Lodge Officers' Jewels
The emblem hung from each officer's collar, identifying the office he holds: the square, the level, the plumb, crossed keys, crossed pens and the rest.
Also called: officer jewels · officer collar jewels
What it means
Every officer in a Lodge wears a jewel on his collar that names his office. The common American pattern runs: Worshipful Master, the square; Senior Warden, the level; Junior Warden, the plumb; Treasurer, crossed keys; Secretary, crossed pens; Senior Deacon, the square and compasses with a sun; Junior Deacon, the square and compasses with a moon; Stewards, the cornucopia; Chaplain, an open book; Marshal, crossed batons; Tyler, the sword.
That is a pattern, not a rule. Jurisdictions differ on several of these, some Lodges have offices others do not, and the jewels themselves are usually Lodge property handed from one officer to the next. Pennsylvania Masons should check the Ahiman Rezon.
If you are buying a jewel or collar for a Lodge, ask the Secretary for the exact pattern the Grand Lodge requires.
In context: Gifts for a Visiting Grand Lodge Officer and the "Purple" Visit
Related Lodge offices: Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Lodge Treasurer, Lodge Secretary, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Senior and Junior Stewards, Lodge Marshal, Tyler (Tiler)
Frequently asked questions
What does Lodge Officers' Jewels mean in Freemasonry?
The emblem hung from each officer's collar, identifying the office he holds: the square, the level, the plumb, crossed keys, crossed pens and the rest.
Who can wear Lodge Officers' Jewels?
An officer's jewel is worn only by the brother currently holding that office, and usually belongs to the Lodge. Do not buy one as a personal gift unless the Lodge has asked for it.
Sources
Drawn from the published monitors and from what the bodies concerned publish about themselves. Nothing here comes from, or goes beyond, any obligated material.
- Thomas Smith Webb, The Freemason's Monitor; or, Illustrations of Masonry (1797)
- Albert G. Mackey, An Encyclopædia of Freemasonry (1873)