Morse Code Jewelry Designer Takes A Stand With Bracelet Fundraiser

By Karen Dybis | December 20, 2021

Jewelry always makes a statement—whether it is one of beauty, craftsmanship, or, in the case of one designer, her desire to see her jewelry make an impact on the world both in terms of the people who wear it and how it funds human rights at the same time.

Coatt Morse Coded Jewelry founder, Rebecca Coagan, recently launched a new charitable initiative called Protect This Woman. With every purchase of this handmade bracelet, Coatt will donate 40% of the proceeds to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

The bracelet Coagan created uses the Morse code’s dots and dashes to spell out “protect this woman.” The idea behind the design is to share this meaningful piece with a friend, daughter, mother, or sister while also supporting an organization the fights for equality, Coagan says.

Protect This Woman bangle 1 — Designer Rebecca Coagan of Coatt Jewelry used her well-known designs in Morse code to say “protect this woman” for a bracelet she created as a fundraising effort for the American Civil Liberties Union.

The bracelet is available in gold fill or sterling silver. It retails for $148 and is a limited-edition piece from Coatt, which is based in Taos, N.M.

Coagan says the Coatt Morse Coded Jewelry’s charitable initiative is part of the fidelity of her work, showing her faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty, and support. Below is the conversation she had with JCK.

How do you come up with your charitable initiatives?
I am greatly inspired to do what I can in the face of all of the injustices of the world. Some things could be better, but some causes are in dire need of change and support. I love what I do and now, with the charitable initiatives, I can make a significant contribution to these causes.

Why the ACLU, especially right now?
Right now, women’s rights are the most in danger that they have been in since Roe vs. Wade. The ACLU has been tirelessly fighting for justice and directly involved in the fight to stop extreme abortion bans and attacks on our civil liberties as well as fighting voter suppression and so much more.

How did the work you do with Morse code fit with this design?
The work I do is in a language of symbols, and one can say whatever they want. I like to picture the Protect This Woman double bangle as Wonder Woman’s golden cuffs, protecting and fighting injustice.

How are you innovating your designs into 2022?
I will always do custom work, but the designs I offer on the website are becoming more and more influenced by world needs.

What else do you want to share that doesn’t get asked about enough?
The most intimate email requests and thank you notes that I receive often involve memorializing a loved one, human, or animal. Wearing their names or something special that was shared in the relationship is such a comfort and treasure. It celebrates their love and it does so in a very private way. These customers allow me to be a part of their lives in a monumental way, and that feels amazing.

Top: Coatt Morse Coded Jewelry is raising funds for the American Civil Liberties Union with a new design that encourages people to protect women and their human rights (all photos courtesy of Coatt).

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