The 33° ring pictured here is from 1946. The inscription reads “25 Juillet 1946 Paris , Felix Lenhart #574”

Pictured rings are from the collections of: the Museum of the Supreme Council, 33°, S.J.; Arturo de Hoyos, 33°; and the author. (Photos: Elizabeth A. Williams

“The ring, as a symbol of power and dignity, was worn in ancient times by kings and men ofelevated rank and office.”

I have a friend with an annoying habit: he’s a control freak. Okay, let me clarify: like many men, he’s a remote control freak. Every time he catches a glimpse of a ring on someone’s hand on TV that looks even remotely Masonic, he has to pause the program, rewind it, and play it back in slow motion to see if, indeed, it is a Masonic ring. For the same reason, another friend of mine checks out everyone’s hands as they’re standing in the check out line at a store. I, on the other hand, take the approach of Indiana Jones and Laura Croft: I look for lost treasure. I’ll brave antique shops, flea markets, and pawn shops, I’ll hunt high and low for my next great find … an attractive, affordable, and unique Masonic ring.

This ladies white gold and onyx Scottish Rite ring dates from the 1920s.

The Significance of Rings

There is something captivating about Masonic rings and their myriad of symbols, be it a square and compasses, a cross, the working tools, a crescent, or a keystone. Some rings bear just one emblem, while others display symbols for several groups. They are more than mere decoration; they are a meaningful reminder of a Mason’s membership. Perhaps you are wearing one now. What does it look like? Is it new or is it old? Is there an inscription inside? Is it gold or silver? Are there any stones in it? What made you choose it above others?

Rings abound in popular culture on TV, in movies, and in books. But why? Rings are a symbol. They are used for engagements, marriages, for graduation, for your favorite school, or even to honor sports teams for a victory. Who wouldn’t want a World Series or Super Bowl championship ring? Rings possess a mystique or allure that attract and demand attention. Witness the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The characters spend three novels obsessing over a ring, don’t they?

This “signet of Zerubbabel” prop for the Royal Arch Degree is one of the rarest Masonic rings. The oversized bronze ring dates from the 1920s-30s.

The Signet of Truth

One of the oldest legends in “high grade” Freemasonry has elements found in the Scottish Rite, the Knights Masons, the Allied Masonic Degrees and the York Rite. It is connected to the legend of the second temple, and goes something like this:

In preparation for building the second temple, the Jews removed debris from the original temple. In doing so, they found crypts and vaults which held certain secrets. In connection with this, Zerubbabel traveled to Babylon to secure the aid of King Darius in rebuilding the temple.

In the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, conferred by the Knights Templar, another part of the story is known as the “Persian Debate.” In it, the question was posed, “Which is the greatest, the strength of wine, the power of the king, or the influence of women?” The Prince Chancellor replied that wine was the strongest. The Prince Master of the Palace stated that the king is the strongest. Zerubbabel declared that the influence of women is greater than the strength of wine or the power of the king, but that truth was the greatest. (The story is told in 1 Esdras chapters 3 & 4 and Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Book 11, Chapter 3, as well as in most Masonic encyclopedias.)

So, what’s the connection? God promised that he would make Zerubbabel his signet (Haggai 2:23). A signet is a seal, sign, or impression which is usually used to mark official documents. In the story, Zerubbabel answered that truth was the greatest. Hence, he became a symbol, the signet, or ring of truth. A signet ring attests to the veracity, or truth, of the document it seals.

14-karat gold and black onyx Blue Lodge “tuxedo ring.” Engraved square and compasses inlaid with gold. Circa 1930s-40s.

Blue Lodge Rings

But what about Masonic rings? For obvious reasons, the most common Masonic ring is that of the blue lodge, and, likely, you’ve seen many versions. Typically, they display a simple square and compasses, with no other adornments. The square represents exactness, while the compasses remind us to circumscribe our actions. If it’s an American ring, and particularly after 1850, there will likely be a letter G in the center, which represents geometry and God. If you look at a Past Master’s ring, however, it bears compasses and a quadrant with a sun in the center. The sun represents deity, light, truth, knowledge, and the regularity with which a Master should govern his lodge.

Scottish Rite Rings

“In reference to the rings worn in high degree Masonry,” Albert Mackey asserts, “it may be said that they partake of double symbolism of power and affection. The ring, as a symbol of power and dignity, was worn in ancient times by kings and men of elevated rank and office.” In the Scottish Rite, there are three common rings. The first is the Fourteenth Degree ring, which is a plain gold band with an equilateral triangle on it and with the Hebrew letter yud in the center. Inscribed on the inner band of the ring is the Latin motto of the Fourteenth Degree, Virtus junxit mors non seperabit, Whom virtue unites death will not separate. Thirty-second Degree rings vary in style and shape. They typically have a double headed eagle in the center with an assortment of Scottish Rite symbols on the sides. The 33˚ ring is a triple band of gold which may bear an equilateral triangle with the numerals 33 in its center.

A custom-made Royal Arch ring has a secret inside. When you flip open the top, the ring reveals a hidden area where the keystone displays the motto HTWSSTKS. The fold down plate is engraved with the Past Master, Past High Priest, and Past Thrice Illustrious Master symbols. Unmarked yellow gold, circa 1920s.

Other Masonic Rings

Of course, the Scottish Rite is not the only Masonic organization to have rings. Many of the most beautiful adornments on Masonic rings are found on York Rite rings. Some have the Templar cross, X, which is a symbol of faith, but also symbolizes infinity and the universe. Knights Templar rings typically bear the traditional cross and crown.

DeMolay International also has a variety of rings. One bears their coat of arms. It is similar to their pin, but few DeMolays get one because it is a pricy item for a young man. (They normally get the lapel pin instead.) Other DeMolay rings include the Chevalier ring, normally presented for active service in the order, and the Legion of Honor rings, presented for service to DeMolay, humanity, and any noteworthy field. Even DeMolay Sweethearts and Moms have a version with a unique emblem to honor their participation.

Did you know the Grand Lodge of Texas has an official Grand Master’s ring? Yes, it contains the seal of the Grand Master, in the tradition of the ancient kings who wore signet rings to seal official documents. Everything is bigger and better in Texas, so it’s no wonder that those Grand Masters figured out some way to create a ring of their own! There are countless other beautiful rings for some of the appendant Masonic bodies. And, lest we forget, there are many ornate rings belonging to the Order of the Eastern Star and the Shrine.

Do you still wear your Masonic rings? If no, why not? Why not open your jewelry box and take a good look. Does it still fit? Go ahead, try it on. Do you remember what it meant to you when you first put it on? When did you get it? Did it belong to one of your family members? Many rings have a story to tell.

This 10 karat rose gold DeMolay Legion of Honor ring, dates from the 1950s and belonged to Fred Schwengel.

Rings accompany people along their travels and throughout their daily lives. Yours might have been passed down from your parent. Maybe you had one remade from a ring your ancestors wore. Or, you found yours at a second hand shop, and you don’t know much about it. One of the ways to investigate a ring’s story is to look inside and see if there is an engraving. There might be some initials, a phrase, a date, or, if you are lucky, a name. These clues can tell you more about the ring and the journey it has traveled.

And, so, like a ring, we’ve come full circle. Next time you are standing in a check out line, gently glance about and see if anyone is wearing a Masonic ring. Or, take up my hobby and head into your local antique shop, dig around in the jewelry cases, and see if you’ve got what it takes to discover treasure for yourself.

Happy hunting!

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Heather K. Calloway, a native of Albuquerque, is Director of Special Programs at the Supreme Council, 33°, S.J. She received her B.A. in Religious Studies and Political Science from the University of New Mexico. She also has a Master of Theological Studies from The Iliff School of Theology and a Master of Library Science from the University of Maryland. She has been a guest lecturer at various Masonic bodies, including the Allied Masonic Degrees, the New Mexico Lodge of Research and DeMolay International. She is an active member of the Society of American Archivists and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference. A diehard Chicago Cubs fan, Heather also volunteers as a ritual advisor for Alpha Chi Omega and with a national organization to rescue abandoned miniature pinschers.