Masonic Jewelry

 It is almost certain that the Masonic apron was developed from the apron worn by operative masons in the middle ages. Few examples  show that the operative apron was fashioned from the skin of an animal, more than likely the hide of a lamb. It was large enough to cover the wearer from chest to ankles, and was held in place by a leather strap that encircled the neck. From each side of the apron a leather strap, enabled the mason to tie the apron round his waist. The leather apron served its purpose for several centuries. The woven apron now used by modern masons came into use in the eighteenth century. The Masonic apron was just one symbol of the Mason. another is the Masonic Ring found on the Mason’s hand.

People have worn jewelry almost since the beginning of mankind. Jewelry announces our commitment to beauty and celebrates the existence of mankind.

The jewelry that we all wear proclaims who we are and in many cases; what we believe in. Masonic Rings are just one example of doing so. For this reason, it is important that we select a piece of quality jewelry to enhance this meaning.

The Masons as well as many other fraternal organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Elks, are just additional examples of other ancient and noble organizations.

The wearing of the Masonic Ring, Knights of Columbus Ring, Order of the Eagles Ring or Elks Ring is a symbol of one’s pride in being a member of that organization and their commitment to that organization.

Most Masonic Grand Lodges do not admit women due to beliefs that the ancient Landmarks would be violated.  While a few women were initiated into British speculative lodges prior to 1723, regular official Freemasonry still remains exclusive to men today.  While women cannot be members of regular lodges, there are several female orders in existence, mainly within the borders of the United States.  Some of these include the Order of the Eastern Star, the Order of the Amaranth, the White Shrine of Jerusalem, and the Daughters of the Nile.  They practice their own rituals, but are still based on the Masonic model.  Since the late 19th century, mixed-gender Masonic lodges have been meeting in France.

There are also many nontraditional Masonic bodies composed of either mixed-gender members or who are exclusive to women.   Women have founded and maintained their own separate Lodges all over the world over the years, and these Lodges continue to gain membership as time passes.  Women can also show their Masonic pride by wearing an amaranth ring or other fraternal jewelry available at Fox Jewelry.

Freemasons use signs (gestures), grips or tokens (handshakes), and certain words to admit legitimate members and visitors to their meetings.   Each Grand Lodge is free to create its own rites, so the signs, grips and tokens do vary from territory to territory.  Signs, grips and tokens are also changed periodically to add or omit sections, modernize the language used in the verbal portion, and sometimes changing word order to identify an impostor.  

Masonic Grand Lodge rites also can only be valid for a particular jurisdiction for a set amount of time, so they are difficult for an outsider to verify.  Today, an unidentified visitor may be required to produce actual hard copy documentation in addition to showing their knowledge of the prevailing rituals for that Grand Lodge.  Of course, wearing a well-crafted piece of Masonic jewelry probably wouldn’t hurt!

Only someone who can prove themself to be a Mason is entitled to wear Masonic Jewelry. A Mason needs to refrain from wearing any Masonic Jewelry until he has passed his proficiency test as a Master Mason. You can then wear Masonic Jewelry once you can prove that you dues have been paid, you have been issued a dues card and have signed the by laws of your lodge. Typically the first piece of jewelry that a new Master Mason would want to wear would be the 3d Degree Blue Lodge Ring or Master Mason’s ring.

The powers of the Worshipful Master are very great. Once the Worshipful Master makes a decision, there can be no appeal to the lodge. He answers only to the Grand Lodge for his actions taken growing out of his official duties. The Worshipful Master has the right and duty to bar from entrance, or remove from the Lodge any brother that may be in a condition that is not appropriate behavior for a Mason. The Worshipful Master regulates discussion within the Lodge and can call an end to debate whenever he sees fit.  Once a Master Mason has served as the Worshipful Master, he may wear the Past Master Ring or the Master Mason Ring. The Top Hat and Gavel shown on the Past Master Ring shown above are emblems indicative of the Past Master.

Among other things, the Masonic Altar is a symbol of faith. There are three great lights on the altar and to it comes the candidate in search of light and to offer himself, symbolically to the service of the Mason’s fellow man and the Grand Architect of the Universe.  It is in front of the altar that the Mason takes his obligations as doing so is traditionally considered more solemn and binding than when taken elsewhere. The altar is the focal point in the lodge for all the Brethren.The Mason is the avoid wearing any Masonic Jewelry until he has passed his proficiency in the Master Mason Degree, paid his dues , signed the bylaws and has been given a dues card in order to prove himself.

In addition, almost all Masonic Jewelry is emblematical of the Master Mason Degree