The Mark Jewel
The Jewel of every degree in Freemason encapsulates both the story being told by the ritual and the symbolism veiled in its allegory. Whilst Mark Masonry has at first view a simple message, it is a Degree filled with rich symbolism and is, in its forms and practices, closely related to our operative forebears. Both the Royal Arch and Mark Degrees are based largely on the content and construction of an Arch. The principal difference is one of form. Whilst Royal Arch Freemasonry deals with secrets hidden within the Arch, Mark Master Masonry illustrates the value of the Arch itself and the importance of reliable work. The symbolism of the Degree can be comprehended in one emblem, the keystone; seen to lock together the bonds of friendship. The keystone is the final and central stone of every arch; without it, the arch is neither stable nor complete. The keystone is therefore symbolic of the requirement for every individual to build his spiritual superstructure in harmony with the design and purpose behind it and remembers the bonds of friendship. The cramp let into the top of the keystone jewel is in allusion to the "mechanical arrangement of certain pieces of metal dovetailed into a stone to enable Operative Masons to raise great weights to certain heights with little encumbrance, whilst fixing them on their proper bases" is symbolic of a close and strong union for the purpose of removing difficulties of a temporary nature. The two colours of the ribbon (and apron) of a Mark Master Mason illustrate the strong link between the sky blue of the Craft and the magenta of the Holy Royal Arch Chapter and by inference, of the Mark Degree to both. Surmounted on the ribbon are the Degree's working tools: the mallet and chisel. These are employed operatively to indent a Mark Master's approval of the work as being fitted for its place in the intended structure. They represent the moral advantages of discipline and education, and candidates are encouraged to entertain a hope that, by the correction of irregularities and the subjugation of passions, they may be found worthy to receive the approving mark of the the Grand Overseer of the Universe, as being fitted to form part of the spiritual edifice.
The letters on the jewel, in English on one side and Hebrew on the other, are revealed during the ceremony of advancement. The Mark jewel can also be personalised. Each Mark Master Mason chooses his identifying Mark upon joining the degree, which can then be engraved on his jewel. This forms a direct link to the operative history of the Mark Degree, recalling the practice of stone masons' identifying marks: a practice still observed among operative masons.
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