Installation season 2025: October through January order volume.

Every October our order volume changes shape. Lodges under the Grand Lodges we serve typically hold officer installations in November or December, and the six weeks leading up to those installations are when the phone rings for Past Master jewels, presentation jewels, and rush regalia for new officers.

This year we are staffed up. Dana in the custom jewel department is running on a 3-week turnaround (down from our usual 4 to 6 weeks) through the end of October. Rush orders (2 to 3 weeks) will be accepted through November 15 for pre-Christmas delivery.

A note on installation gifts: the most common request is the Past Master jewel, presented to the outgoing Worshipful Master at the installation of his successor. Traditional square-and-quadrant design with the Euclidean 47th Problem, personalized with lodge name, officer name, and year. Gold-plated brass is the standard finish; gold-filled and sterling silver are more common for lodges wanting a longer-wearing piece. Solid gold jewels are heirloom-grade and require 6 to 8 weeks.

We are also seeing more interest in milestone presentation jewels this fall: 25-year, 50-year, 60-year, and 70-year jewels for members receiving service awards at annual communications. Combined orders (a Past Master jewel and one or two milestone jewels for the same lodge) can be quoted as a set with combined engraving time.

The catalog fulfillment side (Bill in the front office) is also seeing seasonal demand for new officer aprons, Worshipful Master aprons, and officer collar bars. In-stock items ship next business day. If you need officer aprons sized to specific dimensions, call by mid-November for delivery before your installation.

Reach the custom jewel department at 314·663·1907 or custom@stlmasons.com.