Freemason

Freemasonry or Masonry consists of fraternal organizations that trace their origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons that from the end of the 14th century regulated the qualifications of stonemasons and their interaction with authorities and clients. Freemasonry has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theorys throughout the years... The degrees of Freemasonry retain the three grades of medieval craft guilds, those of Apprentice, Journeyman or fellow (now called Fellowcraft), and Master Mason. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry

My grandfather was, I believe, a 33rd degree mason. At his funeral, there were people there to ensure that his masonic jewelry was buried with him. Apparently my father was 32nd.

A Secret Society? Maybe the speculative wing/ring....