction.
How To Choose A Message For Your Mom
If you’re buying a Morse code necklace for your mom, you might want to consider a few different angles to help you decide on a message.
First, think about something she always says. If she has a favorite word or phrase, such as “always” or “my girl,” you could use that as the message. Or maybe she always tells you, “I’m here.” Something like that could work.
Second, think about a significant date. Maybe her birthday, or the year she became a mom, or the year that changed things for you. Any special date that means something to you both.
Third, think about a sentimental word. If she’s the sentimental type, words like “Forever” or “Always” might be perfect for her.
Fourth, think about a private nickname, inside word, or place. There’s probably something unique about her that you could turn into a meaningful message.
Mother’s Day is a great time to give mom a Morse code necklace. But since it’s a holiday, you may not have much time to plan ahead. That’s okay. Just remember that when you get to the point of personalizing the necklace, you can do a lot of the heavy lifting. All you really need to do is come up with a word or short phrase that means something special to you and to her, and then you can quickly search online for a Morse code converter to translate it into Morse code.
Check the code
Use our International Morse alphabet to check the letters before ordering. Signal timing and the separation of letters are defined in ITU-R M.1677-1; jewelry materials and layouts are seller-specific.