Product stock and turnaround times
We work to a weekly casting cycle. The rest of the days we are polishing, finishing and shipping jewelry by working in the studio. Our gold pieces are made to order and require 1-2 weeks, while silver rings usually take one week. Most of our silver pendants are available for immediate delivery, and are continually added as stock. We are a small studio making jewelry as fast as we are able so some flexibility in delivery and scheduling occurs.
Casting Alloys
Each piece can be ordered in Sterling Silver, 14K, 18K Yellow or White gold, or even Rose Gold, and Platinum. If an item is not shown on the website in the metal or color you would like, please email for quotes. We probably haven't made that variation yet or remembered to take a photo before shipping.
In regards to our white gold pieces, both in 14 and 18k, we do not plate our white gold with Rhodium. Even though plating for a chrome like finish is a standard practice in much of the jewelry industry, we feel the natural appearance of the gold is preferable. In addition, plating wears away within a couple of years, leaving off-color streaks and spots. Our pieces are natural, standard white gold, which has a very white, slightly creamy color that becomes a softer creamy-golden tone in the 18K alloy. In addition we offer two different white alloys - the standard nickel white, and now we also offer an optional Palladium white, for those who have a nickel sensitivity.
Sterling Silver and Skin Chemistry
Over these years of business it has become evident that about 7% of the public create an adverse reaction with Sterling Silver. It seems like certain skin chemistry is more acidic, causing sterling silver to tarnish or turn the finger green. This could be due to diet, genetic makeup, or contact with harsh detergents and chemicals. Most people experience no tarnish at all, others have varying amounts all the way up to actually corroding the metal into small pits. Some people have put a little clear nail polish on the inside of a ring, or there is a cream that is supposed to help, but requires daily repeated applications. Plating the silver may work temporarily. Unfortunately, we can not accept returns on these items, it is the customer's responsibility to be aware if they can wear silver before ordering from us. However, to work out a solution to the problem, for those who were not aware of this when ordering a silver ring, we have developed an upgrade policy, where we will credit the customer half the cost of their silver piece towards a white or yellow gold version of the same.
Many Chain Lengths Now Available
A variety of chain lengths and some styles can be selected on each of the product pages.
Engraving
Hand engraving is available on items that offer it as an option on the website. If it is not offered, that means there is no space, unfortunately, as the design does not allow it. The engraving style is hand lettered using a small rotary tool, and can be seen in the photo below.
Custom Work
First of all, thank you for thinking of me for your custom jewelry, it is a compliment and an honor. However, we are a jewelry studio that issues a particular piece as a final creation in a growing portfolio of unique artwork. This is in order to allow us time to design and create while still offering each previous popular design. Therefore we are not able to offer custom projects or variations, other than what are shown or offered on our website. If you are looking for a ring in an individual fashion of your own, we recommend contacting a local, reputable crafting jeweler, preferably a Brother Mason, who will be better equipped and skilled for the task at hand. On our part, we will continue to offer new pieces, if you would like to stay apprised of the latest offerings, please be sure to subscribe to our occasional newsletter in your website customer account settings.
Past Master's Insignia - Square and Quadrant or Quadrant Only?
There are three versions of Past Master's Insignia used throughout the US. The first and most common is the full Past Master's Jewel, with a Compass, Blazing Sun, and both a Square and Quadrant integrated together. The second version does not include the Square, but only the Compass, Sun, and Quadrant. (The Quadrant is often referred to in slang as a "rocker".) We have been compiing a list of each state that uses the "Quadrant Only" version, so far we have: Arizona, California, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Kentucky, Florida, Georgia, and Wyoming. The third Past Master's Jewel design, for The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, has a 47th Problem of Euclid incorporated underneath a hanging square. Unfortunately I do not have this design available at this time. I am not exactly sure which other states or regions might use the Quadrant Only version, so please ensure you are ordering the correct Past Master's insignia on your ring or jewel.
Delivery Times
Orders in stock usually take 1-3 days to ship, UPS usually takes 4-5 days to arrive. UPS Second day shipping can be had by selecting the express shipping option.
"Made to order" items such as almost all rings, are paid in advance and usually take 1-2 weeks, sometimes slightly longer. If you would prefer not to pay in advance, a 50% deposit can be arranged, and lay away or installment payment options are also welcome as described below.
Lay-Away Plans
Lay-Away plans are available, however we ask that payment be made in two or three payments, 50% down or 33% down and then equally paid within a month or two. This is due mostly to the volatility in precious metals prices.
Ring Sizing
When ordering, we offer the option of a
"plastic ring sizer" being mailed ASAP. These are small zip ties with the ring size marked on it and they work great. We've had excellent results with this system. We have noticed our rings fit best when snug, as they are heavier than most. We guarantee your ring will be the size ordered, please ensure you are ordering the correct size, by using our ring sizer or by visiting a local jeweler to get sized.
About resizing...We do not recommend resizing a ring, as it often involves stretching, or cutting open your ring, and then resealing it with solder. Unfortunately, it is sometimes unavoidable if we lose or gain weight. We are able to resize your ring here in our studio in about a week. Our resizing service is available to order in the "special items" section of the website. After ordering, mail your ring to the studio and we will send it right back, shipping included.
The Pendants
Hopefully this will give an idea of the scale of our pendants. The photo above should appear close to actual size, and shows a selection of our pendants compared with standard medium weight guitar picks. The Man Who Would be King and Original Mason's Jewel are 1 1/8" wide and tall, and weigh about 15 grams. The Past Master's Jewel is our largest piece and weighs 22 grams in 14k Gold.
Email us here:
studio@mastersjewel.com
Phone us here:
661-242-2374 Our hours are 9-5 California Pacific Standard Time.
(Please leave a message if we do not answer.)
Brethren,
Please spread the word about the jewelry if you like it. Nothing is better than a good referral, and it's not often I get to share this work with others. We're hard to find in public!
We feel honored to be a part of a long standing tradition of people that take pride in their Masonic philosophy and life, feeling that the tenets of Freemasonry were the reason they had become these great people. By their example, they encourage others (us) to embark on that journey. We hope to be a part of this tradition, and that this jewelry will represent those most valuable tenets of our fraternity for the wearer and support a favorable opinion of the Craft.
Each piece has a lifetime guarantee: If you ever have any questions or problems, please stop by the site and we'll take care of it, or just email me at the address below. We strive to meet upon the level, act by the plumb, and part upon the square.
- Most Fraternally,
Drew Horn,
Designer
The Master's Jewel
The Master's Jewel
PO BOX 5519
Pine Mountain Club, CA 93222
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