Archive for the 'Freemasonry' Category
Every day we continue to add photographs, comments, fleeting thoughts, emails, and events in our daily lives and those of others without thinking of backing it up somewhere else. Part of this is because we trust the cloud as something that is reliable and will never go away. We take for granted that It is something too big to fail. After all, it’s not breakable like our laptops and smartphones. You can’t drop Google in the ocean or swimming pool by mistake. There is also the possibility that our social media could go away. It is certainly not unthinkable. Think of how many have come and gone over the last decade. Wouldn’t it be terrible to lose all of those memories? Aside from keeping files for backup, there are plenty of other reasons to download your digital life. For one, it’s handy to have it stored locally, so you can still find a friend’s address even if you’re not online. These archives can even give us a glimpse of what we look like to the rest of the Internet: What happens when we remove all the ads and everyone else’s chatter, leaving just our own information?
Here’s a quick overview of how to download your Facebook page.
Once you’re logged on to your account, find the little down-pointing arrow at the top-right corner and click Settings. On that page (General Account Settings), there’s a single line of text that says “Download a copy of your Facebook data”. Click that, and hit the Start My Archive button. Eventually, you’ll get an email with a link to a downloadable .zip file. Inside the .zip file, open “index.htm” to unfold an ad-free, easily navigable version of your profile. You’ll get the stuff you expected: your profile, your statuses, and your messages. All your photos and videos and their associated metadata as well as all your events and friends, even pending and deleted ones.
Then there’s the crazy stuff that you know they’re collecting but would rather not think about. Like the time, location, and the IP address of every time you’ve logged on and off. Keywords they use to target ads at you. Your credit card info, if you’ve ever used it on the site. And your facial recognition data, described in three cryptic “threshold” numbers.
Don’t risk losing all of this very valuable information. Take the time to do this now. There is no better time than the present to do so.
I know that I have strayed a bit away from the reason for this blog but I feel that there are a lot of us that were not aware of how easy it is to download this information.
This article was written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry. They are the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and have the largest of selection of Masonic Rings anywhere. We welcome your visit our online store at: Fox Jewelry. Feel free to contact us at 712-239-6155 or email us at: [email protected].
Fox Jewelry
RMF & P LLC
3821 Chippewa Ct
Sioux City, IA 51104
712-239-6155
Email address: [email protected]
www.foxjewelry.net
www.masonicrings.net
www.masonicjewelryblog.net
Follow us on Twitter: @MasonicRings
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/masonicringsbyfox
Tungsten Versus Titanium Rings; which is better?
Article written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry; the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and other fraternal rings.
Men’s tungsten and titanium rings are becoming increasingly more popular in the jewelry industry. Because of the dramatic fluctuations and increases in the price of gold in the last couple of years, tungsten and titanium have become known as “alternative metals” and are gaining a much greater acceptance in the jewelry business and by our customers. Titanium and tungsten carbide rings are both very affordable alternatives to pricy precious metals and both products are fairly comparable in price.
While the two metals appear to be similar, they are actually quite different in their composition. Before deciding which metal to purchase, you may want to acquaint yourself with the key differences between the two products.
Tungsten is dark gray or gun metal in color while titanium is silver. On a Moh’s scale of hardness; tungsten is an 8-9 while titanium is a 6. The most commonly used grades for titanium jewelry (aircraft, extra-hard and commercial pure) are at least 85% pure titanium. On the Moh’s scale, 10 is the hardness of a diamond. In comparison, gold is a 3 rating, and platinum is generally given a rating of 4 to 4.5 on the Moh’s scale.
To me; weight is an important part in making the decision of your choice of metal. Sometimes light weight jewelry can be associated with inexpensive or cheap jewelry. In that regard; tungsten is heavier and gives your ring a real presence on your finger. Titanium rings are a few times harder than their precious metal counterparts. They should not tarnish, and are good at maintaining their original finish and shine. With a Moh’s rating between 8 and 9, tungsten is the hardest metal available on the wedding band market, making it the most scratch-resistant product available. This also makes tungsten rings incredibly resistant to tarnishing as well. Harder than silver, gold and platinum, and even harder than titanium, tungsten rings are the perfect combination of form and functionality. Tungsten carbide’s extreme hardness paired with its brittleness means that tungsten carbide rings can crack or shatter if struck against a hard enough surface. Although tungsten’s extreme hardness and brittleness could be considered a negative, it is actually a plus in the event the ring needs to be removed from your finger at some point in time because of weight gain etc. The downside of both products is that; because of their strength, neither titanium nor tungsten carbide rings can be inexpensively resized. However; both materials are inexpensive enough that simply replacing them is the most viable option. To recap; tungsten is harder, heavier and more resistant to scratching. If you are looking for a metal capable of keeping your jewelry looking as flawless as possible for almost ever; should look no further than tungsten.
Fox Jewelry has a great selection of men’s tungsten wedding bands and tungsten Masonic rings.
This article was written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry. They are the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and have the largest of selection of Masonic Rings anywhere. We welcome your visit our online store at: Fox Jewelry. Feel free to contact us at 712-239-6155 or email us at: [email protected].
Fox Jewelry
RMF & P LLC
3821 Chippewa Ct
Sioux City, IA 51104
712-239-6155
Email address: [email protected]
www.foxjewelry.net
www.masonicrings.net
www.masonicjewelryblog.net
Follow us on Twitter: @MasonicRings
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/masonicringsbyfox
This is always a fun time of the month! Announcing the two winners in the drawing for the month of January 2014 are Earl S. Sands and Heather Flynn Merrill. They each have the opportunity to choose one of the over 20 tungsten or stainless steel Masonic Rings found in category: Stainless Steel Masonic Rings. Please choose your ring and furnish me with the size and mailing address so that I can ship your rings to you as soon as possible!
Special thanks to everyone for participating. Don’t forget to “like” our page or one of the posts again to have your name entered into our drawing for next month. We will be giving away two more rings in the month of February.
Don’t forget to visit our site at Fox Jewelry when looking for a Masonic Ring or ring for any other Fraternal organization.
Fox Jewelry
RMF & P LLC
3821 Chippewa Ct
Sioux City, IA 51104
712-239-6155
Email address: [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter: @MasonicRings
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/masonicringsbyfox
The Cross of Lorraine and the Knights Templar
Article written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry; the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and other fraternal rings.
The Cross of Lorraine is a two-barred cross consisting of two short horizontal lines (the top line being shorter than the lower one) intersected by a longer vertical line as shown in the picture shown, although different variations of this are also seen. It was modified by the Knights Templar to depict one vertical line as is shown on this Knights Templar ring. It is the symbol of the Knights Templar an organization in Freemasonry.
Typically it is shown as a “Coat of Arms” for various organizations.
The Cross of Lorraine was carried into the Crusades by the original Knights Templar and its use was granted to them by the Patriarch of Jerusalem. The Knights Templar also known as the Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon were amongst the most powerful and wealthy of the Christian military orders. They were also the first heavily involved in the beginnings of Christian finance. The organizations existed nearly two centuries during the middle ages and lives on as a degree in Freemasonry. The Knights Templar was endorsed by the Catholic Church in 1129. The Order went on to become a well-known charity throughout Christendom. The Order grew rapidly in their power and membership. Templar Knights were easily recognizable when wearing their distinctive white mantles with a red cross. They were among the most skilled fighting units of the Crusades. During battle, the knights would look for the cross to find their group in case they became separated. Although the Knights Templar was officially disbanded by the church, many speculate they evolved into the present day Freemasons.
The non-combatant members of the Order were instrumental in building and managing the large economic infrastructure throughout Europe developing the financial techniques that then became an early form of banking.
French missionaries and settlers carried the Cross of Lorraine in 1750-1810 to the New World. It was said that the symbol helped the missionaries to convert the native peoples that they encountered, because the two armed cross resembled existing local imagery. The Cross of Lorraine became the symbol of the Free French Forces during World War II and the liberation of France from Nazi Germany. The Cross of Lorraine is part of the Coat of arms of Lorraine located in eastern France. In 1871 and 1918 (and again between 1940 and 1944), the northern third of Lorraine was annexed to Germany. During that period the Cross served as a rallying point for French to recover its lost provinces. This historical significance of that event gave the Cross of Lorraine considerable weight as a symbol of French patriotism.
The Cross of Lorraine is used as an emblem by the American Lung Association and related organizations through the world, and as such is familiar from their Christmas Seals program. Throughout the centuries, the Cross of Lorraine has been used by many groups and military organizations throughout the world.
This article was written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry. They are the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and have the largest of selection of Masonic Rings anywhere. We welcome your visit our online store at: Fox Jewelry. Feel free to contact us at 712-239-6155 or email us at: [email protected].
RMF & P LLC
3821 Chippewa Ct
Sioux City, IA 51104
712-239-6155
Email address: [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter: @MasonicRings
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/masonicringsbyfox
Article written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry; the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and other fraternal rings.
As we all get set to start taking our winter vacations, I know that one of the favorite past times for all of us is to check out the local jewelry stores at our favorite resort areas. Buyer beware, that great deal that you think you may be getting might just not be that good of a deal after all!
Understanding the definitions used in the jewelry business will help you to make a better and informed decision when making your purchase. I am often asked to define the terms, Natural, Genuine, Synthetic and Simulated; when used in the description of our favorite gem stones. Below; I will do my best to give you a better understanding of the differences between a “Natural”, a “Synthetic” and a “Simulated” gemstone?
Shopping for gemstones and gemstone jewelry can be very confusing because prices can sometimes be very different for jewelry that seems to be quite similar; at least to the naked eye. Much of the terminology that is used in jewelry ads can be confusing too, since gemstones are labeled as natural, synthetic, and simulated.
It can be difficult, when making a jewelry or gemstone purchases, to understand the terminology used to describe a gemstone. The significant differences in prices between a natural, synthetic and simulated stone can easily turn what looks like a good deal into a terribly overpriced purchase.
Lab created (Lab grown) and Synthetic are synonymous terms. The only difference between a Natural gemstone and a lab grown or synthetic gemstone is that the natural gemstones are mined from the earth.
Natural gemstones are delivered to us by way of nature, with no interference from humans other than the fact that they are mined from the earth. By the time they make it to the jewelry counter they’ve been cut or polished, but they’ve not been altered in other ways.
The raw stones which come perfect while mined and show the perfect look without being improved by the artisans are defined as natural gemstones. Most natural gemstones can’t be used in unrefined form because they show imperfections, color spots, less shine, etc. Natural gemstones are made of rock, minerals, crystals and other organic substances. These materials are cut and polished to produce gemstones.
Due to scarcity and rising costs for some natural gemstones, scientists started producing man-made gems, or synthetic gemstones. Synthetic gemstones are made in a laboratory and have nearly the same properties as naturally occurring gemstones.
Natural gemstones have organic impurities that can affect their color. Some of these stones are further treated to enhance their color. For example, heating a stone can enhance color changes or cause certain hues to disappear completely. Even when classified as the same type of stone, every gemstone is slightly different due to its natural production. Synthetic stones are produced to be a specific color. Scientists make the necessary changes, if needed, to produce the desired color every time. This is done in a laboratory environment. Rather than replicate the natural stone, scientists attempt to produce a more vibrantly colored stone in its place. Although this sounds beneficial, some people actually prefer the unique colors produced only in nature.
A genuine gemstone is the real thing, but isn’t natural anymore if it was treated in some way to enhance its appearance. Enhancements allow jewelry manufacturers to improve the look of lower quality gemstones that consumers wouldn’t otherwise purchase. Treated gemstones are genuine, but they are no longer considered natural. Natural gemstones often have rough edges and a dull color when first found. They have to be cut and polished to be used as gemstone. In some cases, scientific labs have been able to create duplicate gemstones. Synthetic gemstones such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds possess nearly identical physical properties when compared with their natural counter parts.
Typically natural gemstones carry a higher value than synthetic stones for several reasons. Natural stones are considered more precious and rare due to their limited availability. Untouched, natural stones are more desirable and carry a higher price tag. Synthetic gemstones are frequently the least expensive of all gemstones due to vast production and availability. A synthetic gemstone shares a natural stone’s physical, chemical and optical qualities, but it is created in a laboratory.
Synthetic gemstones are jewels made in lab and replicate each and every chemical, physical and optical properties that are inherent to their natural counterparts. Synthetic gemstones must have the exact similar chemical formula in addition to the same atomic structure and optical effects. Synthetic gems are created in industries using engineering techniques and are normally available at less cost than natural gemstones.
In some cases the synthetic gemstones are of higher value than the natural gemstones as is typically the case with many synthetic sapphires as well as emeralds and rubies. Interestingly, they are often more beautiful with more sparkle than natural gemstones because they don’t contain the impurities that are a by-product of gem formation within the Earth itself. Synthetic gemstones are often able to be identified and differentiated from mined gemstones because they are too perfect. They are created by the use of machines that simulate the pressure and heat effects that would have influenced these minerals in the natural world over the passage of time. The stones that are created are typically identical to natural stones, except they usually have less flaws, since the stones are specifically created to be as perfect as possible, which would not happen in the natural world. A lab created gemstone will have all of the properties of a natural stone, such as hardness, color, and the like, but without any of the imperfections that are found in nature. They are made in an attempt to capture the natural aspects of real stones and many companies are really good at this. Some of the manufacturing processes are so good, it’s difficult to tell them apart from the real thing!
Jewelry that includes quality synthetic gems can be just as beautiful as jewelry made with natural stones. Good synthetics aren’t always inexpensive, but should cost much less than natural stones of similar size and quality.
Since synthetic gemstones have the same composition as their natural counterparts, they could technically be called genuine, but that would be considered deceptive labeling if the stone’s origins are not disclosed.
Simulated or imitation gems do not maintain the same physical or chemical properties of natural gemstones but they demonstrate similarity in look and brightness. These are built using glass, plastic or other materials. For example; cubic zircon is a diamond imitation but does not carry natural diamond’s hardness when it is tested on Mohs scale of hardness nor does it possess a carbon crystal in its atomic structure. Simulated stones; imitate the appearance or character of, real gemstones. Simulated stones are often created in laboratories, but they may be created of materials such as glass or plastic, or may be created with much cheaper minerals and then dyed to appear identical to a natural gemstone. Simulated stones are much less expensive than even lab created stones, and, as such, they are typically found in the least expensive jewelry.
I hope that you have found the above article to be informative. The next caveat to be aware of is the gold stamp on your gold jewelry. Just because your piece of jewelry is stamped 14K or 10K on the inside of the ring; does that really mean that it is? Is it possible that the article is just gold plated over brass or silver or some other metal?
My advice is; purchase your jewelry from a store known for its quality and from a name that you can trust. Make sure that you are getting what you pay for! If it looks like too good of a deal to be true; it probably is!
This article was written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry. They are the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and have the largest of selection of Masonic Rings anywhere. We welcome your visit our online store at: Fox Jewelry.
Fox Jewelry
RMF & P LLC
3821 Chippewa Ct
Sioux City, IA 51104
712-239-6155
Email address: [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter: @MasonicRings
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/masonicringsbyfox
FREEMASONRY AND “THE SECRET BALLOT”
Article written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry; the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and other fraternal rings.
Once a man has applied for Masonic membership and has been thoroughly investigated, the lodge members vote by secret ballot to admit or to reject the candidate for membership. Masonry’s secret ballot is yet another of its ancient customs. It has been stated that when a candidate is voted upon for Masonic membership, he undergoes the “Ordeal of the Secret Ballot”. To become elected into the lodge and Freemasonry, the applicant must receive an affirmative vote from every member present at the meeting. It only takes one member out of all present to drop the black cube and deny membership to the prospective candidate. Using the moral yardstick by which Masons measure a potential member and the memberships ability to reject a petitioner, it would be seem reasonable to assume that many candidates would be rejected for membership; however, many more candidates are elected than are rejected. This is testimony to the good judgment of the members who recommend applicants, and it also suggests that the fraternity, more often than not, attracts good men. Much has been said and written concerning the secret ballot. Some argue, not without reason, that it is not fair for just one member out of all individuals who may be present at a meeting to have the option to deny a petitioner membership. Others argue, also correctly, that if even one member knows something negative in regards to a petitioner, then that one member ought to have the right and the opportunity to prevent the entrance into Freemasonry of one he feels would bring discredit to it. There isn’t any doubt that the secret ballot is occasionally abused by a member who rejects a petitioner for merely insignificant reasons having very little to do with the man’s moral fitness, but such instances are rare and in almost every election the good man is elected to membership. Additionally it is undeniable that despite the requirements as to recommendation, regarding background investigation, and as to unanimous secret ballot, an occasional undesirable person attains Masonic membership. Again these instances are relatively uncommon. It should be remembered that if a member ever acts contrary to the rules and regulations of Freemasonry, he can be suspended or expelled from membership.
This article was written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry. They are the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and have the largest of selection of Masonic Rings on the planet! We welcome your visit our online store at: Fox Jewelry. Feel free to contact us at 712-239-6155 or email us at: [email protected].
RMF & P LLC
3821 Chippewa Ct
Sioux City, IA 51104
712-239-6155
Email address: [email protected]
http://www.masonicjewelryblog.net
REAL GRIP OF A MASTER MASON
Article written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry; the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and other fraternal rings.
An important form found among Freemasons would be the “Lion’s Paw,” or grip formed by placing the fingers in the form of a cat’s paw. The Freemason is introduced to the symbolism of the lion’s paw during the Master Masons degree. “By the strong Grip Lion’s Paw, he is raised again to a new life”. The Mason firmly grasps the right hand of a fellow Mason. The thumbs of both hands are interlaced. The first Mason presses the tops of his fingers on the wrist of the fellow Mason where it unites with the hand. The fellow Mason at the same time presses his fingers against the corresponding part of the first Mason’s hand and the fingers of each are somewhat apart. This grip is also called the Strong Grip of the Master Mason or the Lion’s Paw. Instruction for this grip is given right after the candidate has been “raised”. This grip, along with its attendant reference to the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, has significance in several respects, both legendary and allegorical. Its message of transition and everlasting life are a critical portion of Third Degree. Being a symbol, the lion has long been a favorite subject prior to the Christian era as well as throughout the Middle Ages. As a result, there is some confusion regarding its symbolism in Freemasonry. The lion has in all times been noted as symbol of strength and sovereignty. The “King of the Beasts,” whose mighty roar brought fear to the hearts of all, was known and respect by many ancient cultures. The lion’s head and mane were placed on many Egyptian hieroglyphs, idols, in addition to the famous Sphinx, recognizing this animal as the ruler of the animal kingdom. Having the “heart of a lion” was, and still is today, deemed an acknowledgment of strength and character. Medieval knights adorned their shields and coats of arms with representations of lions, lion’s heads, manes, and paws. Richard, the Lion Hearted, and his awesome famous shield of three lions are well documented, both in history and legend, signifying his sovereignty over England.
This article was written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry. They are the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and have the largest of selection of Masonic Rings anywhere in the world! We welcome your visit our online store at: Fox Jewelry. Feel free to contact us at 712-239-6155 or email us at: [email protected].
RMF & P LLC
3821 Chippewa Ct
Sioux City, IA 51104
712-239-6155
Email address: [email protected]
http://www.masonicjewelryblog.net
Article written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry; the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and other fraternal rings.
In the ritual of the first degree of Masonry, there is a tremendous amount of symbolism connected to the first degree and the Corner-Stone which refers to the north-east corner of the lodge and many prominent buildings thru-out the United States and the rest of the world. In the ceremony of the first degree, the candidate becomes a symbol of a spiritual corner-stone. The corner-stone is the foundation on which the entire building is supposed to rest and is of course the most important stone in the whole building just as the members of the Masonic lodge support the lodge itself. The laying of the corner-stone is often celebrated with impressive ceremonies and more often than not with the assistance of speculative masons to give dignity to the occasion as the event is viewed as an important era in the construction of the building itself. The various properties of a true corner-stone are its durability and strength, its perfect shape and its position in connecting the walls of the building just as it is with the members of the Masonic lodge. Most often it is made of granite. It is no wonder why Freemasonry has adopted the corner-stone as one of its symbols of strength of the lodge and its members.
This article was written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry. They are the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and have the largest of selection of Masonic Rings anywhere. We welcome your visit our online store at: Fox Jewelry. Feel free to contact us at 712-239-6155 or email us at: [email protected].
Fox Jewelry
RMF & P LLC
3821 Chippewa Ct
Sioux City, IA 51104
712-239-6155
Email address: [email protected]
http://www.masonicjewelryblog.net
Follow us on Twitter: @MasonicRings
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/masonicringsbyfox
The Masonic Ring; the symbol of a Freemason
Article written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry; the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and other fraternal rings.
All over the world, Freemasons display their Masonic Rings as a symbol of the obligations taken when going through the steps of becoming a Freemason. A visual statement; the Masonic ring represents the wearer’s membership of the largest and oldest fraternity in the world for all times. The Masonic Ring represents the wearer’s “authenticity”; a concept that Freemasons describe as a “cable tow,” a symbol that binds that person to Freemasonry for all times. It has not always been appropriate to display the Masonic Ring by the wearer. Throughout different times in history, the Masonic Ring has been worn very discreetly or hidden from view of others because of the unjust stigma attached to Masonry in general. During those periods of time, many Masons wore a Masonic Ring similar to the one shown here. The Masonic Flip Ring was very popular during that period of time and still is. You can wear the Masonic Flip Ring as a signet ring or wear it displayed as a Masonic Ring. The Master Mason ring or Masonic Ring is also referred to as the Blue Lodge Masonic Ring. In the past, it had not been unusual for a new member of the Masonic family to take several years to get through the steps of becoming an Entered Apprentice, then on to a Fellow Craft and then finally becoming a Master Mason. Presently; it is not uncommon for this process to take only a few months or even a few weekends. In some jurisdictions around the world, it may take as long as 7 years to become a Master Mason because of proficiency requirements and memorization required in some jurisdictions. Once the Fellow Craft Mason completes the Master Mason degree, they are eligible to buy and wear the Master Mason Masonic Ring. Freemasonry is well known to be a secret society and is known for its traditions and features many rituals, signs and symbols. Yes it is true that the Freemasons have a “secret handshake”. The Masonic Ring and the symbols on the ring are representative of many of the obligations taken in order to become a Freemason. Those obligations require a certain behavior of the wearer. There are certain rules of etiquette that must be followed when one wears their Masonic Ring. The Masonic Ring is worn on the third finger of the Mason’s right hand. Typically the Mason will only wear one Masonic ring at a time even though there are many other types of Masonic Rings such as Scottish Rite Rings, Knights Templar Rings, and Shrine Rings etc.; that are all indicative of the Masonic family. Typically, a married Mason will wear their Masonic Ring on the opposite hand of the wedding ring. Sometimes the Masonic Ring is worn on the pinky finger of the right hand. There is much debate as to how to wear the Masonic Ring. Should the points of the compass be worn with the points pointed outward or inward toward the Mason? Although the Grand Lodges have not made a regulation, it is my belief that the points should be pointed away from the wearer. If one needs to be reminded of being a Mason, then that Mason should wear the ring with the points of the Compass pointing toward them. When the Masonic symbol is displayed on the side of a building, the points of the Compass and Square are pointing downward.
This article was written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry. They are the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and have the largest of selection of Masonic Rings anywhere. We welcome your visit our online store at: Fox Jewelry. Feel free to contact us at 712-239-6155 or email us at: [email protected].
Fox Jewelry
RMF & P LLC
3821 Chippewa Ct
Sioux City, IA 51104
712-239-6155
Email address: [email protected]
http://www.masonicjewelryblog.net
Follow us on Twitter: @MasonicRings
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/masonicringsbyfox
For those last minute shoppers, we just want to let you know that we are still taking orders for Christmas delivery but don’t wait much longer!
This Article was written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry; the leading marketer of Masonic Rings, 33rd Degree Rings, and other fraternal rings.
The 33rd Degree ring is one of the more unique Masonic Rings because it is a triple one, like three small rings, each one-eighth of an inch wide, side by side, and having on the inside a delta surrounding the figures 33, and inscribed with the wearer’s name, the letters S.G.I.G., and the motto of the Order, Dues meumque Jus, meaning God and my moral rightness. The 33rd Degree ring had been worn on the fourth finger of the right hand but in 1923 a provision was made that the Thirty-third Degree ring should be worn on the little finger of the left hand in the Southern Jurisdiction. The ring is worn on the third finger of the left hand in the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States of America.
“The Thirty-third Degree is conferred upon those Freemasons who are legitimately invested with it, the quality, title, privilege, and authority of Sovereign, Supremorum, Grand Inspectors-General of the Order. The peculiar duty of their mission is to teach and enlighten the Brethren; to preserve charity, union, and fraternal love among them; to maintain regularity in the works of each Degree, and to take care that it is preserved by others; to cause the dogmas, doctrines, institutes, constitutions, statutes, and regulations of the Order to be reverently regarded, and to preserve and defend them on every occasion; and, finally, everywhere to occupy themselves in works of peace and mercy.”
The Body in which the members of this Degree assemble is called a Supreme Council. The symbolic color of the Degree is white, which denotes purity. The distinctive insignia are a sash, collar, jewel, Teutonic cross, decoration, and the 33rd Degree Ring.
In the United States, members of the Scottish Rite can be elected to receive the 33° by the Supreme Council. It is conferred on members who have made major contributions to society or to Masonry in general. In the Southern Jurisdiction, a member who has been a 32° Scottish Rite Mason for 46 months or more is eligible to be elected to receive the “rank and decoration” of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour (K.C.C.H.) in recognition of outstanding service. After 46 months as a K.C.C.H., the member is then eligible to be elected to the 33rd degree, upon approval of the Supreme Council and Grand Commander. In the Northern Jurisdiction, there is only one 46-month requirement for eligibility to receive the 33rd degree, and while there is a Meritorious Service Award (as well as a Distinguished Service Award), they are not required intermediate steps towards the 33°. A recipient of the 33rd Degree is an honorary member of the Supreme Council and is therefore called an “Inspector General Honorary.” However, those who are appointed Deputies of the Supreme Council that are later elected to membership on the Supreme Council are then designated “Sovereign Grand Inspectors General.” In the Northern Jurisdiction a recipient of the 33rd Degree is an honorary member of the Supreme Council, and all members are referred to as a “Sovereign Grand Inspectors General.”
For the largest selection of quality 33rd Degree Rings and other Masonic Rings, visit Fox Jewelry.
Fox Jewelry
RMF & P LLC
3821 Chippewa Ct
Sioux City, IA 51104
712-239-6155
Email address: [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter: @MasonicRings
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/masonicringsbyfox
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