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. Those beads actually represent letters, and the spaces between those beads represent dashes.
In this case, the message is “BRAVE,” so let’s break down how that works.
The first letter is B, which is represented by three dots and one dash. 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.
Now keep in mind that the actual spacing isn’t marked on the necklace itself. The only time you’ll see the separation is on the display card or packaging, usually indicated by a vertical line. 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?
Morse code necklaces range from around $12.99 up to well over $100 depending on the quality of materials and level of customization.
Here are a few options:
$12.99 – 18K Gold-Tone Simple Chain
This is the most basic option available. It’s just a simple chain with no personalization options. It’s a good option if you just want a quick and easy gift that doesn’t require much customization.
$13.99 – Amazon’s Choice (4.2 stars, 200+ purchases in one month)
This is a more elaborate version of the above necklace. It’s still pretty basic, but offers more color options. However, it’s customizable, and you can add a message to it.
$19.99 – Beaded Tone Chain Personalized
This is the same style as the above necklace, but it features small round beads along the chain. It’s customizable, and you can add a message to it.
$42.99 – 14K Gold-Plated Handmade Adjustable
This is a handmade adjustable necklace that features 9 different colors and 7 different lengths. This one is definitely the most expensive option, but it’s also the highest quality. It’s completely customizable, so you can add any message you’d like to it.
$48.99 – 925 Sterling Silver Hidden Secret Message
This is another customizable necklace, but it’s made of hypoallergenic 925 sterling silver. It’s completely customizable, so you can add any message you’d like to it. It features 3 different colors and 6 different lengths.
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.