Excellent article! Thank you for sharing your experience on
The Ring and all of the research you engaged in for an explanation of the symbolism. Plus, its ties to
The Man who customized this one-of-a-kind ring and wore it. Loved how you broke each section down.
As a Blue Lodge Master Mason (3 degrees) myself – and no branch body affiliation like the Scottish, York, or Shriners – I instantly recognized some of those symbols. The Man of The Ring you found chose a rose symbol inside the Maltese cross as his headstamp face. The rose symbolizes regeneration, knowledge, and the alchemical symbol of life. It is interesting he chose that instead of the typical Masonic square and compasses. He held his York Rite higher degree teachings very close to his heart is the way I interpret it. And wanted others to know that when they couldn't take their eyes of this massive gold ring.
On the sides, the symbol of the trowel is exactly what you learned, that you must continue to try and spread the mortar of brotherly love to fellow worthy brothers and in your community. The plumb tool is used in stone masonry to find a true vertical: that of moral uprightness in Masonic teachings. But your ring, the plumb sits inside of 'The Bride's Chair' of the
The 47th Problem of Euclid, a mathematical riddle, beyond me too! I don't think I've ever seen it that way – but again, I've never gone through the higher degrees of education. But The Man of The Ring certainy understood solving the problem as a York Rite Mason. In general though, it teaches Masons to be lovers of the arts and sciences. But yeah, it was great what you did to take the time and research and consultation to explain all this in your article to get people thinking on these subjects. As a Mason, thank you!
And even though you gave The Ring away, the landowner returned your discovery BACK to you as a gift! What a great ending.
Lastly, I
somewhat know the feeling you got when you saw gold!! I've only found silver that made me gasp outloud. Truly unforgettable moment. Still hunting for my first gold! As a fellow history lover, I invite you to read the story of my team's discovery on lost Confederate treasure at:
https://www.karpovagecreative.com/media/csatreasure
–Michael Karpovage
