Also, modern opal and artificial opal are not anywhere near as pretty as the natural opals from the past. I would ask to see the quality of the opal to be used before proceeding with purchasing a badge made with them sight unseen.

Ok.. opal is an extra cost... so that's out!
options are: ($300 and less)
-Vintage (waiting to hear from one PM)
-Small pearl
-small black onyx
-small aquamarine (hopefully with lighter aquamarines)

with 2 letter chapter guard either
-plain
-chased
-pearl (if I get pearled badge)

I think the black onyx is stunning.