The jewel, suspended from a purple ribbon, has very distinctive details. “The basis of the jewel is a Teutonic Cross. On that is a nine-pointed star, composed of three gold triangles, interlaced. The design also forms nine small triangles, and in each of these is one of the letters “S.A.P.I.E.N.T.I.A.”, the Latin word for wisdom. A sword extends from the lower part of the left side of the jewel to the upper part of the right side. Crossing that is a “Hand of Justice”.
This forms a scepter, terminating in a carving of a hand. On top of the cross, triangles, crossed sword, and Hand of Justice is a circular plate, and on the plate is a shield with a crowned double-headed eagle. To the right of the eagle is a balance and to the left is a Square and Compasses. Around the design is the Latin words Ordo ab Chao, Order out of Chaos, enclosed by two serpents, each biting its tail.”
The Teutonic Cross continues to remind us of the German origins of the Grand Constitutions of 1786.
The double-headed eagle looking to the East and West may be from the coat of arms of Germany or from a French ancestor organization of the Scottish Rite, the Emperors of the East and West. Its crown signifies that the Thirty-third Degree is the administrative Degree of the Rite, and this symbolism of proper administration is continued with the sword of strength, the hand of justice, and the scales in balance.
The three three-sided figures remind us of 33°, the number of this Degree, while Sapientia indicates the symbolic achievement required for this recognition.