The Masonic fraternal organization used symbolic imagery that was often displayed on their jewelry.​

Masons earn degrees as they progress further through their education.  There are 32° of Masonry, with an honorary 33° given for exceptional service.

​Click the button below for more information on the 33° of Masonry.
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square and compasses

Vintage Masonic square & compasses ring in 14K gold
Masonic square & compass ring

​The square and compasses emblem is the single most identifiable symbol of Freemasonry.  "The square, to square our actions; The compasses, to circumscribe and keep us within bounds with all mankind."

Sometimes the Square and Compasses have a "G" at the center.  The G is said to have several meanings.  It represents God, or the Great Architect of the Universe, who is at the center of Freemasonry.  In a different context, the G stands for Geometry, which is said to be the "noblest of sciences", and "the basis upon which the superstructure of Freemasonry is erected."
Masonic Square and Compass gold leaf inlay in bloodstone chalcedony. Set in a rose gold Retro Era setting.
Square & compass symbol inlaid in bloodstone

shriners

Vintage Masonic Shriners scimitar and crest lapel pin featuring an old transitional cut diamond set in platinum.
Masonic scimitar & crest lapel pin

The scimitar and crest is the emblem of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, or more commonly referred to as simply "the Shriners".  The emblem is made up of several symbols that each have different meanings.

• The scimitar represents the backbone of the fraternity:  its members.

• The two claws of the crest represent the Shriners and its philanthropy.

• The sphinx represents the governing body of the Shriners.

• ​The five-pointed star represents the thousands of children helped by its philanthropy each year.​
Late Victorian Era antique Masonic Shriners pin featuring graduated seed pearls in a crescent and star motif.
Masonic Shriner star & crescent symbol

scottish rite

Double-headed eagle emblem of the Scottish Rite, on a 32nd Degree Freemason ring set with a 1/4 carat old mine cut diamond.
Scottish Rite double-headed eagle symbol

The double-headed eagle emblem represents the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, more commonly referred to as simply the "Scottish Rite".

​The Scottish Rite is a Masonic organization that allows Master Masons to continue their education past the first 3 degrees.  The Scottish Rite consists of the 4° to 32°, as well as the honorary 33°, which is awarded for exceptional service.

order of the eastern star

Order of the Eastern Star women's Masonic star and gavel brooch set with old mine cut diamonds.
Masonic star & gavel lapel pin set with diamonds

The scimitar and crest is the emblem of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, or more commonly referred to as simply "the Shriners".  The emblem is made up of several symbols that each have different meanings.

• The scimitar represents the backbone of the fraternity:  its members.

• The two claws of the crest represent the Shriners and its philanthropy.

• The sphinx represents the governing body of the Shriners.

• ​The five-pointed star represents the thousands of children helped by its philanthropy each year.​
1950s vintage Order of the Eastern Star 50 Years Membership lapel pin
Order of the Eastern Star symbol in colorful enamel

gavel

Masonic gavel brooch safety, Order of the Eastern Star
Gavel Masonic symbol

The Masonic gavel is an emblem of authority that represents the Master of the Lodge's executive power over the assemblage.  It also symbolizes a gavel used to chip away at flaws and vices, eventually shaping the spiritual being so it is pleasing to their creator.

triangle

The Equilateral Triangle is symbolic of Deity and Perfection in Masonic symbolism. It represents The Great First Cause, the Creator and Container of all things.
Equilateral triangle enameled in black

The triangle appears in two forms throughout Masonic symbolization:  the Right Triangle and the Equilateral Triangle.

The Right Triangle has a 90° angle, and has been used by Egyptians in their hieroglyphics to represent the symbol of Universal Nature.  In the statement of the Forty-Seventh Problem, "In any right triangle, the square of the side opposite the right angle is equal to the sum of the square of the sides (legs) making the right angle."  The Egyptians interpreted one leg as symbolizing Osiris, the Male, while the other leg symbolizes Isis, the Female, and considered the hypotenuse as symbolizing Horus, the Son and product of Isis and Osiris. The Right Triangle represents God's Great Handiwork Universal Nature.

The Equilateral Triangle is symbolic of Deity and Perfection.  It is is comprised of three 60° angles, and three sides of equal length.  The Equilateral Triangle is considered to be the most perfect of figures, representing The Great First Cause, the Creator and Container of all things.

rose croix

The Rose Croix, in multicolor enamel, on a 32nd Degree Mason's ring from the Edwardian Era.
Colorful rose croix symbol enameled on the side of a ring shank

The Rose Croix, also known as the Rose Cross, or Rosy Cross, is said to be a cross with a red, white or gold rose at its center.

While it may represent Christian beliefs, the symbol is believed to have predated Christianity.  The cross symbolizes the human body while the rose represents the individual's unfolding consciousness.

latin mottos

Masonic Shriners enameled lapel pin. Scimitar and crescent with the Latin phrase
Masonic Shriner lapel pin enameled with Latin motto

Latin mottos are commonly seen on Masonic jewelry.  Here are some common examples:

• ​"Aude, vide, tace" means "To hear, to see, to be silent".

• "In hoc signo vinces" translates to "By this standard, conquer".

• "Spes mea in deo est" is a motto used by the 32nd Degree of the Scottish Rite, and translates to "My hope is in God".

• "Virtus junxit mors non separabit" is a motto used by the Lodge of Perfection, a part of the Scottish Rite, and translates to "Whom virtue unites, death shall not separate".

• "Bona" is Latin for "good", and is part of the term "bona fide", which translates to "good faith".  Bona fides (plural) is defined as information or evidence that serves to guarantee a person's good faith, standing, and reputation; authentic credentials.
All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)