Elks BPOE Emblem Men's Ring on Black Onyx in 10k Yellow Gold

A rectangular tablet of black onyx fills the face of this 10k yellow gold ring, held at four corners, with the Elks emblem applied in gold at its center: a circular dial finished in deep blue enamel, Roman numerals around its edge and the hands stopped at eleven, a five-pointed white enamel star at the top of its border, and an elk's head below with antlers rising to frame the dial on either side. The gold device stands proud of the stone rather than being cut into it, so it catches light independently of the flat black field behind it. The shoulders are built from three heavy scrolled ridges that step down from the setting and give the ring its bulk — 6.60 grams of it. Against the onyx the enamel reads nearly black-blue until direct light finds it.

The clock is stopped at eleven for a reason. At Elks gatherings eleven o'clock brings the Eleven O'Clock Toast, read in remembrance of absent members, and the emblem carries that hour permanently. The order was founded in New York in 1868 and took the elk as its symbol for nobility, swiftness and strength. A ring like this isn't decoration — it's a membership worn where it can be seen, which means any Elk who spots it knows the hour on that dial without having to ask. Wouldn't you rather wear what you belong to than explain it?