When to wear Masonic Jewels

by W.Bro Russell Chilton, DGSec The wearing of breast jewels in our meetings is fraught with misunderstanding and mistakes. I have fielded a number of enquiries from lodges, Chapters, and individuals, so I thought I should clarify things with this, hopefully, simple guide as to where and when to wear the various jewels in common use. The below is for English Constitution members only, other Constitutions may have differing guidelines for their members.

Chapter Jewels Alongside are a selection of three Royal Arch jewels often seen: District Chapter jewel (worn by Active and Past Officers), Principal’s Jewel (worn by any current or past Third, Second or Third Principals), and Companion Jewel (worn by those Exalted into the Royal Arch but not yet a Principal. It goes without saying, that only one of these jewels can be worn at any time.

In the image to the right, a Past First Principal Jewel is worn when he leaves the Chair of Z in addition to a Principal’s or District Jewel. This can only be worn within his own Chapter, similar to other Chapter-specific jewels like centenary or founder jewels, as appropriate. When visiting another English Chapter or District meeting, these Chapter jewels should not be worn, leaving only one of the above RA jewels and the Tercentenary Jewel.

Tercentenary Jewel This Jewel has been approved by Grand Lodge to celebrate three hundred years since the Grand Lodge of England was first formed in 1717. This Jewel can only be worn by brethren who were Craft members between 24/6/16 and 31/12/17. This can be worn in any lodge or Chapter meeting, to the District Craft Communications, but not at District Chapter Convocations.

Lodge Jewels These are very similar as Chapter jewels: your RA Jewel (Comp, Principal or DG Chapter), if appropriate, is closest to your tie; then comes the Tercentenary Jewel, if applicable, in the centre; and any lodge-specific jewels are placed closest to your arm. Again, when you visit another English lodge or District meeting, your lodge jewels should not be worn.

Other Meetings Visiting other English lodges and Chapters has already been mentioned, but if you visit any meeting of another Constitution (including Communications etc) then the lodge/Chapter jewels and Tercentenary Jewel should be removed. For these occasions, you should only wear the one jewel – the appropriate Royal Arch Jewel from the first image.

Other Jewels No jewels from any Progressive Orders should be worn outside their meetings. Permanent Jewels, such as Charity Steward Jewels and Samaritan Jewels have special permissions attached to them regarding their wearing

Periodical of the District Grand Lodge of North Island, New Zealand Page 7