The Making of the Ring
Eric Diamond has spent the last four years exploring the nooks and crannies of EBay, antique stores, flea markets, and jewelry stores for the best (and worst) in Masonic jewelry. He has become an expert in identifying quality craftsmanship and design, and has bought and sold many rings for himself and others.
However, Eric was never completely happy with any one ring, and had always wanted a ring that showed how he felt about Masonry and his own lodge. So, he designed one, starting with sketches, and talking to his Brothers about what they would want in a ring. It was important that the ring be the finest in materials and craftsmanship, but within the price range of other masonic jewelry in the marketplace.
Eric collaborated with Henry Ruzyc, a jeweler he has often worked with over the years. Henry made the design into reality, through a combination of hand carving and computer controlled machining. Henry is an old-world master craftsman and true artist; he works with such names as Tiffany, Christofle, Nordstrom, Gucci and Saks Fifth Avenue as an engraver, restorer and jewelry fabricator. He has also created several pieces for Mayor Richard M. Daley.
The Ring as Oriental Fundraiser
The cost of the ring is as low as possible, at wholesale cost with no profit mark-up. The first 10 rings sold will contribute $100 each to pay for the cost of the mold. Thereafter, each additional ring will provide a $100 donation to the Lodge for Special Projects. |
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The Details
- Signet ring style, precision cast in one piece — no stones
or rivets
- 14 kt gold
- Two styles: Large, for sizes 10-14 (23-26 grams of gold;
base size 11 1/4); Small, for sizes 6.5 to 9.5 (base size 8 1/2)
- Available in specially created Rose-Croix (a custom alloy of
50% yellow + 50% rose gold), Yellow, or White gold.
The ring shown is cast in Rose-Croix gold.
- Square and Compasses shown in raised detail on the face
- Background of waves (representing Lake Michigan) on the face
- "Oriental Lodge No. 33 A. F. & A. M. Chicago 1845" around
the bezel in deep-set capital letters
- Custom "OL 33" (Oriental Lodge) monogram on both sides of
the ring, based on the historic 1872 jewel design
- Comfort fit, similar to a wedding band
- Can be used to make a wax seal impression
- Available only to Oriental Lodge No. 33 members and
honorary members.
The Cost
Each ring (small or large) costs $550.
Options can be purchased, as shown below:
- Size up from base size: $30
- Size down from base size: $20
- Hand engraving: $20 for up to 10 letters; additional $2 per letter
- Past Master version: $200
- Hollow back: -$50 (reduces the amount of
gold in the ring to reduce cost and weight)
- Precision engraving: $100 To enhance the detail, the jeweler can embellish some of the features of the ring with hand engraving
to make the ring even more detailed.
NOTE: Prices and terms are subject to change. Check back here for latest details.
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