Masonic Rings: Overview
The Masonic ring is a piece of regalia that is just as mysterious as it is fascinating.
Many Freemasons around the world wear Masonic rings to let everyone in their circle know how dedicated they are while others simply wear them as a symbol of authority or to, perhaps, promote their respective organisation across the world. Many wearers even associate their Masonic rings with the very same level of commitment as wedding rings.
Let’s dive deep into the world of Masonic rings, including their history, what the different types mean, and how to wear them.
What is a Masonic Ring and what is it used for?
Rings have long been associated with ancient symbolism throughout history. The Ancient Egyptians, for example, believed that the hole in rings were a gateway to both immortal love and the afterlife.
The Romans were the first ones to wear wedding rings as part of a celebratory tradition – men would offer their spouses iron rings (Anulus Pronubus) to wear proudly on their left hand, as they believed it connected to the heart directly.
In Ireland and certain parts of the US, the Claddagh ring is a very popular tradition; the Irish rings symbolise love, friendship, and loyalty – no wonder they are passed down from generation to generation.
Now, when it comes to freemasonry, the ring itself may symbolise eternity. Or, it may symbolise the wearer’s connection with the fraternity it represents. Masonic rings, which have often been regarded as a precious and invaluable piece of regalia, rose to prominence in freemasonry in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was during the height of this era that masonry was a highly sought after craft, and so, Masonic rings allowed the various brethren to easily identify one another out in the open.
For many wearers in modern times, the Masonic ring is a representation of a “brother’s” commitment to everything from lessons and secrets, to trustworthiness as well as the traditions and practices within freemasonry.
While the freemason lodge does not hand out rings to each member, they are typically gifted – e.g. from father to son or grandfather to grandson, once it is affirmed that the younger member will be raised as a master mason. And so, we can draw from this the fact that Masonic rings are not much of a fashion accessory but rather a deeply personal emblem passed down between generations, with their significance often varying a lot from member to member.
The Blue Lodge Masons, for instance, are commonly associated with wearing their unique brand of Masonic rings, although these alluring articles of jewellery are not just limited to one kind of lodge. Members of the Shriners, Scottish Rite, and York Rite, have been seen wearing rings which are engraved with intricate symbols relevant to their appendant bodies. Let’s take the Scottish Rite, for example, where the masons wear a ring emblazoned with a very prominent double-headed Scottish Rite eagle.
One major feature which can often decide the importance of a Masonic ring is the number of stones and/or engravings the freemasons want to have included. Blue stones, for example, are worn by members who have received a Masonic ring in the blue lodge. Red stones are common among ‘brothers’ who have successfully completed the 4th degree in Royal Arch Masonry, and so on.
An brief yet insightful history of Masonic Rings
Masonic rings have a rich and varied history dating back to the Middle Ages, where they were used to stamp documents in wax in order to verify their authenticity and originality. During Medieval times, only noblemen, royalty, and officials were allowed to wear Masonic rings, which were typically made from gems, metals, enamels, and rather elaborate craftsmanship.
In the years following the Middle Ages, a number of Masonic members would wear these rings, such as tradesmen and merchants. However, their rings would usually feature a simple design, one where the Masonic logo would simply be cut into the ring’s face.
While we know that the roots of Masonic rings go back to the medieval stonemason guilds, in freemasonry today, these rings still boast those ancient traditions. With the passage of time, Masonic rings evolved into real, authentic, and breathing symbols of both affiliation and membership within the freemasonry space.
Early designs were quite simple, featuring only the owner’s initials or, in many cases, the family crest. By the turn of the 18th century, a stardardised and symbolic language emerged, which further solidified Masonic rings’ connection to core freemasonry values.
While we’re on the subject of ‘history of Masonic rings’, did you know that very first modern masonic lodge was founded in the 1700s? Ever since, masons have been seen wearing jewels, rings, and aprons to show their commitment, dedication, and loyalty to the craft.
Even though we can’t find an authentic “first masonic ring ever” throughout history, it is a well-known fact that precious metals like silver and gold have been traditionally used in the design of Masonic rings.
Masonic rings being used as a seal on official documents can be traced back to the times of Caesar and Pompey. Today, these rings are no longer used for creating seals and, instead, act as a unique representation of a freemason member’s lodge, rank, and affiliations.
Membership within freemasonry organisations remains a very influential force in several countries across the globe, where members proudly show their affiliation by wearing unique Masonic rings.
Some common types of Masonic Rings
If we start to explore the sheer variety of Masonic rings in existence today, we’d be awe-inspired! For now, however, let’s take a look at some of the more prominent types:
Scottish Rite Masonic Rings
These Masonic rings highlight the double-headed eagle we discussed earlier, which not only symbolises duality and wisdom, but also represents an individual’s membership and affiliation with a higher branch of masonry.
Members associated with the Scottish Rite, have additional symbols incorporated into their rings; for example, numbers like 32 or 33, which typically indicate the degree attained, along with other Scottish Rite emblems.
Past Master Masonic Rings
These Masonic rings are worn by individuals who have served as a lodge leader, where you might see symbols like the moon, sun, and quadrant meticulously integrated into the ring.
Blue Lodge Masonic Rings
A well-known type of Masonic ring, these feature the quintessential Square and Compass, which both represent membership in a core group of freemasonry.
These Masonic rings also tend to have an emblematic square and compass, which are two of the most identifiable symbols in freemasonry. However, they might also include other symbols and pillars, with one of them being ‘G’ which represents Geometry or God.
All-Seeing Eye Masonic Rings
Masonic rings featuring the All-Seeing Eye are often surrounded by rays of light as this symbolises both the divine guidance and presence of the ‘ultimate architect of the universe’, as we know it.
York Rite Masonic Rings
York Rite members wear Masonic rings featuring symbols which can represent everything from the Royal Arch and Cryptic Masonry to the Knights Templar. You might also find a symbol known as the triple tau on these rings, which is associated with the Royal Arch degree.
Eastern Star Masonic Rings
These type of Masonic rings are worn by female Eastern Star members, a freemason-affiliated organisation. So, it’s not surprising to find unique designs on the rings which reflect feminine values or virtues.
Shrine Rings Masonic Rings
Shrine rings feature the iconic fez symbol as these belong to the Shriners specifically, a branch of freemasonry that stands out for its vibrant social events and philanthropic views.
Shriners tend to wear different types of Masonic rings, depending on which freemason organisation they are affiliated with. For example, those belonging to the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine tend to wear rings with symbols featuring the crescent moon and scimitar as a distinctive emblem associated with the Shrine is the crescent and scimitar.
Vintage Masonic Rings
Some masons enjoy the charm an antique or vintage Masonic ring brings. After all, these carry a real sense of tradition, history, and time, featuring unique designs that have truly stood the test of time!
Personalised Masonic Rings
You’ll find many freemasons opting for personalised rings which include both traditional symbols and elements that pay homage to their personal masonic journey. Birthstones, personalised symbols, or other symbols are added to make the ring feel as unique and personalised as possible.
Gavel Masonic Rings
Masons also have the option of choosing rings which integrate the gavel which, as you may know, is a symbol of justice and authority. These rings tend to appeal a lot to those who want to emphasise on leadership and the importance of conducting oneself with the highest moral code.
Master Mason Masonic Rings
Rings especially designed to be worn by Master Masons contain symbols which are associated with securing the third degree. Therefore, these rings typically contain the compass, square, and other symbols indicating a Master Mason’s elevated ranking or status within a fraternity.
How to best wear your Masonic Ring
Masonic rings are similar to most wearable rings available today. In present times, you might find most ‘brothers’ wearing their rings on special occasions only, although others might wear them on most days or even throughout the week.
Even though there is no set protocol for wearing a Masonic ring, most members follow a generalised rule of thumb:
- The vast majority of freemasons wear them on their pinkies;
- Unmarried freemasons could wear their Masonic ring on their wedding finger;
- However, both unmarried and married freemasons tend to wear the ring on their right middle finger.
Again, we should mention that there isn’t necessarily a correct or ideal way to wear a Masonic ring, no matter what their symbolism or relation to a specific fraternity. In fact, ask any random wayfarer and chances are he will present his own unique take on how to wear one.
Now, with the above in mind, we did a little digging and discovered that some freemasons believe rings with a square and compass must be worn only with the points facing straight toward the heart, as that serves as a reminder of the obligations a freemason has.
For a Past Master of a lodge, it is believed that the wearer has now become knowledgeable and experienced enough, and so, must turn his ring outwards in order to proudly display the points to the world or onlooker.
In the traditional sense, freemasons used to wear their rings with the compasses’ points facing outward but this was more about functionality rather than form: when pressed into fresh, warm wax, it would assist in sealing a letter or official document as the emblem would already be positioned correctly.
Ultimately, how you wear your Masonic ring is a very personal choice. Above everything else, wear yours with pride and reverence, especially if you’re a part of a fraternity.
Closing thoughts on Masonic Rings
As we’ve learned, Masonic rings in the modern era are much more than jewellery pieces. They are emblems richly and deeply embodied in history, tradition, symbolism, and dedication. Over time, they have become powerful symbols seamlessly woven into the fabric of freemasonry.
Wearing a Masonic ring today is a very personal choice, really, as you don’t need to be part of a brotherhood or freemason organisation. Rather, you might wear it merely to reflect your own personal journey throughout life, and particularly, as a testament to self-reflection, devotion, and the pursuit of moral as well as ethical excellence.
While Masonic rings adorn the fingers of freemasons across the world, they proudly carry a legacy spanning multiple centuries – a legacy that is fraught with timeless tradition.
Why not carry this rich legacy forward by wearing your own personal Scottish Rite Masonic ring, for starters?
Masonic rings will likely always attract ring lovers to their mysterious allure even though their deeper meaning may remain concealed from ‘outsiders’ for years and decades to come!