My Ring has Arrived

I have finally received my Masonic Signet ring!  I searched long and far for just the right ring.  Something I would be proud to wear and would tell the world that I am a proud Mason.  I also wanted something I could hand down to the family in later years.

My searching led me through some rather gaudy rings...some questionable quality...and some out-right rip-offs.  Finally I came upon a company in England who custom designs signet rings for family crests and the sort.  They had a section on Masonic/Templar rings and there I found many many beautiful designs and each design was fully customizable based on your needs and if you didn't find anything that worked for you, they could customize something based on your concept or drawing though I'm sure that price would be quite hefty.  (Anytime they say "call for a quote", you know you're going to pay through the nose).

Anyhow, I chose the classic square & compases with the G in the center and around the edge I put two latin mottos.  Familia Ante Omnia (Family above all) and Noli Irritare Leones (Do not irritate the lion)

The two have double meanings for me.  I have always believed and have been brought up that Family is the most important thing in life and now that I have joined the brotherhood of Masonry, that has brought a new dimension to that belief. 

The second motto also has two meanings to me.  I have always been the strong quiet type.  I am patient and reserved until the lion within me is awakened at which point, you will wish it hadn't been.  And...it's second meaning was pointed out to me by my wife.  She is a Leo...and we believe in our household that if Mamma ain't happy, nobody's happy...so she insisted I put that motto on to remind me to now irritate her.

 If I could figure out how to get a picture added to my blog, I will be happy to show you all.  I tried inserting a link to a Flikr photo but that failed.  If anyone is insterested in seeing the beautiful rings at Dexter Seal Rings...please visit http://www.familysealrings.com.  They are extremely patient and detail oriented and made feel as though my stupid little questions weren't all that stupid at all.