OK, I’ve been answering many questions on here for quite some time, but now it is time for me to ask one of my own. I’ve not been able to get a good answer from anyone in my lodge, so I figured I’d throw this out there.
I’ve had my Master Mason certificate rolled up in its protective tube now for many years, and I’d really like to be able to display it. Have any of the brethren had their certificates framed? I’m looking for a frame that is the exact dimensions of the Massachusetts certificate.
This is one of those things where you really have to spend a few extra dollars…
There are commercial frames that you can get that will fit the certificate at retail print stores, but they do not have acid-free matting in them, and they either look really plain, or way more outlandish than you probably want for your certificate (ie thick gold bling type frame).
Your best bet is to take your cert to a professional framing shop, pick out the exact frame style that you want, and the acid-free matting, cut style, all that, and they will custom make the frame for you. It costs a little more to do it that way, but it is one of those instances where the cost is worth it in my opinion.
If you are going to hang it in a place where it is exposed to direct sunlight or intense lights, you will want to opt for a UV filtered glass in the frame in place of regular glass.
Dan, the above information is very good, acid free paper is not all acid free, you can use rag paper which is better as a backing, there is a few methods of mounting your diploma to the backing and any GOOD framer will give you the information. Stay away from a metal frame, as this will conduct heat, cold and moisture from the frame into the cavity. A must is the UV glass or plexi, even lights from the home can over time damage the print. You can play around with different colors of the matting or boarder and can also have it layered with different colors. You can spend up to 200 to 300 dollars for a good frame.
Dan,
There is a really nice framing shop on Charles Street called “Beacon Hill Framery”. They have many framing options you may want to check out. Just an idea.
Yeah, I’m going to have to visit a custom framer at some point to get that done. I’ll wait until I’ve finished painting my office.
Buying frames is a real racket though, isn’t it? I had looked up prices just to get basic emblemmed frames for my wife’s degrees and mine and you can’t get anything decent with the school logo for less than $150.
Hmmm, maybe I’ve just found myself a new line of work!
Yeah buying frames really is a a big racket. I bought a piece of oil on canvas art from the Dominican Republic when I visited there a few years ago and the frame cost more than the art work!
I don’t know if it is a Grand Lodge thing or specific to each lodge, but it is definitely not something given automatically. Hey, maybe it is something to look into instituting when you have the chance in your lodge. The guys seem to really like them (although like I said, the frames are quite hard to come by).
will333 - 18 August 2010 05:17 AM
A question about these certificates, does every state issue them? I ask because I’ve never heard of anyone here in Pennsylvania having one.
Dan,
How big are the certificates? I am thinking if the frames cost so much money the certificate must be huge. Either way custom framing is always a lot of money.
our Massachusetts diplomas or certificates are around 22ish x 12ish in size. Not every GL gives out certificates, our GL has done so for 200 years, just recently a Prince Hall, Massachusetts diploma sold at auction for over $1,000, circa 1797, signed by Prince Hall. Massachusetts over the years have had a few styles of printing on the diplomas, we also give out a large one for Past Masters as well. We also had at one time what is called a traveling certificate or diploma which when folded up would be around the size of 3X5. Some countries still give out these traveling diplomas or certificates for members that are traveling, I have seen ones from England, India, Netherlands. We also give out diplomas here in Massachusetts for the Royal Arch Chapter, Council, Commandery and Scottish Rite. Early diplomas where divided into halves, on the left in Latin, on the right in English. Even English military Lodges gave out diplomas as well.
The first thing that I did when I recieved my MM degree certificate was frame it…myself! I let my conscious guide me and my intuitions steered me away from sending it off to a custom frame shop. I purchased a frame and had the matting cut to spec for me. Then I assembled everything myself.
My certificate is roughly 12” X 15”. I went to a local fabric store that sells prefab frames and does in-store matting. There are chain fabric stores everywhere that can help you. The most common is Hobby Lobby.
