Victorian 14K Gold Masonic Royal Arch Pendant with Enamel

This 14k gold keystone shaped pendant can be attributed to the Royal Arch Masonry Chapter of the Freemasons. It is masterfully hand engraved and features beautiful black and white enameling of very high quality. On its back, the name “William A. Fish” is engraved, along with the date Feb. 28, 1896 and the town of Red Bluff, CA, where a chapter of the freemasons is still active today. The details of this piece are unique—it draws in the eye with its intricacy. An “F” is engraved in the center of the piece, inside of a pyramid surrounded by radiating lines. The black enamel creates scrolling foliate with swirling lines inlayed in impressive detail. 

The pendant is rich with the symbolism of the Freemasons. It is in the shape of a keystone, which is the apex piece of an arch that makes it structurally sound and supports the entire archway. The keystone is worn as the mark of a high fraternal order. It is typically seen with the letters HTWWTKS, standing for “Hiram The Widow’s Son Sent To King Solomon.” This is a reference to the legend of Hiram, an architect who defended the Temple of Solomon from evil. The “R.A.M.” engraved on the back of the piece is an abbreviation for Royal Arch Masonry, the highest degree of Freemasonry. 

The pendent weighs 12.32 grams. The keystone measures 1” x 1 1/8” and is topped by a bail that adds an additional 1/4” to its height. The bail opening is approximately 4 x 6 mm. 

This is a special piece with a bit of mystery to it. It is both beautiful and esoteric—a wonderfully unique piece of jewelry that is meaningful to wear.