{"product_id":"antique-masonic-orb-pendant-in-gold-silver-c-1900","title":"Antique Masonic Orb Pendant","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eAn ingenious \u003cstrong\u003eantique Masonic orb pendant\u003c\/strong\u003e, dating to circa 1900. At first glance it appears as a compact gold sphere, but releasing its four articulated arms allows the pendant to unfold into a cross formed from \u003cstrong\u003esix hinged pyramidal sections\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe exterior is crafted in \u003cstrong\u003e9K gold\u003c\/strong\u003e and bears registered design markings relating to this distinctive patented construction. Once opened, the silver interior reveals an extraordinary collection of individually hand-engraved \u003cstrong\u003eMasonic symbols\u003c\/strong\u003e, including the all-seeing eye, square and compasses, level, plumb rule, trowel, columns, sun, moon, stars, Bible and other tools associated with Freemasonry.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThese symbols draw upon the language of stonemasonry and architecture adopted by Freemasonry as allegories for moral and intellectual development. Masonic orb or “cross” pendants became particularly fashionable around the turn of the 20th century. \u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eDespite its modest \u003cstrong\u003e1.6cm diameter\u003c\/strong\u003e, the pendant has an impressive weight of \u003cstrong\u003e11.68g\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving it a pleasing substance in the hand. The articulated mechanism remains functional, allowing it to be worn either closed as an orb or displayed open as a cross.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e c.1900\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMetal:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9K gold exterior with silver interior\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.6cm\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 11.68g\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMarks:\u003c\/strong\u003e Registered design\/patent marks\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eA particularly intricate example of antique Masonic jewellery and an excellent size for wear as a pendant.b\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ravensbury Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49304494473524,"sku":"1017810347","price":2235.0,"currency_code":"AED","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/6784\/5428\/files\/raven259.jpg?v=1790619666","url":"https:\/\/ravensburyantiques.com\/en-ae\/products\/antique-masonic-orb-pendant-in-gold-silver-c-1900","provider":"Ravensbury Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}