The fantastic thing about jewellery is that, because its so small, and can be easily tucked away - it is the perfect way of conveying hidden messages. In our upcoming jewellery auction, we have three lots that all contain a hidden message. In this blog we take a look at these lots and uncover their secrets.
Morse Code
Morse code, invented by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s, is a communication system that, instead of letters and numbers, uses dots and dashes. It played a crucial role in long-distance communication, especially during telegraphy's heyday. Today, it remains a fascinating piece of history and a symbol of communication innovation.
The dots and dashes are formally known as dits and dahs. After it was introduced to the rest of Europe, it was realised that a new morse code would be needed in order to work with languages outside of English. International Morse Code was born. Can you uncover our hidden message?
.-- . .-.. .-.. / -.. --- -. . -.-.--
Lot 157 is a ring that uses diamonds in place of the dits and dahs. Let us know if you can translate it!
International Code of Signal Flag
The International Code of Signal Flags is a system used in maritime communication. Each flag represents a letter or a message. This means that ships can convey information such as weather warnings. This non-verbal language allows safety and communication among seafarers.
At sea, you can imagine how using large, colourful, visual symbols such as flags, is a far more effective communication across boats. The alternative, shouting - perhaps, might result in a rather sore throat! Using flags to communicate is a long tradition, but it was standarised into this system in 1857.
Can you translate the message on this brooch?
Dearest Ring
Dearest rings, sometimes known as acrostic rings, use gemstones or pearls to spell out words. Such as our ring, that spells "dearest". It does so by using the first letters of the names of the gemstones: Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Topaz. Popular during the Victorian era, these rings served as sentimental tokens, with each stone symbolizing an emotion or attribute, making them cherished keepsakes of love and affection. Although those are the traditional gemstones, Amethyst and Topaz are sometimes swapped for Alexandrite and Tourmaline.
Hidden messages such as these, in my opinion, are far sweeter than morse code or signal flags. Rings like these are a touching, romantic message shared between lovers and friends. While ours is a simple band, it was very popular for them to be styled after flowers.
Acrostic rings can be used to spell many messages. While 'dearest' is the most common, during the Victorian period other popular words were adore or the French souvenir, or even a lovers name.
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