[thetygerlily]

Originally Posted by AzTheta

Side note: I happened to obtain (for next to nothing) a white gold Theta badge that is 100% white gold, meaning that the black enamel top part is also white gold which is just not done; that part of our badge (the upper kite, as it were) is always black and gold. I think the seller thought it was a sterling silver badge, which would be a total anomaly. And NO I didn't get it on an auction site. Regardless, now I wonder if I should have turquoise set in where the pearls are. That might look fine, or really ugly!

Originally Posted by thetalady

I think we need a picture of this!! I can't picture it and it sounds really interesting.

Seriously!!! Where is this picture, AzTheta???

Originally Posted by etadrisophila

Trident or no trident?
If yes to trident: plain (no pearl), one pearl or three pearls?

Do they still make the short tridents? I always thought those were cute. Plus I've seen quite a few long tridents that are bent. Of course if you are super careful with it you'll likely be fine- but any long thin piece of metal is susceptible to getting bent. If it were me, I'd go for a short trident with pearls to set off the badge.

Originally Posted by tea&krumpets

I would like a little bling, but the thing is the plain ones are under $40, and the next price point is $150. I just wish there was something in between, or silver options.

I lamented for the first few years that we didn't have white gold or silver keys. Not for price, but because I never wear anything gold! However, it's hard now to imagine an iconic golden key as anything but gold. I just suck it up and have a few gold necklaces I can wear with my badge. As for the big price gap- the vermeil badge is actually fairly new. We just started offering that either last fall or the fall before to provide a less expensive way of having your own badge.

And personally, if you can afford it (or prioritize to afford it), I would go for the badge that you would both treasure and wear. That's different for each sister- some love the uber bling, and others love the classic simplicity of our golden key. Many fall somewhere in the middle. For the past 20 years or so, sapphire & pearl has been a very popular choice (that's what my initiation badge was as well). Of course, I'm partial to the blue & blue key now- not only because I requested it , but because it has our colors within our symbol. That's also been a popular one since it was released in... 2010 I think? Vintage badges are also a great option and have a history all their own. You really can't go wrong... as long as you get one!