Badge Defects
 

I've read about people having badge maintenance and/or repairs performed (by Herff Jones in particular), but I'm wondering if anyone has had this situation:

About a month ago, I finally received my brand new badge (yay!!), which is set with crown pearls. When it arrived and I opened it, I immediately noticed that three of the pearls were "dead" (blackened and without lustre) and that the pin stem was bent (so much so that I couldn't fit it into the clasp). I was obviously disappointed, and so I called HJGreek right away. The man I spoke to on the phone was very apologetic and nice and told me to ship the badge back and they would take care of all the issues. So, I shipped it back and after another month, I just got it back in the mail today. Unfortunately, as soon as I opened it this time, it looks like the only thing that was repaired was the bent pin stem and one of the pearls. The other two pearls are still dark and one of them even looks like it has a tiny crack in it. The third pearl appears to have been replaced, but it's been done pretty haphazardly; it's placed unevenly and sticks up higher than the other pearls on the pin fairly obviously.

I'm getting frustrated because a) I've been anxiously anticipating wearing my badge since initiation, and b) I spent quite a bit of money on this beautiful badge (which is no small feat, as I'm living on a very tight student's budget). I'm not looking forward to the idea of paying (again) to ship my badge back (again) and running the risk that these repairs will not be taken care of (again), but I suppose I really have no choice. I've read about people having trouble with Herff Jones once, but has anyone had repeated issues like this? Is there a better way to bring it to someone's attention other than calling? Is there someone in particular I should ask for?

Sigh. Just another reason it sucks that one company basically has the entire monopoly on Greek badges and pins.

Go on FB, friend HJGreek. Post a picture of your badge and this whole story. I think you'll get more attention. A little bad publicity will get you farther. It's a shame, isn't it? I guess they are getting too busy for their own good. I bought my sister a badge and badge holder necklace recently and was dissatisfied with the quality of the product. The badge is beautiful, but the badge doesn't fit in the holder correctly, even though they are supposed to custom fit it before sending them out. You'll see a picture on HJGreek!:D I initially heard back from them on a Sunday night after posting it.

I think the quality of badges has gone down hill significantly Herff Jones started making our badges. I'm trying to remember the name of the jeweler who made them when I was initiated. They seemed better. Also, isn't it Theta that uses another jeweler? I've been impressed with the Theta badges that I've seen.

ETA: It was Burr Patterson.

Theta uses J. Lewis Small as their official jeweler.

http://kappaalphatheta.jlewissmall.com/

Unfortunately Burr Patterson was bought by HJ. I actually think they were the only people who did Greek badges on that scale.

As most know, I am not a fan of HJGreek. When my badges need repairs, I take them to a local place I trust. I'd recommend any greek find a jeweler they trust to make badge repairs.

I know it sucks having to pay when HJ may do it for no fee, but sometimes it's worth it.

There was Balfour, too. Did BP buy them out at some point?

According to their website BP bought the company that bought the fraternal division of Balfour.