Masonic jewelry is worn as a sign of membership of the brotherhood or passed down as family heirlooms. Here is a guide to this unique and exciting tradition.
The Brotherhood
Jewelry
The Freemasons have the longest history of any society in the world. The first Grand Lodge was formed in 1717 in London, but there was loose society and use of terms and symbols centuries before that. Stonemasons were the founding fathers.
Today, it is not principal to be an actual mason to be a member as the principles of the brotherhood are self-improvement, public works and self-awareness. They were behind the creation of public 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 principles in case,granted no protection for them. There are a lot of conspiracy theories, movies and books surrounding the strangeness of the Masons, but there is no real underground to this philanthropic and educated organization.
Types of jewelry
To prescribe membership in a Masonic lodge, there are a range of Masonic jewelry pieces that a member can wear. The former 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 prescribe the degree of the member, the lodge and what the member wants to say about his membership. The most coarse symbols are the quadrate and compass which relate the cornerstone of freemasonry.
In the town of these tools is the letter "G", which stands for geometry, a principle of freemasonry, and for God, the former 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 choose from when designing separate pieces.
Proper wear
Only members should wear membership jewelry, but there are cases where ancient Masonic jewelry is passed down as family heirlooms. As far as how to wear the rings, there are no rules on the allowable 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 choose to wear their ring on the pinkie finger. So, honestly it is all about personal preference and relax 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 synthetic colored parts, don't soak the piece, but gradually scrub with a soft soapy brush. Regularly 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 across the world and a gift of men's Masonic jewelry is a great way to recognize his gift to society and to honor his pride and dedication to his brotherhood.
Masonic Jewelry - A stamp of BrotherhoodRelated : Premier Pearl Ring
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