Zeta Tau Alpha (women's) Fraternity
*the pledge pin: A silver carpenter's square enameled in turquoise, worn by all Fraternity members prior to Initiation.
*the badge: A small, black enameled shield superimposed upon a gold shield, bearing a five-pointed crown with the letters "ZTA" arranged around it and the word "Themis" in greek lettering. Themis is our patron goddess, the Greek goddess of justice. Only initiated members may where the badge and the crest. It can be ordered in a variety of styles: silver, 10k gold, 14k gold, and with various jewels of choice surrounding the face (diamonds, pearls, sapphire, ruby, emerald, amethyst, garnet, and turquoise enhancements). Most people in my chapter get the silver badge. Mine is plain 10k gold, but I want to send it in someday to get jewels on it.
*Where can you wear your badge? (does it have to be over the heart, is a suit jacket ok or does it have to be on the blouse/shirt, if you're wearing other pins (like an Order of Omega pin) do they have to be below your badge, etc)
Both the pledge pin and the badge are worn over the heart, and only while in proper attire (no t-shirts, jeans, or sweatsuits for example) No other jewelery is to be worn with the badge during rituals with the exception of a lavalier (not your own- only one that your fraternity boyfriend gave to you), an engagement ring, or a wedding ring. Any other pins are to be worn below the badge as a sign of respect for the badge.
*Do you require new members to wear their pins at all times?
No, but usually they are very excited and want to wear it all the time.
*Can you attach anything to your badge?
chapter guards, pearl drops (for getting a 4.0 during the last semester), and officer dangles.
*Can you use a badge buddy?
what the heck is that? lol
*Can you make your badge into a pendant or ring?
NO. ABSOLUTELY NOT! Although we pay for our badges, the badge is still considered property of Zeta Tau Alpha, and it is ONLY to be worn as a badge and nothing else. There are, however, crest rings available for purchase.
*What other official jewelry does your GLO have?
**The Honor Ring: awarded to alumnae who devote extensive volunteer work to the Fraternity.
**The mother's pin: A small, turquoise blue and silver crown with the outline of a white violet. It may be worn by the mothers of initiated members.
**The White Violet pin: for someone who has been a member for 50 years or more.
we also have lavaliers, pendants, and various styles of rings (some with letters, some with the crest, some with the crown, etc)
PICTURES OF THESE CAN BE FOUND AT:
http://www.zetataualpha.org/jewel.htm