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 tradition.

The Brotherhood

The Freemasons have the longest history of any organization in the world. The first Grand Lodge was formed in 1717 in London, but there was loose organization and use of terms and symbols centuries before that. Stonemasons were the founding fathers.

Today, it is not necessary to be an actual mason to be a member as the principles of the brotherhood are self-improvement, social works and self-awareness. They were behind the creation of public schools in Europe and America.

In the late 19th century and early 20th century, they also took it upon themselves to make sure orphans, the elderly and widows were taken care of when the system provided no protection for them. There are a lot of conspiracy theories, movies and books surrounding the mystery of the Masons, but there is 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 traditional piece is the signet ring, but there are other options as well. For the man who already owns a Lodge ring, other gift options are cuff links, tie pins, pocket watches and even pendants. These can all bear the same 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 center of these tools is the letter “G”, which stands for geometry, a principle of freemasonry, and for God, the original builder. Some other 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

Only 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. Some men like to wear the emblems facing them but others like to wear them facing out for others to see. Married men typically wear their rings on the right hand ring finger. Some men choose to wear their ring on the pinkie finger. So, really it is 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 with a soft brush. If there are enameled or synthetic colored parts, don’t 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.

You would be interested in knowing how to keep it safe and clean so as to enjoy the lifelong sparkling shine of your precious stones, if you have a collection of diamond jewelry. Dust, creams, powders, sprays, lotions and other greasy make over materials form a film over your diamond jewelry making their shine fade away and look dull. Cleaning diamond jewelry is very simple and can be done sitting at home only.

Soak your diamond jewelry in some mild soap solution for half an hour avoiding contacts with each other as a diamond can scratch another diamond. Brush off dirt particles stuck in corners and wires with a soft brush. Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean cloth. Your precious pieces will appear as shining as they were before.

Never let your diamonds come in contact with chlorine bleach or other chemicals as these can pit or discolor the mountings.

Avoid wearing diamond jewelry while doing heavy household work. Though diamond is the hardest gemstone, yet it can be loosened by a certain activity and can also be chipped by a hard blow.

Try to store your diamond jewelry in dedicated jewel boxes wrapped in clean cotton or soft fabric clothes.

It is a good practice to get your diamond jewelry professionally cleaned and checked for loose prongs for added safety of your precious gemstones.

Just follow these simple tips and restore the brilliant colors and sparkling shine of your diamond jewelry.

The most important part of choosing a diamond is to choose one that appeals to you personally. The first rule when choosing a diamond is to make sure it is accompanied by a grading report. Choosing a diamond is as important as learning how to buy a diamond. While choosing a diamond you should consider these factors shape, cut and clarity. Remember that choosing a diamond is not an exact science.

For most people, the most important consideration when choosing a diamond is price. True, choosing a diamond is all up to the buyer’s taste, but an expert’s opinion definitely counts. The hardest part in choosing a diamond is not what you thought, it’s only over when you find someone special enough to present one to. Step one in choosing a diamond is learning about them, it costs nothing, but could end up saving you a bundle. Choosing a diamond is one of the most important decisions of your life.

If they are colorless, they usually don’t alter a diamond’s clarity. Clarity is an important factor that can be “stretched the farthest” when choosing a diamond. When looking at clarity, many diamonds have what are known as inclusions. Your objective is to find a diamond of the highest clarity possible. The 4Cs – Cut, Carat, Color and Clarity play a very important role in choosing a diamond and determine its value. The fewer the inclusions the diamond has, the greater the clarity and the more valuable the diamond.

Alternatively, a stone may be cut well, but have poor color and clarity. Two diamonds can be of equal carat-weight, but if the cut, color and clarity are different they can be less then a single cut diamond with better quality. The number, size and location of these inclusions determine the stone’s clarity. A cut that is poor will make the diamond look very dull even if the color is of high level. Another vital grading characteristic in diamonds is their clarity. One of the most important characteristics of a diamond is clarity, if the clarity is not good you could see carbon or inclusions in your diamond jewelry. A diamond with outstanding color and clarity will not sparkle as it should if the stone is not cut to interact properly with light.

What to think about before buying a diamond of any particular shape. Shape refers to the overall outline of the diamond when viewed from the top. Most people are interested in the shape and carat when people are choosing a diamond, people should also consider the cut and color. The most commonly purchased type of diamond is the round diamond. Once the diamond’s shape has been determined, facets are cut.

Color is very important when choosing a diamond. The best color for a diamond is no color at all. The most valuable diamonds will have very little color. The method in which diamonds get there color is when the diamond is compressed with a lot of pressure which creates a red, pink or purple hue. Diamonds with outstanding clarity and color will not twinkle if the cut is not done to properly interact with light. But its variety and depth of color still make it a unique piece of jewelry anywhere.