Shriner Rings

The History of the Shriners

The Shriners are one of the most recognizable fraternal organizations in North America. The organization has been around since 1870s and has over 300,000 members worldwide. It is known for its philanthropic activities and has a rich history that stretches back over 150 years. 

The original group that formed the Shriners was called " the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine". This fraternity began in 1870 when several Masons gathered and had a heated discussion about creating a new and thrilling social order. They came up with several rules for their peacekeeping including: to be kind to all men; revere and respect women; promote good will among all peoples; instill good citizenship within our borders; eliminate prejudice from our midst; refrain from political squabbling; and oppose war whenever possible.

Two years later this group met in New York City and created the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, which became known simply as "the Shriners."

Since its inception, The Shriners mission is to provide emotional, recreational and financial support to children who are in need all throughout North America. These efforts include providing free medical care to financially disadvantaged children through 22 state-of-the-art burn centers, 22 orthopedic hospitals and 3 rare disease hospitals.. Other missions have included building homes for disabled veterans through their Project Care program.

The Meaning Behind a Shriner Ring

A Shriner Mason Ring is a piece of jewelry worn by members of the Shriners International. It is typically made from a precious metal like gold or sterling silver and features the distinctive emblem of the Shriners, which includes a crescent moon and a scimitar. The ring may also feature other symbols or inscriptions, such as the member's name or the name of their local chapter but you'll most commonly find a camel and a fez hat emblem on the sides. 

The Shriner Ring is a symbol of membership and affiliation with the organization, but it also represents the Shriners' commitment to helping children in need. The hospitals are supported by the fundraising efforts of the Shriners, including the sale of Shriner Rings and other merchandise.

Overall, the Shriner Ring is a symbol of the Shriners' dedication to philanthropy and community service, as well as their commitment to fellowship and brotherhood within the organization.

Shriner Rings Styles:

There are many different styles of rings available, each with its own unique look and design. Some of the most popular styles include:

• Wedding bands: These are traditional Shriner rings that are worn by men who are married or engaged. Masonic wedding bands are typically just a band with branch emblems. Available in precious metal 10k, 14k yellow gold or white gold or 925 sterling silver.

• Signet rings: These are Shriner rings that have a flat surface that are engraved with the branch emblems. Signet Rings were traditionally used as a seal for wax to sign documents, letters and nowadays they are worn as a fashion statement. Signet Rings are available in precious metal 10k, 14k yellow gold or white gold or 925 sterling silver.

• Class rings: These Shriner rings are adorn with freemason motif but mimic the classic high school or college rings. They usually have " Shriner" lettering and feature a center stone. Available in precious metal 10k, 14k yellow gold or white gold or 925 sterling silver

• Statement rings: These are large, bold custom Shriner rings that are designed to make a statement. They are typically wide rings and can have various designs. Most statement rings will have a top and two side emblems. They also can come with beautiful gemstones. Available in precious metal 10k, 14k yellow gold or white gold or 925 sterling silver.

• Custom Masonic rings: These typically can be any of the Mason ring styles above but are completely customizable. Metal type, stone type, and optional Masonic symbols can be selected. They normally include symbols that are not traditionally found on your standard Shriner ring. Examples include emblems from Scottish rite degrees like the 32nd and 14th, the camel or fez hat from Shriners, or Past Master Masonic symbols gavel & top hat or even the crown & cross from the Knight Templar.

Symbols of a Shriner Ring:

Masonic symbols are used by Freemasons to represent various aspects of their beliefs and tradition. These symbols have a long history, with some of the most recognizable ones being used since the Middle Ages. The symbols often show up in artwork, architecture, and literature. Below are the most common Shriner symbols and their meanings.

• 1. The Mystic Shriner: The main symbol of the Shriners. It consist a scimitar, stands for the backbone of the fraternity, two claws or crescent, represents philanthropy and the sphinx, stands for the governing body of the Shriners. The five-pointed star represents the thousands of children helped by the philanthropy each year.
  2. The Fez Hat: It is a traditional head covering worn by members of the Shriners, an appendant body of Freemasonry. The fez is a symbol of the fraternity's Middle Eastern heritage, and it is also a symbol of the fraternity's commitment to philanthropy and the mission of the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
  3. The Camel: Common on Shriner rings is a symbol that harkens back to the group's founding. According to tradition, at the first meeting of 13 Freemasons who formed what would later become known as “the Covenant,” an Arab chief appeared surrounded by 13 camels wearing blankets with Masonic symbols on them.