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 interesting custom.
-The Brotherhood
The Freemasons have the longest history of any organization in the world. The beginning Grand Lodge was formed in 1717 in Greater London, but there was loose organization and use of conditions and symbols centuries before that. Stonemasons were the founding fathers.
Nowadays, it is not essential to be an actual mason to be a member as the principles of the brotherhood are self-improvement, social acts and self-awareness. They were behind the creation of public schools in Europe and America.
In the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, they also got it upon themselves to be sure orphans, the elderly and widows were taken care of when the system supplied no security for them. There are a lot of conspiracy theories, films and articles surrounding the mystery of the Masons, but there's no real secret to this philanthropic and educated organization.
- Types of jewelry
To designate membership in a Masonic lodge, there are a variety of Masonic jewelry pieces that a member can wear. The conventional piece is the signet ring, but there are other options as well. For the adult male who already owns a Lodge ring, other gift options are cuff links, tie pins, pocket watches and even pendants. These can all bear as is the emblems as the rings.
- The Symbols
Symbols in freemasonry are important and they designate the degree of the member, the lodge and what the member wants to say about his membership. The most common symbols are the square and compass which represent the cornerstone of freemasonry.
In the centre of these tools is the letter "G", which stands for geometry, a principle of freemasonry, and for God, the original builder. Another 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 different pieces.
- Proper wear
Just members should wear membership jewelry, but there are cases where antique Masonic jewelry is passed down as family heirlooms. As far as how to wear the rings, there are no rules on the proper way. A few men like to wear the emblems facing them but other people like to clothing them facing out for others to see. Married men usually wear their rings on the right hand ring finger. Some men choose to wear their ring on the pinkie finger. So, actually it's all about personal preference and comfort on how to wear the pieces.
- How to clean it
In gold or silver, Masonic jewelry can be very simple or quite ornate. The more intricate the design, the dirtier it can get. Gold pieces can be soaked in warm soapy water and scrubbed on a soft brushing. If there are enameled or synthetic colored parts, do not soak the piece, but gently 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 contribution to society and to honor his pride and dedication to his brotherhood.
-The Brotherhood
The Freemasons have the longest history of any organization in the world. The beginning Grand Lodge was formed in 1717 in Greater London, but there was loose organization and use of conditions and symbols centuries before that. Stonemasons were the founding fathers.
Nowadays, it is not essential to be an actual mason to be a member as the principles of the brotherhood are self-improvement, social acts and self-awareness. They were behind the creation of public schools in Europe and America.
In the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, they also got it upon themselves to be sure orphans, the elderly and widows were taken care of when the system supplied no security for them. There are a lot of conspiracy theories, films and articles surrounding the mystery of the Masons, but there's no real secret to this philanthropic and educated organization.
- Types of jewelry
To designate membership in a Masonic lodge, there are a variety of Masonic jewelry pieces that a member can wear. The conventional piece is the signet ring, but there are other options as well. For the adult male who already owns a Lodge ring, other gift options are cuff links, tie pins, pocket watches and even pendants. These can all bear as is the emblems as the rings.
- The Symbols
Symbols in freemasonry are important and they designate the degree of the member, the lodge and what the member wants to say about his membership. The most common symbols are the square and compass which represent the cornerstone of freemasonry.
In the centre of these tools is the letter "G", which stands for geometry, a principle of freemasonry, and for God, the original builder. Another 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 different pieces.
- Proper wear
Just members should wear membership jewelry, but there are cases where antique Masonic jewelry is passed down as family heirlooms. As far as how to wear the rings, there are no rules on the proper way. A few men like to wear the emblems facing them but other people like to clothing them facing out for others to see. Married men usually wear their rings on the right hand ring finger. Some men choose to wear their ring on the pinkie finger. So, actually it's all about personal preference and comfort on how to wear the pieces.
- How to clean it
In gold or silver, Masonic jewelry can be very simple or quite ornate. The more intricate the design, the dirtier it can get. Gold pieces can be soaked in warm soapy water and scrubbed on a soft brushing. If there are enameled or synthetic colored parts, do not soak the piece, but gently 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 contribution to society and to honor his pride and dedication to his brotherhood.
No comments:
Post a Comment