Oh boy, do I love an esoteric symbol. 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.
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