Centenary Jewel

When a lodge can demonstrate one hundred years of continuous working it can apply for a ‘centenary warrant’ and its members are allowed to wear a centenary jewel. A decorative bar is available for bicentenaries.

The earliest jewels were different for each lodge, but in 1865 a standard pattern was established featuring a snake biting its tail, symbolic of eternity, combined with a rope knot without an end and ‘C’ the Latin letter for 100 all within a sky blue border with the name of the Lodge. There have only been one or two variants to this jewel since the 1860s.

What's in a Jewel?

Founders' Jewels

More rare than a centenary jewel, Founders Jewels are usually given to the brothers who found a new lodge and form the nucleus of that lodge.  Usually unique and very attractive, the office of the founder is attached to the ribbon on the jewel.  There are estimated to be only about 20 to 30 in circulation.  The Master's and Wardens Jewels are the the most sought. 

Earliest versions were issued with a certificate to identify the brother as the founder of the lodge.  The most sought being the one presented to the Consecrating Officer come well preserved.

Many lodges also included cufflinks and tie pins with such jewels.  These were often made of gold and some were set with diamonds.

Some early versions, being created pre 1940's were made from silver.  You will find more of these than Past Masters Jewels. 

 

Masonic memorabilia is a fascinating hobby. Since Masonry goes back hundreds of years and stretches in many directions around the globe, one is certainly able to see the different time periods and cultural influences. Even within the U.S. where I live, the influence varies from state to state. As Masons know, even the practices of Masonry have different flares. Thus, a true collector of Masonic memorabilia, not only collects for his thirst of learning, but also recognizes that with time comes rare finds of antiquity. Reference the piece above, this is an example of lustreware pottery produced around the early to mid 1800's. Marks on Sunderland Lustreware Amongst the many potteries that produced Sunderland lustreware, only a few produced quality examples and most of these had an impressed mark on the base. These are of interest to collectors because very few are found. Factory names found on transfer prints, usually at the bottom of a verse or saying, are not always reliable. (bill jackmon, masonic memorabilia) The value of such pottery is invaluable, stored under glass and key, and within the confines of a museum either personal or private. The piece is also valuable to Masons or historians. While this is not something that a true collector would want to part with there are many pieces lodges, and brothers wish to add to their collection. Through my Facebook page and Ebay it is my desire to make connections around the globe. In so doing, the financial gain can be a lucrative benefit to one of the many philanthropies of Masonry. Please mark these pages, names, and auctions for future activity.