Medal (Masonic jewel)

Description

Among the fraternal organizations, the Freemasons, in particular, created a wide range of jewelry to identify their society’s many ranks and offices. A small badge, commonly called a “jewel” by masons, is engraved front to back with more than thirty symbols relating to Masonic ideals and lore. From the all-seeing eye at the top of this silver medallion to the checkered floor––representing duality, a central concept in Masonic philosophy––every item on the badge has meaning. The back of the jewel is engraved “Will Orr,” Other examples of Masonic jewelry in Winterthur’s collection include 1956.0038.020 and 1956.0038.019.