Odd Fellows Sterling Camphor Glass Enamel Necklace

Here we have two of our favorite things: camphor glass and Odd Fellows.  Camphor glass is glass that has been treated with hydrofluoric acid vapors causing the glass to have a frosted appearance.  It resembles gum camphor, a resin that comes from the Camphor Laurel tree, hence the name.  The glass is often carved with sun a beam-like design to draw your eye to the center.  For this particular necklace your eye is drawn to an enamel medallion for the Odd Fellows.

Along with the Freemasons, the Odd Fellows are considered one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the world.  Created in a time where social services were non-existent, the Odd Fellows dedicated themselves to charity, helping the poor and sick.  It is the aim of members to "to improve and elevate every person to a higher, nobler plane; to extend sympathy and aid to those in need, making their burdens lighter, relieving the darkness of despair; to war against vice in every form, and to be a great moral power and influence for the good of humanity."

The Odd Fellows use symbols to represent their beliefs.  Seen on this necklace is a 3-link chain with the letters "F, L, T" (Friendship, Love and Truth).  Below is a skull and crossbones, a reminder that life is fleeting.  Above is an eye within a sunbeam, this is the all seeing eye, a belief that God is always watching.  Lastly, the letters M U are seen on the enamel insignia which stands for Manchester Unity, a fraternal order than started in Manchester in 1810.

You often seen this style of necklace with Free Mason or Shriner insignia's but this is the first we have seen with Odd Fellows.  This is truly an interesting piece perfect for an Odd Fellows collection.

The camphor glass pendant is delicately framed by gorgeous filigree work that has been rhodium plated. Both the chain and pendant bail are marked sterling.