Freemasonry shares a fascination with mystical symbolism found in traditions like Rosicrucianism, alchemy, Jungian psychology, and modern Wicca. On this ring, nearly every available surface is packed with imagery: the square and compasses; the yod within a triangle (a symbol of the divine name of God and sacred geometry) associated with Scottish Rite Masonry; a Christian cross; and a Maltese cross, long associated with the Knights Templar. Flanking the sides is the two-headed eagle, emblem of the 32nd and 33rd degrees of the Scottish Rite, representing sovereignty over both the spiritual and earthly realms. To show off the owner’s wealth—and add some fancy flair—there’s a substantial .50 ct round brilliant diamond. Inside, the ring is engraved with his details, “ES Falk Oct 11 1940.” To fit alongside it is the abbreviated Latin phrase VIRTUS JUNXIT MORS NON SE, meaning, “Whom virtue has united, death shall not separate.” The maker’s mark, ARABIT, identifies the piece as the work of a New York jeweler that specialized in Masonic jewelry and class rings.
thedetails
- Materials
14k two tone gold (marked), enamel, .50ct round brilliant cut diamond
- Age
dated 1940
- Condition
Very good - some enamel loss
- Size
9.75, cannot be resized; 7.7mm shank
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Aboutthe
RetroEra
1935 — 1945
Platinum was reserved for military use, so jewelers began relying heavily on gold and experimenting with colored alloys and different finishes. Retro jewelry designs are marked by asymmetry, motifs borrowed from industrial design, and exaggerated scale. Thanks to a hugely successful advertising campaign begun in the 1940s and funded by De Beers, the phrase “a diamond is forever” was coined and diamond rings were touted as the ONLY acceptable type of engagement ring. Carefully worded ads instructed men on how to choose a stone, and what to spend (“two months salary!”). The Gemological Institute of America developed the so-called “4Cs” of diamond grading, which was a scientific system for measuring the color, clarity, cut and carat weight of every single diamond. The costume jewelry industry, having only been established a few decades before, began to flourish. Centered in Providence, Rhode Island, and surrounding New England towns, companies like Trifari, Monet, Hobe, and Vendome prospered as consumers gobbled up inexpensive machine-made jewels.
please note:Terms of Sale
Antiques can be returned unworn and in original condition within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is FINAL SALE.