Freemasonry is not monolithic, so what exists in one region may not be in another. However, for something to be Masonic, there exist a few consistencies, such as the Hiramic legend. Another is the institution’s penchant for evocative symbols from the distant past. Although there is no historical evidence of a direct lineage from the many wisdom traditions of the classical and ancient worlds, they have undoubtedly elicited genuine inspiration from the fraternity’s practitioners, as seen in its rich artistic heritage. Suppose it can be assumed that Freemasonry teaches the best of humanity’s quest for knowledge. In that case, artistic praises to those mythological patrons of sublime wisdom such as Hermes, or symbols of the Deity, are entirely appropriate!
Shown below are two jewels that fit this description.
Left: A lodge breast jewel representing the caduceus of Hermes, the Greek god of wisdom, alchemy, travel, and other mystical arts. It is surmounted with a disk and delta, and is interlaced with a Masonic square and compasses. Unfortunately, its provenance is difficult to determine: the only markings on the obverse are so faint they are challenging to read, and we only know from the inscription on the envelope from which it was discovered that it originated in Karlstad, Sweden, and was a longtime possession of “Alfred E. Dillings’s son-in-law’s father…”.
Right: A jewel consisting of a pair of interlaced triangles, commonly identified as the “Seal of Solomon” or “Magen David” and used in various rites and degrees of Freemasonry. In the center are two hands clasped in friendship and surmounted by an as-yet unidentified object (perhaps flames). The stars are inlaid with diamonds, with rubies at each point. On the reverse is an inscription indicating that the jewel was struck to commemorate the founding of the Valley of Constancia and Concordia, Ancient and Accepted Rite of Freemasonry in Peru. It is dated November 16, 1862.
If any reader has information on either object, please feel free to contact us via this site.
