Symbols of Service: A Look at Blue Lodge Officer Jewels in Craft Freemasonry
In the world of Craft Freemasonry, tradition doesn’t just live in words, ritual, or architecture, it’s also expressed through symbols worn with pride. One of the most striking examples of this symbolism is found in Blue Lodge officer jewels: those distinctive metal emblems you’ll see suspended from collars at lodge meetings.
They’re more than decoration, they silently tell the story of each officer’s role, responsibility, and connection to Masonic heritage.
Why These Jewels Still Matter
In Freemasonry, symbols serve as reminders: they quietly reinforce the ideals that bind Masons together. Blue Lodge officer jewels aren’t just historical curiosities, they’re living symbols of responsibility, service, and the moral compass every Mason strives to follow.
And whether you see them hanging in a lodge room, on ceremonial regalia, or even on modern pins and replicas, they continue to tell a story that’s centuries old yet always relevant.
Worshipful Master: The Square
The Square is the jewel of the Worshipful Master, the elected leader of the lodge for the year. It symbolizes morality, fairness, and the obligation to “square our actions” with virtue. The Square reminds the Master to lead not by force, but by personal example and moral integrity.
Senior Warden: The Level
Worn by the Senior Warden, the Level teaches equality and unity among the Brethren. It signifies that, inside the lodge, differences of wealth, profession, and status fall away: all meet “on the level.” It’s a powerful symbol of harmony and mutual respect.
Junior Warden: The Plumb
The Plumb belongs to the Junior Warden, who is charged with maintaining order and decorum when the lodge is at refreshment (i.e., at rest or during fellowship). The Plumb reminds him, and all Freemasons, to walk justly and uprightly before God and man, remaining true to personal principles.
Treasurer: Crossed Keys
The Treasurer keeps the lodge’s funds and financial records. His jewel, the Crossed Keys, represent security, responsibility, and trust. Just as keys protect valuable treasures, the Treasurer safeguards the lodge’s resources.
Secretary: Crossed Pens
The Secretary’s work is administrative yet essential: keeping minutes, sending notices, and maintaining correspondence. His jewel, the Crossed Pens, speaks to diligence, clarity, and the written legacy of each meeting.
Stewards: Cornucopia
The Stewards assist the Junior Warden, particularly in preparing refreshments and caring for visiting Brethren. Their jewel, the Cornucopia, the “horn of plenty”, symbolises hospitality, abundance, and service with generosity.
Tiler: Crossed Swords
Finally, the Tiler guards the door of the lodge from the outside, ensuring only qualified Masons enter. His jewel, the Crossed Swords, embodies vigilance, defence, and the solemn duty to protect the lodge’s integrity.
Past Master: In many jurisdictions, the Past Master’s collar jewel typically consists of:
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A compass opened at 60° (symbolizing the measure of conduct and restraint the Master must apply).
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Resting on or combined with an arc (segment of a circle), which emphasizes balance, experience, and the Past Master’s duty to temper judgment with fairness.
This jewel is usually made in silver and worn on a light blue Craft collar. It marks the wearer as someone who has served as Worshipful Master and is now an advisor and elder of the lodge.
The 47th Problem of Euclid
In many UK lodges, and especially in lodges following the Emulation ritual, the Past Master’s jewel may also incorporate (or be replaced by) a depiction of the 47th Problem of Euclid, a geometric diagram of a right-angled triangle with squares on each of its three sides (the Pythagorean proposition: a² + b² = c²).
This emblem is also called “The emblem of a Past Master.”
Symbolic meaning
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The 47th Problem, often called the “foundation of geometry,” represents the Master’s mastery of the Craft, not just in ritual, but also in applying moral and ethical principles with precision.
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It is a metaphor for building a strong, true, and perfectly balanced spiritual and moral life, just as a Mason squares and levels stone.
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In a Past Master’s context, it shows the balance of knowledge, experience, and virtue that comes from serving the lodge.
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In the UK, when a Worshipful Master finishes his year, he is often presented with a jewel that includes the 47th Problem of Euclid, sometimes set within or hanging from a square and compass.
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This is both a keepsake and a visible sign of having “passed the chair,” ready now to offer steady counsel.
Materials and Tradition
Traditionally, in local lodges, these jewels are made of silver, while in Grand Lodges (the governing bodies overseeing regional lodges), they’re crafted from gold. This distinction reflects both hierarchy and respect for the unique role of Grand Lodge officers.
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