Fourteenth Degree Ring 

To our ancient Brethren, who were members of Knightly Orders, three things in this life were prized above all others - even above life itself - for with the loss of either, lifes aim had failed.

These three things, so dear to the ancient Knight, were the purity of his honor, the integrity of his sword, and the spotlessness of his shield.  Honor that never broke faith with anyone, whether man or woman;  the integrity of the sword, in never failing to draw it in the defense of innocence and right;  the shield never to be sullied by protecting oppression and wrong.

At the death of the Knightly owner, he bequeathed his sword and shield to one nearest and dearest to him, the one he believed would maintain both unblemished.

The Scottish Rite has adopted a symbol that represents the sword, shield and armor of our ancient Brethren, and as clearly marks the profession of Knighthood as did those.  This symbol is the Fourteenth Degree Ring, with its motto - "Virtus junxit, mors non separabit" - "Virtue has united, death shall not separate" - to be honorably worn through life, and at death, as was the custom of our ancient Brethren, to be handed down to one most dear, in the belief that it would be kept pure and unsullied.  This ring is a plain flat band of gold, having imposed thereon an engraved or enameled plate in the form of an equilateral triangle, and within the triangle the Hebrew letter "Yod."

Many Brethren believe that the ring bearing the double-headed eagle, so generally worn, is the true Scottish Rite ring.  This is without authority of the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction, which recognizes only the two rings of the Fourteenth and Thirty-Third degrees.  There is no obligation to wearing the ring with the double-headed eagle;  it is beautiful, and although not authentic, is recognized by many who are not even members of our order, as the mark of a Thirty-Second Degree Mason.

Thirty-Third Degree Ring 

The ring of the Thirty-Third Degree is a triple one of gold, like three small half-round rings side by side, united into one, not exceeding five-sixteenths of an inch in width.  This ring may be plain without any device or mark on the outside of it, or it may have on the outside of it an equilateral triangular-shaped plate with the numerals 33 on same.  Engraved within the ring should be the proper inscription, together with the name of the Brother and the date on which he received the Degree.