Masonic jewelry is worn as a sign of membership of the brotherhood or passed down as house heirlooms. Here is a guide to this unique and keen tradition.
The Brotherhood
Jewelry
The Freemasons have the longest history of any organization in the world. The first Grand Lodge was formed in 1717 in London, but there was loose organization and use of terms and symbols centuries before that. Stonemasons were the founding fathers.
Today, it is not primary to be an actual mason to be a member as the theory of the brotherhood are self-improvement, social works and self-awareness. They were behind the creation of social schools in Europe and America.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, they also took it upon themselves to make sure orphans, the elderly and widows were taken care of when the theory provided no protection for them. There are a lot of conspiracy theories, movies and books surrounding the difficulty of the Masons, but there is no real underground to this philanthropic and educated organization.
Types of jewelry
To designate membership in a Masonic lodge, there are a collection of Masonic jewelry pieces that a member can wear. The traditional piece is the signet ring, but there are other options as well. For the man who already owns a Lodge ring, other gift options are cuff links, tie pins, pocket watches and even pendants. These can all bear the same the emblems as the rings.
The Symbols
Symbols in freemasonry are prominent and they designate the degree of the member, the lodge and what the member wants to say about his membership. The most base symbols are the quadrilateral and compass which recite the cornerstone of freemasonry.
In the center of these tools is the letter "G", which stands for geometry, a principle of freemasonry, and for God, the traditional builder. Some other tools of the trade found in Masonic jewelry are the trowel, the plumb level and columns. There are many other symbols to select from when designing distinct pieces.
Proper wear
Only members should wear membership jewelry, but there are cases where ancient Masonic jewelry is passed down as house heirlooms. As far as how to wear the rings, there are no rules on the proper way. Some men like to wear the emblems facing them but others like to wear them facing out for others to see. Married men typically wear their rings on the right hand ring finger. Some men select to wear their ring on the pinkie finger. So, de facto it is all about personal preference and ease on how to wear the pieces.
How to clean it
In gold or silver, Masonic jewelry can be very uncomplicated or quite ornate. The more intricate the design, the dirtier it can get. Gold pieces can be soaked in warm soapy water and scrubbed with a soft brush. If there are enameled or artificial colored parts, don't soak the piece, but gently scrub with a soft soapy brush. Normally polish with a soft cloth. For sterling silver pieces, only use cleaners designed for silver cleaning. These products come in wipes, cloths and creams.
There are millions of freemasons over the world and a gift of men's Masonic jewelry is a great way to recognize his contribution to community and to honor his pride and dedication to his brotherhood.
Masonic Jewelry - A seal of Brotherhood
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