JEWELRY BLOG

Freemasonry may be the most famous secret society in the world. It originated from the stone craftsmen's guild in England in the Middle Ages. Modern Freemasonry was established in England in the 17th and 18th centuries, and gradually developed into a huge organization with global influence. Strong elite culture and long-term opacity of membership and activities have made the world have many assumptions about Freemasonry. Its rigorous and unique ritual system and rich complex symbolic and metaphorical connotations also strengthened the mysterious impression. This characteristic is also reflected in Masonic jewelry. By wearing various symbols delicately, members seem to have once again declared their firm belief and oath to each other.

The Templar cross is a type of Masonic jewelry that can be identified by the central Masonic Templar emblem of the cross—the red cross across the crown. The historical Knights Templar (founded in 1119) was one of the most famous military monasteries in the Middle Ages in Europe. Its base is located on the site of the Solomon’s Temple1 in Jerusalem. The Templar organization of Freemasonry was inspired by it and founded. Joining requires referrals, and there are strict regulations on the religious beliefs and rank qualifications of members. Templar cross pendants are often hinged to open and close, and are decorated with symbols and mottos on the front, back and inside. Some patterns may be quite representative, while others may be multi-interpreted or can be only speculated but difficult to decipher. Below are a few of the symbols commonly found on the Templar cross and their possible meanings:

Cross and Crown:
The cross symbolizes the trials of this world, and the worn crown symbolizes the rewards in heaven after these trials. The red cross may have the meaning of not being afraid of martyrdom, and it is sometimes paired with two interlaced swords with the tips pointing down, often with the motto "You will win with this badge" (Latin ''IN HOC SIGNO VINCES'. ”). Proverb allusion originated from a sacred experience at the famous Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD by Constantine the Great (ruled 306-337) of the Roman Empire. Legend has it that Constantine saw a vision during his march. That night, he was instructed in a dream that victory would be won by simply drawing the Christ logo on the soldier's shield. Constantine did so and triumphed. The war later served as the trigger for some early Christian historians to describe Constantine's conversion to Christianity.

Double headed eagle:
A Scottish Rite symbol in Freemasonry, often associated with the proverb "My hope is God" (Latin ''SPES MEA IN DEO EST'). The eagle is also a symbol of power. 

Hebrew letters Yodh or numbers:
The Scottish ceremonial emblem, the letters Yodh, is the four-letter Hebrew theonym, the name of God in Hebrew. The numbers represent the degree level in the Scottish liturgy. 

Pillars of Solomon's Temple:
Boaz and Jachin are the two pillars erected in the corridors of Solomon's Temple, representing strength and building respectively.

Royal arches and tools like pickaxes, shovels, and crowbars：
They are related to the construction of Solomon's Temple. 

HTWSSTKS:
Abbreviation for ''Hiram The Widow's Son Sent To King Solomon.'', the allusion came from Hiram Abiff, the chief architect responsible for the construction of Solomon's Temple, who was killed for refusing to reveal the secrets. 

Two-barred Cross: 
Variations of the Latin cross, with various variations and names depending on the length and position of the bars. The added bar is said to be the guilt card at the top of the crucifix at the crucifixion. It is also said that the two bars represent the death and resurrection of Jesus. In the 11th century, the coat of arms of Godefroy de Bouillon (1060-1100), Duke of Lower Lorraine, who led Crusaders to recapture Jerusalem, is also a two-barred cross.

Snake and cross :
It may be related to the allusion of Moses holding up the snake in the wilderness, where the snake either represents evil, or is related to different interpretations of Jesus' suffering and redemption.

Skull: 
In Christian art, the skull is often a symbol of death and original sin.