Jewelry: Secrets

May Day! In this merry month, the Passage will offer an array of of jewelry posts, for reasons which may reveal themselves to me. 

Sometimes a statement can be subtle, sometimes a secret is the loudest song. I love jewelry with a secret message, charm or detail. They are nearly always handmade, idiosyncratic and personal.

This custom-made, hand-stamped aluminum bracelet can be created with any message, but I find the courtly formality of Mr. Darcy's declaration to Elizabeth in "Pride and Prejudice" especially touching: You Must Allow Me to Tell You How Ardently I Admire and Love You. Price, $20 from etsy sellers Kelly and

Stan Berkey.

A vintage 14k gold clasped-hand friendship ring is but one of Beladora II's treasures. Ca. 1965 but has a definite Victorian appeal. See how it opens to reveal a white gold heart? Price, $695 from Beladora.

A vintage silver "purse" pendant  (on an 18 1/2-inch chain) opens to reveal a small compartment. A mysterious little piece to mix with your pearls or beads. You might put a dab of fragrance on a bit of cotton to wear inside the bag. Price, $52 from etsy seller FourSailAccessories.

Gemma Redux make an envelope ring, with your choice of message for the customizable gunmetal plate insert. Shown, in rose gold plate over brass, and available in many colours and finishes. Price, $137.

"Regard" acrostic ring

The Victorians encoded messages by choice of gemstone; the acrostic ring or bracelet used the gem name to spell a message. This is a "Regard" ring (Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, Diamond) but they were also made to spell names or initials. This one, from The Three Graces,  is sold.

My friend Peg wears a three-stone ring made in pearl, emerald and garnet.

Brown rough diamond

Another kind of secret is in the use of the material, for example, a diamond that does not read as such. A Diamond in the Rough (TM) ring, features a brown natural rough diamond (certified conflict-free), a 1.89 carat secret. I love the setting. Price, $4,600; from Neiman Marcus.

Secret symbol

A last secret! Hidden Meaning Symbol jewelry is an ingenious cipher that allows any message (in all languages using the Roman alphabet) to be interpreted within the piece, which comprises all letters and numbers (from 0-9) within what the creator calls the Meridane Symbol. The design, which reminds me of Frank Lloyd Wright's work, is available in a variety of materials and pieces: charms, pendants, rings, bracelets. 

I like the 14k gold pendant ($525), though pewter, at $27, would be a pleasing gift, too.

Secrets are made to be kept, but I've had fun sharing these with you!