I am often a
sked about the difference between the different qualities of gold and which is my preference in the Masonic Rings that I sell.
It is probably easiest to start out with an explanation of the difference.
24K gold is the purest and is normally what I would refer to as “investment gold”. Typically 24K gold is not ideal for jewelry because it is too soft; therefore it damages easily and would be considered by many as too heavy to wear for jewelry.
22KT gold is used by dentists as it is easy shape and fit, but a small addition of an alloy makes it much harder wearing, but no so hard that it wears down the opposing teeth.
As you continue to reduce the amount of gold in your piece of jewelry, other alloys are mixed with the gold prior to the gold being poured into the mold. Most men’s or women’s rings are made of 14K or 10K gold. Some are made of 9K as they are hard-wearing and fine for mass-market jewelry.
Silver is usually the preferred metal to “dilute” gold with as it’s also a precious metal and is relatively cheap, and nickel is even cheaper but can provoke allergic reactions. Platinum and palladium is increasingly used but it’s harder to work with and is actually more expensive than the gold it replaces.
Lesser grades of gold such as 9K tends to shy away from using anything of value to form an alloy and may be mixed with brass, copper, tin, zinc, iron, aluminum or even with other cheaper alloys. Often these cheaper metals are added to finer quality jewelry in order to achieve a particular color. Silver and bismuth, for example, gives “black” gold.
Thus explains the difference between the different qualities of gold and provides an explanation when you hear that 10K gold is more durable and harder than a 14K gold ring. The 10K gold ring is diluted with other alloys that are stronger, harder and more durable; making the ring more resistant to scratching, denting, bending etc.
When I am asked by my customers which quality I recommend, I ask two questions.
First of all, if you are going to be wearing the ring on a daily basis; what is your profession? If you are a person that tends to work with their hands out in the elements or if the ring is going to be exposed to harsh chemicals etc; I would recommend a 10K ring. If you are a “paper shuffler or desk jockey” you have the choice because a 14K gold ring will withstand the wear.
The next question that I ask is: Do you have budget constraints? Of course we all do,but don’t break the bank just to have a 14K ring. A 14K Masonic Ring or other fraternal ring is going to appear a little more yellow because of the color of the gold but most people that are going to see your ring probably are not going to be able to see the difference if you keep your ring clean and polished.
I hope that I have been able to answer your questions and hope that when you are in the market for a quality Masonic ring or other Fraternal rings such as a Knights of Columbus Ring or Eastern Star Ring, you keep www.foxjewelry.net in mind when making your selection. If you have additional questions, please feel free to email me at: [email protected] or call me at 712-239-6155.
The Significance of the Holy Bible in the Masonic Blue Lodge
In most Christian societies the furnishings of the lodge normally consists of the Holy Bible, and the Square and Compass; although Freemasonry teaches us that all men are free to follow the religious teachings or doctrine of their choice. A candidate may choose his own personal bible when taking their obligation. In American Lodges the Holy Bible remains open on the altar as well.
Whether you are searching for a Masonic Ring or several Masonic Rings, please visit our site at:
www.facebook.com/masonicringsbyfox
Follow us on Twitter: @MasonicRings
www.foxjewelry.net
The Masonic Trowel
http://foxjewelry.net.co/The_Masonic_Trowel/t54/articles.html
The Working Tools of a Freemason, The Masonic Gavel
http://foxjewelry.net.co/The_Masonic_Gavel/t53/articles.html?osCsid=8f3abe930da67025387b754befa6361f
J
udge’s in courts of law are renowned throughout the world for banging their hammers on their desks to ask for order during court proceedings. The official website of the Supreme Council, 33 Degree, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, reminds us of the fact that the famous block and gavel that is utilized by the Judges are Masonic symbols. The page about Masonic symbols explains that: the gavel is surely an interesting symbol itself. It came from Masonry. The Gavel represents an instrument that was utilized by operative Masons to break off the corners of rough stones, more suitable to match them for the builders use. And as such, a gavel depicts a stone-working mallet or maul. But shortly thereafter; we learn that a gavel symbolizes higher purposes.We utilize the gavel for a more noble and glorious benefit to divest from our minds, hearts, and conscience of most vice, trappings, and superfluities of life, thereby fitting us as living stones, for that spiritual building in the house not made with hands eternal in the heavens. In other words, the gavel is utilized to chip away at those things that plague and infest our minds, to divest ourselves of whatever we perceive are shameful or reprehensible. It hews away over the imperfections with respect to the rough ashlar in us to form the ideal ashlar that we strive to become.
www.foxjewelry.net
www.masonicrings.net
www.masonicjewelryblog.net
A Bit of History About the Freemasons
http://www.masonicjewelryblog.net/
Five Stainless Steel or Tungsten Masonic Rings will be given away this month!
“Like Me” on Facebook at Masonic Rings by Fox Jewelry and possibly win one of these!http://tinyurl.com/79ttabn
A Symbolic Lodge, in which the first three degrees of Freemasonry are conferred, the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason, is so called from the color of its decorations. Freemasonry is an oath-bound fraternal and benevolent association of men whose purpose is to nurture sound moral and social virtues among its members and mankind. Its origins go back to 17th-century England when guilds of working stonemasons began accepting honorary members, many of whom were gentlemen architects or amateur scholars interested in the new rational philosophy of science and the Enlightenment. A separate “speculative” fraternity of Freemasons, using the guild system of degrees and secret passwords, and the stonemason’s tools as symbols, was officially organized as the Grand Lodge of England in 1717. A Masonic Lodge in America is first mentioned in Benjamin Franklin’s Pennsylvania Gazette in 1731. By the mid-18th century Freemasonry had gained wide acceptance in America.
Although much of Freemasonry’s ritual symbolism is drawn from Biblical references, it has no religious affiliation or requirement except in a belief in a Supreme Being.
An example of the type of Masonic Rings worn by the Freemasons can be found at: www.foxjewelry.net
Email us at: [email protected]
Call us at: 712-239-6155
www.facebook.com/masonicringsbyfox
Follow us on Twitter: @MasonicRings
www.foxjewelry.net
The Masonic Compass and Square
http://foxjewelry.net.co/The_Masonic_Compass_and_Square/t52/articles.html?osCsid=4e60c9319907780494d6978d06634804
One of the most common symbols of Freemasonry would be the crossed compass and square. The compass and square are architect’s tools, and symbolize God as being the architect of the universe, as well as other things. As measuring instruments, the tools represent judgment and discernment. The compass, that is utilized to draw circles, represents the realm of the spiritual-eternity. It is symbolic of the defining and limiting principle, and also our infinite boundaries. The angle measures the square, the symbol of earth and the realm of the material. The square represents fairness, balance, firmness, etc., which is reflected in phrases such as “on the square” and “squared away.” Something that is squared is a thing that is stable, a foundation for building upon. Together, the compass and square represent the convergence of matter and spirit, and the convergence of earthly and spiritual responsibilities. The two symbols together form a hexagram, the union of earth with the heavens, matter and mind. A perfect example of the compass and square is shown on this Masonic Ring.
Contact us at:
712-239-6155
www.facebook.com/masonicringsbyfox
Follow us on Twitter: @MasonicRings
www.foxjewelry.net
The Masonic Trowel
http://www.masonicjewelryblog.net/