Jewel
Jewel. A fraternal badge of elaborate design bestowed to an officer of high rank on his appointment or retirement from that office. Often made of gold, they may – or may not – actually have any gemstone attached. As a badge it has a secure method of attaching to uniform or clothing. Jewels are created for such offices as past commander, past master, or such; they were part of Masonic and other organization's custom.
Also the gemstone applied to a medallic item for ornamentation, distinction or a symbol of a rank or class. Jewels are often applied to decorations, occasionally to badges, very infrequently to other medallic items.excerpted with permission from
An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology
For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators
COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON
Roger W. Burdette, Editor