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Discover how one interaction inspired our in-house product design and development team to create inclusive fine jewelry additions.
At Stuller, we are always searching for ways to take product design to the next level — we understand that jewelry is an incredibly personal and unique experience for everyone and creates a canvas for storytelling and connection. With this in mind, our incredibly talented team of in-house designers is always combining the inspiration and trends of the industry to create new pieces through forecasting and continuous, extensive research of the current jewelry marketplace. But there are moments when our creative compass steers us toward a deeper purpose, leading us to see how jewelry can be an inclusive aspect of personal expression.
On the recent occasion of World Braille Day (January 4), we are inspired by the commemoration and innovation of Louis Braille in his creation of a tactile language that has changed the lives of those who are visually impaired. Additionally, we are excited to unveil how this sentiment and impact recently led our team into a new chapter of fine jewelry design.
Read on to learn more about the story of one Stuller designer’s latest creation and what motivated every step of the process.
Phase One: The Inspiration
Attending a company-sponsored charity event, Stuller designer Megan Tran—alongside other members of our team—had the opportunity to meet and speak with members of the Affiliated Blind of Louisiana (ABL) organization. It was this conversation, according to Megan, that sparked a larger curiosity among our team.
“We were curious at how much — if any — fine jewelry was designed with the visually impaired in mind. We were also curious if they would even be interested in fine jewelry.
We were enlightened to learn that most people who are considered blind aren't 100% sightless, and they're just as interested in owning precious jewelry as sighted people.”
Megan Tran
Associate CAD Designer, Product Design & Development
Megan also shares that, with research, our designers found that braille-inspired jewelry is not only nearly inaccessible in the market but often hard to read. In hopes that our team could offer a high-quality, accurate, and beautiful finished product for those considered visually impaired, they quickly began further product and topic research. With the help and personal experience of our local ABL organization members, Megan was able to continue with the conceptual design of Stuller’s first braille-inspired jewelry release.
Phase Two: Creating the Piece
Once our team set out to bring the braille-inspired jewelry to life, understanding universal braille standards and readability became our starting point—a crucial foundation for our design concepts. Each sketch and initial design needed to carefully bridge the gap between visual aesthetics and tactile communication.
According to Megan Tran, Stuller’s design team believed in co-creation and community involvement to continue the journey with intention. Before moving forward with physical production, the team eagerly shared concepts with the incredible members of the ABL organization. Their continuous and thoughtful feedback ensured that every aspect of our design resonated authentically with those it was meant for. With this, our team created two pendant designs, translating the words “Hope” and “Love.”
Megan also shares that one of the highlights of this creative experience happened during the Affiliated Blind of Louisiana’s 40th-anniversary gala, a gathering to which Stuller designers were honorably invited. One of the newly produced “Love” pendants, a symbol of our collaboration and shared journey, was donated to the organization for the gala’s raffle by our team of designers. Megan then had the opportunity to hand the piece to the winner.
Available on Stuller.com
Introducing our “Hope” and “Love” translations in pendant form, each design features both the braille and the translated versions, furthering our dedication to inclusivity in the world of fine jewelry.
To shop these styles on Stuller.com, type “braille pendant” into our homepage search bar.
Making A Difference
For more than 50 years, our mission has always been to support you in providing exceptional, high-quality, and industry-leading designs that resonate with your customers. Each piece created by our dedicated and talented team combines care, thought, and hard work, but it’s you and your customer’s stories that bring them to life — your story is our story.
We are deeply honored and grateful for the incredible creativity and exceptional talent of Megan Tran and our dedicated product design team. Their commitment shines through in every detail. Equally, we are thankful for the support and collaboration of the Affiliated Blind of Louisiana, whose partnership has been instrumental in redefining representation in fine jewelry, and Stuller’s first available, braille-inspired piece.
We also hope this encourages you to see where your craft can take you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Claire Lyon
Staff Writer
Claire is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a degree in Journalism. Her advanced writing background combined with her love of staying on top of the latest trends helps her find the perfect content to bring to the jewelry industry.