For a jeweller whose history dates back to 1893, to go out of their way to present a progressive design language speaks volumes of their intent to embrace the changing of times — or even the changing of guards, if you will. A series of past collaborations signalled the intent, but to fully embark on the journey, is one of discovery, learning and unlearning for Japanese jeweller Mikimoto.

Mikimoto’s latest M Code Liberté and M Code collection is every bit forward-thinking as it is steeped in history. Traditional jewellery codes are forgotten, replaced with inspiration from the unlikeliest sources. The hints lie in the collection’s namesake, M Code refers to Morse code, while Liberté, which means freedom in French, is a declaration for all to enjoy regardless of age or gender. The former is the governing principle behind the collection’s hardware shapes. Inspired by the language of sounds, better known as Morse code, the discovery of the encoded telecommunication system dates back to the 1830s, three decades shy of Mikimoto’s founder Mikimoto Kōkichi’s birth date in 1858.

The old-school elegance Mikimoto is famed for, characterised by free-flowing and delicate forms, makes way for a structured construction. Circle and oblong 18K white gold, pink gold or silver hardware pieces are stylised after the inimitable dots and dashes, or dits and dahs, of the Morse Code. Mikimoto’s famed Akoya Cultured Pearls punctuate the repeated patterns, filling in as a Morse code dot in certain instances.

Necklaces, bracelets and earrings form the foundation of the M Code Liberté and M Code collection. The progressive design is further accentuated by freedom — freedom of gender and style afforded by the collection. It is designed with the times in mind, as its androgynous nature straddles the grey zone of for him or for her. The circle and oblong hardware easily convert into anchors for the clasp, giving the wearer liberty to wear pieces in any way their mood pleases. A necklace easily converts into a double wrap bracelet, while wearing bracelets on the ankle could mark the resurgence of anklets.

At the heart of the fluid jewellery pieces is Mikimoto’s famed Akoya Cultured Pearls, prized for their elegance, colour and lustre. Where the M Code Liberté and M Code lack figuratively in assertiveness is made up by the timelessness of the Akoya Cultured Pearls, forged over time by a strict and rare selection of Akoya oysters.

Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our March 2023 issue.