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Posted: 3/20/2014 10:06:29 AM EDT

THE PROPER WAY TO WEAR A
MASONIC RING

"... This subject is one on which Grand Lodges have made no regulation and popular opinion is divided. We must therefore reason from analogy. When the emblem of the square and compasses is displayed on a building, pennant, button, watch charm etc., universal custom requires the points of the compass point downward. When displayed on the Altar they point away from the Master. As the Master from his station views the compass from the Altar of his lodge, the points are from, not towards him. As the wearer of a compass watch charm views it, the points are down and away from his eyes. In a similar way as he views the emblem on his ring the points should be down or away from his eyes.

The square is the symbol of earthly, the compass of heavenly perfection. As a combined emblem the ends of the square point up as a symbol of man's aspirations toward God; the points of the compass are down to represent heavenly qualities coming down from God to earth. Therefore it would seem that the proper way to wear a ring would be that is which its symbolism is best expressed; namely, that in which, when the hand is held in its usual position the points of the compass are towards the earth and away from the wearer's eyes.

Thus it will be seen that our conclusion does not agree with the writer in Temple Topics. He truly says that in hanging an American flag we would not put the stars down, but in hanging a compass or a square and compass, he surly would put the points of the compass down. The same rule holds when worn as a ring or button or a watch charm; namely, they would be worn the same way with the points down. When so worn they all serve the same purposes, and by no means the least of these purposes is to announce to the world the proud wearer is a Mason. -- Iowa Masonic Bulletin."

(Copied from THE MONTANA MASON, May 1936, page 15)

Posted: 3/20/2014 10:19:32 AM EDT

[#1]

Thanks for posting... never really gave it any thought before.

Posted: 3/20/2014 11:37:03 AM EDT

[#2]

I have seen Brothers wear their rings both ways (compass away and compass towards). the reasons are an numbered and varied as the wearers... they only thing that remains consistent it the assumption of correctness.

Absent clear instruction, I can see no reason for the wearer to change their habits

Posted: 3/20/2014 11:37:13 AM EDT

[#3]

Makes sense to me. I wear my ring with the points of the compass down (in other words away from me.)

I don't mind if brothers wear it the other way. However, esthetically that doesn't appeal to me.

Posted: 3/20/2014 3:42:51 PM EDT

[#4]

I wear mine facing me to remind me of my obligations.

Posted: 3/20/2014 5:28:34 PM EDT

[#5]

Ive noticed the older Brothers wear it facing them and the younger ones wear it facing outwards.

I have a signet ring, so I wear it facing outwards. Signets rings were designed to place a symbol in a wax seal. If the compass is facing me, then the seal would be upside down.

Posted: 3/20/2014 7:22:36 PM EDT

[#6]

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Quoted:
Ive noticed the older Brothers wear it facing them and the younger ones wear it facing outwards.

I have a signet ring, so I wear it facing outwards. Signets rings were designed to place a symbol in a wax seal. If the compass is facing me, then the seal would be upside down.

View Quote

Not if you turn whatever you're sealing around.

Posted: 3/20/2014 7:29:44 PM EDT

[#7]

You have much wisdom, Brother PSI.

Posted: 3/20/2014 10:55:05 PM EDT

[#8]

Usually I'm the pillar of beauty.

Posted: 3/20/2014 10:58:19 PM EDT

[#9]

Wait a minute. I just realized that two posts ago you called me old.

So much for the pillar of wisdom.

Posted: 3/21/2014 10:08:52 AM EDT

[#10]

Some go by reminding themselves of their obligation (points towards them) or letting others know they are a MM (points down when hand is hanging)

Some ask you to remember where you were in the lodge in relation to the Altar when instructed on how to give the secret word of MM and truly understood the degree you just went through. The points of the compass were facing you.

It's all a matter of how you view the esoteric nature of the symbol of our craft.

Others pick up the ring and explain that God chose how it was going to go on the finger that day.

Posted: 3/22/2014 6:44:28 AM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
Some go by reminding themselves of their obligation (points towards them) or letting others know they are a MM (points down when hand is hanging)

Some ask you to remember where you were in the lodge in relation to the Altar when instructed on how to give the secret word of MM and truly understood the degree you just went through. The points of the compass were facing you.

It's all a matter of how you view the esoteric nature of the symbol of our craft.

Others pick up the ring and explain that God chose how it was going to go on the finger that day.

View Quote

I traditionally wear mine "points away" but that just might change now.

Posted: 3/22/2014 1:17:12 PM EDT

[#12]

as it was explained to me, you wear it points facing you. "you already know who you are."

Posted: 3/22/2014 3:02:03 PM EDT

[#13]

good discussion.

i posted this for a few reasons. firstly to see what opinions were on the issue. secondly as a study in how people interpret the symbolism of the craft.

this is a very good view into peoples understandings of what the S&C means to them and how they have come to relate to the symbol during their study of craft masonry. In the end the only correct way to were the ring is up to the individual. So long as it has meaning to you, reminds us of what we are, and identifies us to other masons, there is no incorrect way to wear it.

Posted: 3/22/2014 6:30:10 PM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:

I traditionally wear mine "points away" but that just might change now.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Some go by reminding themselves of their obligation (points towards them) or letting others know they are a MM (points down when hand is hanging)

Some ask you to remember where you were in the lodge in relation to the Altar when instructed on how to give the secret word of MM and truly understood the degree you just went through. The points of the compass were facing you.

It's all a matter of how you view the esoteric nature of the symbol of our craft.

Others pick up the ring and explain that God chose how it was going to go on the finger that day.

I traditionally wear mine "points away" but that just might change now.

This.

Posted: 3/22/2014 10:07:00 PM EDT

[#15]

So my ring ended up "points towards" today. First time I can remember wearing it like that. It was definitely a huge reminder of my obligation. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

Posted: 3/23/2014 12:10:19 PM EDT

[#16]

I don't have this dilema......don't have a ring yet

All of the ones styled nicely are very expensive.

Posted: 3/23/2014 1:15:17 PM EDT

[#17]

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Quoted:
I don't have this dilema......don't have a ring yet

All of the ones styled nicely are very expensive.

View Quote

there are some fairly inexpensive rings out there.

i bought a sack full from a local cosmetic jeweler a couple of years ago for 5.00 ea. they are cheap but to be honest not terribly bad. don't turn green and i have worn one daily for 3 years now and it still looks good . i give one to every candidate that i brought in when they get raised.

i also have a titanium SR 'yod' band that i paid about 65.00 for. i don't buy expensive rings.

Posted: 3/23/2014 1:33:45 PM EDT

[#18]

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Quoted:

I don't have this dilema......don't have a ring yet

All of the ones styled nicely are very expensive.

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http://www.masonicformasons.com/SilverRings.html

3 pages of sterling rings. most are under $100, some under $60. I got my ring here.

These rings are silver, I don't wear mine to do any labor type work in, but for lodge and around the house and going out they are perfect.

the owner is a Past Master in PA and is super friendly and helpful. Our lodge is buying all new aprons from him as well.

Posted: 3/23/2014 2:13:46 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:

there are some fairly inexpensive rings out there.

i bought a sack full from a local cosmetic jeweler a couple of years ago for 5.00 ea. they are cheap but to be honest not terribly bad. don't turn green and i have worn one daily for 3 years now and it still looks good . i give one to every candidate that i brought in when they get raised.

i also have a titanium SR 'yod' band that i paid about 65.00 for. i don't buy expensive rings.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I don't have this dilema......don't have a ring yet

All of the ones styled nicely are very expensive.

there are some fairly inexpensive rings out there.

i bought a sack full from a local cosmetic jeweler a couple of years ago for 5.00 ea. they are cheap but to be honest not terribly bad. don't turn green and i have worn one daily for 3 years now and it still looks good . i give one to every candidate that i brought in when they get raised.

i also have a titanium SR 'yod' band that i paid about 65.00 for. i don't buy expensive rings.

Oh I see the inexpensive ones....but most are huge and not really my style. I see some signet styles that are slimmer/sleeker that I would sport, but the prices are up there.
I'll just keep perusing the local pawn / thrift shops.....eventually the 'right' one will turn up

Posted: 3/23/2014 4:11:41 PM EDT

[#20]

I've been looking for a stainless steel ring that doesn't look like costume jewelry for a while. I just want something that will take a bit of abuse. I've broken the band on my sterling ring 3 times.

Posted: 3/23/2014 9:33:19 PM EDT

[#21]

$105 for a stainless steel ring that has a no bullshit warranty. I wear mine everyday. Gordon Spurlock is on the level.

Posted: 3/23/2014 11:41:23 PM EDT

[#22]

I wear the S&C facing me, and the AASR facing outward.

Posted: 3/24/2014 5:43:45 PM EDT

[#23]

I want both points of my compasses keeping me grounded.

Posted: 3/24/2014 7:21:59 PM EDT

[#24]

The old men in the lodge always told me you wear your ring the way it was presented to you. They all know I was working night shift and fell asleep at "that point" in the 3rd. The Senior Warden was even shooting rubber bands at my head to wake me up. I don't remember how it was presented to me.

I always wore mine points down when I wear it.

Posted: 3/24/2014 7:25:25 PM EDT

[#25]

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Quoted:
The old men in the lodge always told me you wear your ring the way it was presented to you. They all know I was working night shift and fell asleep at "that point" in the 3rd. The Senior Warden was even shooting rubber bands at my head to wake me up. I don't remember how it was presented to me.

I always wore mine points down when I wear it.

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we don't generally present rings here

Posted: 3/24/2014 10:11:02 PM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:

we don't generally present rings here

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Quoted:

Quoted:
The old men in the lodge always told me you wear your ring the way it was presented to you. They all know I was working night shift and fell asleep at "that point" in the 3rd. The Senior Warden was even shooting rubber bands at my head to wake me up. I don't remember how it was presented to me.

I always wore mine points down when I wear it.

we don't generally present rings here

Same. Nothing is presented to the candidate

Posted: 3/24/2014 10:27:07 PM EDT

[#27]

We give a S&C lapel pin, a white leather apron, a Bible and a coin with their name, our Lodge's name and the dates of their initiation, passing and raising.

Posted: 3/24/2014 11:03:26 PM EDT

[#28]

We get a hand shake and a "welcome".

when we return our work we get the Bible and Apron.

I've seen the coins, they are hella cool.

Posted: 3/25/2014 9:08:52 AM EDT

[#29]

we give an apron at initiation and a bible on raising. anything else is a personal gift between brothers.

Posted: 3/25/2014 9:42:43 AM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
we don't generally present rings here

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

The old men in the lodge always told me you wear your ring the way it was presented to you. They all know I was working night shift and fell asleep at "that point" in the 3rd. The Senior Warden was even shooting rubber bands at my head to wake me up. I don't remember how it was presented to me.

I always wore mine points down when I wear it.

we don't generally present rings here

It wasn't the lodge the presented mine. Dad, My Uncle and the Chaplin (Deacon at my church) and Senior Warden (Old old gentleman who knew my great grandfather) gave me mine after the degree. They called it presenting.

Posted: 5/14/2014 11:21:28 AM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

there are some fairly inexpensive rings out there.

i bought a sack full from a local cosmetic jeweler a couple of years ago for 5.00 ea. they are cheap but to be honest not terribly bad. don't turn green and i have worn one daily for 3 years now and it still looks good i give one to every candidate that i brought in when they get raised.

i also have a titanium SR 'yod' band that i paid about 65.00 for. i don't buy expensive rings.

I can attest. The_Beer_Slayer presented me with a ring when I was raised. I wear it with pride. Wait... $5.00? I thought it cost you $1000.00!?!?! LOL

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Quote History

there are some fairly inexpensive rings out there.

i bought a sack full from a local cosmetic jeweler a couple of years ago for 5.00 ea. they are cheap but to be honest not terribly bad. don't turn green and i have worn one daily for 3 years now and it still looks good i give one to every candidate that i brought in when they get raised.

i also have a titanium SR 'yod' band that i paid about 65.00 for. i don't buy expensive rings.

I can attest. The_Beer_Slayer presented me with a ring when I was raised. I wear it with pride. Wait... $5.00? I thought it cost you $1000.00!?!?! LOL

Posted: 5/14/2014 11:27:29 AM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

there are some fairly inexpensive rings out there.

i bought a sack full from a local cosmetic jeweler a couple of years ago for 5.00 ea. they are cheap but to be honest not terribly bad. don't turn green and i have worn one daily for 3 years now and it still looks good i give one to every candidate that i brought in when they get raised.

i also have a titanium SR 'yod' band that i paid about 65.00 for. i don't buy expensive rings.

I can attest. The_Beer_Slayer presented me with a ring when I was raised. I wear it with pride. Wait... $5.00? I thought it cost you $1000.00!?!?! LOL

yours did

Posted: 5/25/2014 6:57:33 PM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:
$105 for a stainless steel ring that has a no bullshit warranty. I wear mine everyday. Gordon Spurlock is on the level.

View Quote

That's cool. When I first started working as an assembler at Boeing, I made a ring out of an Inconel nut. It took about 18 hours working on it here and there to ream it out to the right size, remove five of the six sides, thin it down to a wearable band, and polish it. I have thought about adding a S&C. This may be an inspiration to make it happen.