This is an early deco period black onyx and gold filled Eastern Star ring.  The Order of the Eastern Star (OES) is a female companion organization to Freemasonry. Men who are Master Masons may also join. Their primary symbol in cemeteries is a five pointed star with a tip pointing down, representing the Star of Bethlehem, each symbol within the star is an emblem for the Biblical heroines Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha and Electa, whose stories inspire character building lessons.Traditionally, the five points represent the 4 elements, with the fifth representing the human spirit or soul.

Normally with the point facing up, it means the spirit is in command of the elements and all is in balance (the goal we all strive to achive). With it down, it represents that the spirit is under influence of the elements (the world around) and is seen as representing a symbol of a
student aspiring to the goals of the upright pentagram.

The Point representing Esther is white and has a crown and scepter.
The Point represeting Marhta, is green and has a column.
The Point representing Electa is red and has a cup.
The Point representing Adah is blue and has a sword and vail.
The Point representing Ruth is golden and has bale of wheat, hay, or straw.

What I understand this to be is that each point of the star is represented by a woman who is by her own right a heroine. As such, the founder and ritual writer, choose to give each woman a color. From the lesson that the point teaches symbols are taken from that story to help represent her.

For example, Esther, the white point of the star. This is the point that you will find facing down. You ask why white and why the crown and scepter. If you read the book of Esther in the bible (found right before the book of Job – another great story) you will find a story of a virtuous woman who was willing to sacrifice her life for her people. Esther became Queen because of her beauty, but her Jewish heritage was kept a secret from the King. When he signed an order to kill the Jewish people, Esther went before her King (and husband) and begged for the life of her people. If he was going to kill them, she wanted to die with them. The crown and scepter is a symbol of her station in
life, amongst other things.

There are three rings available .. one is a 2 and one is a 3 and the other is a 3 3/4 and they are  marked 14 kt gold filled on  the inside band. It also has a hallmark. As you can see in the photo next to a dime this top
measures  3\/4” long .. This is in great shape too.

We offer Layaway on all our Etsy pieces regardless of which site it comes from. Please remember that vintage & antique items are not mint, nor are they perfect but they sure are
full of old history and charm. Please use photos to make your decisions.

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