Masonic Mosaic Jewelry

by Dann Gershon
(Miami)

I recently acquired a very unusual piece of Masonic mosaic jewelry with masonic symbols embedded in a mosaic of colored stones. Despite all research, I have been unable to figure out anything about it.

It's about 2.5 inches long and 1.25 inches wide. The base seems to be made out of silver or lead.

The mosaic is made out of crushed, colored stones like lapis lazuli, jasper, cornelian, and others. It's a random pattern of crushed rock, not a mosaic pavement.

The symbols are Masonic, but may be earlier. They are as follows:

1. Gold five pointed star with circle in the center.

2. Half crescent moon in bronze.

3. Silver or lead compass and square with G.

Surrounding the compass are two pillars or the number 11. Perhaps the Temple of Solomon? Above the compass are three silver rectangles, all about the same size, in an arc.

The piece is too small to be a belt buckle and the slots at either side are very thin. The object may have been a piece of a larger piece?

At any rate, I'm completely baffled. Thought you may be able to help. Is there someone you could recommend to help learn more about the item?

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Simon's Reply:

Hi Dann,

The 2 upright pillars are Boaz and Jachin which stood beside the entrance to Solomon's Temple. Within Freemasonry, all lodges are representations of Solomon's Temple.

The Square and Compasses at the center of the piece with the "G" in the center is Freemasonry's logo.

The moon is one of the 3 Lesser Lights of a lodge, which are the sun, the moon and the Worshipful Master.

Stars are repeatedly mentioned within Freemasonry.

The 5 pointed star may refer to the Masonic Blazing Star or it may refer to the 5 pointed star.

Both, at their foundation, refer to a belief in Deity.

As to this Masonic mosaic jewelry's purpose, I cannot say. I agree that it seems to be too rounded and too small to be a belt buckle.

It is obviously hand made and, as such, is probably quite old. As such, it would be doubtful that the base is made of lead, as lead is a baser metal and would not symbolically be appropriate to be used in Masonic jewelry. It is much more probable that the base is made of silver.

As to its age, I am not a jeweler and cannot unequivocally state its age, but if I were to guess, I would say that it is between 50-100 years old.

Boaz, Jachin, the square and compasses, the star and the 3 rectangular brass insets above the square and compasses each have Masonic symbolism.

The number "3" can be found throughout Freemasonry. The 3 rectangular brass insets above the square and compasses may refer to the:

1. Sun, moon and Worshipful Master.


2. 3 Greater Lights of Freemasonry, which are the Square the Compasses and the Holy Scriptures.


3. 3 Principle Officers of the Lodge: the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden.


4. 3 Stages of Life: Youth, Manhood and Age.


5. 3 Degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason.

I hope this has been somewhat helpful to you Dann. If anyone else viewing this piece of Masonic Mosaic jewelry can shed further light on its usage, please feel free to share your own thoughts about it.

Thanks for sharing it with us, Dann.

Simon