Masonic Rings: What Are Their Hidden Meanings?

Ceremonies and traditions abound in the Brotherhood of Freemasonry, each one utilizing items that are granted special meaning and symbolism by the Brotherhood. What has become the most obvious and outwardly recognizable signs that the wearer is a Freemason is a Masonic ring. Commonly, Masonic rings are worn on the right hand, however, in the past these rings would be worn secretly to conceal the bearer’s identity and keep his associations covert. It has been said that, historically, execution was ordered for the wearer of the Masonic ring if he allowed his identity be revealed.

Of the several types of Masonic rings, most of them generally have a crest or a design incorporating a square and compass. The square and compass refer to knowledge commonly shared by Freemasons who wear the ring as an oath to living a virtuous and good life.

There are many different groups and communities that make up the Freemason Society, each of which hold a unique set of values while, in whole, working towards common goals. As such, Masonic rings carry the symbolism of each of these different groups in its own way while at the same time showing the belief in common knowledge. The unique design of each particular group’s Masonic ring would express the beliefs held by that group. Historically speaking, Masonic rings were meant to be shown only in privacy of a Masonic lodge.

The symbolism held in Masonic rings is as divergent as the many branches of Freemasonry and, as such, there are many styles of Masonic rings to accommodate this.

Both God and Geometry can be represented by the letter “G” commonly found on Masonic rings. As an obvious symbol of death or memento mori, the skull and cross bones is a prominent feature of some Masonic rings. Freemasons designated as Past Masters of a lodge would have a Sun displayed on their ring. Geometry, being an important tenet of Freemasonry, is represented by three squares on a Masonic ring – hearkening to Euclid’s 47th Proposition.

One of the most recognizable symbols on Masonic rings is the All Seeing Eye of Providence indicating the belief that God is always watching. Open book imagery on some rings is symbolic of the quest for knowledge by Freemasons. Masonic rings commonly have tools on them such as the Trowel and Plumb Level which represent various qualities one should have in life. As Freemasons ascend to higher levels in the fraternity, a ring can be purchased to commemorate the event. Common degrees for which rings are given are the 14th, 32nd, and 33rd degrees.

Certain Masonic rings will have declarations inscribes on them such as “In Hoc Signo Vinces,” which as translated from Latin means “With this as your standard, you shall have victory.” Another common inscription is “Aude Vide Tace,” meaning “Watch, Listen, & Be Silent.” An Eagle or Double Eagle is depicted on masonic rings can carry different meanings when the wings are pointed up rather than down. Masonic ritual and hope are embodied in the Acacia Sprig on some Masonic rings.

There are different types of Masonic rings that hold several meanings. Many celebrities and historic people have been known to wear Masonic rings and those who are Freemasons and followers can only wear the rings.

Learn more about Masonic Jewelry. Stop by Darren Hoye’s site where you can find out all about Masonic rings and what they mean for you or the Mason in your life.