Expensive badges - worth it?

[ctgirl]

Most of the girls in my chapter and a distinct majority of my pledge class ended up choosing the least expensive badge, but not for financial reasons. The simplicity of the badge and its importance in our sorority was the reason we chose the most "plain" badge. The chased O badge was the same cost, but generally everyone got the basic badge and everyone got it in yellow gold.

When I look at the badge I chose all those years ago, I am glad I went with the simplest badge even now. Every time I look at it, I think its beautiful and that there is great beauty in what is simple. That is not to say that I don't drool over the beautiful blinged out badges I have seen on here, especially the vintage ones.

However, you need to choose the badge for you. Is the $150 badge the one you like best? If so get it. If you like the more simple badge, choose that. If your dream badge is more than $150, I would consider getting the basic badge and purchasing the blinged out one you really want later!

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by ctgirl

Most of the girls in my chapter and a distinct majority of my pledge class ended up choosing the least expensive badge, but not for financial reasons. The simplicity of the badge and its importance in our sorority was the reason we chose the most "plain" badge. The chased O badge was the same cost, but generally everyone got the basic badge and everyone got it in yellow gold.

When I look at the badge I chose all those years ago, I am glad I went with the simplest badge even now. Every time I look at it, I think its beautiful and that there is great beauty in what is simple. That is not to say that I don't drool over the beautiful blinged out badges I have seen on here, especially the vintage ones.

However, you need to choose the badge for you. Is the $150 badge the one you like best? If so get it. If you like the more simple badge, choose that. If your dream badge is more than $150, I would consider getting the basic badge and purchasing the blinged out one you really want later!

This is why AOII will NEVER get rid of our plain gold badge. We were founded on simplicity. I bought the pearl O badge, or rather my mom bought me a pearl O badge for initiation. I know own many jeweled badges and a perfect shiny plain gold version which is so pretty in its simplicity. They all mean the same thing...just say something different about the owner.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by honeychile

Phi Mu doesn't allow bling for collegiates? I've seen so many beautiful Phi Mu pins, too!

Unless it has changed since I was an undergrad, no. I kinda like the idea of everyone being initiated with the same badge anyway.

[thetalady]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Unless it has changed since I was an undergrad, no. I kinda like the idea of everyone being initiated with the same badge anyway.

I believe you, but I am surprised! There are so many beautiful jeweled Phi Mu badges on "that site". Any idea where they come from? Did they come from a time prior to this decision or is it possible to add stones after a badge is purchased?

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by thetalady

I believe you, but I am surprised! There are so many beautiful jeweled Phi Mu badges on "that site". Any idea where they come from? Did they come from a time prior to this decision or is it possible to add stones after a badge is purchased?

Alumnae can have them, and the official jeweler offers them for alumnae members. It's only a restriction on collegians.

[als463]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Does your sorority allow collegians to get bling? Mine doesn't (though maybe we are the only one?).

I guess it depends on what you mean by bling. Phi Mu allows for pearls and other jewels--at least at my alma mater we all pretty much had something "bling-worthy" for our badges. I still wear my badge to this day from initiation and it is surrounded by pearls. I love it and I'm glad I went with the pearls because it wasn't "too expensive" and it was just blingy enough for me. You can't go wrong with pearls--in my eyes.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by als463

I guess it depends on what you mean by bling. Phi Mu allows for pearls and other jewels--at least at my alma mater we all pretty much had something "bling-worthy" for our badges. I still wear my badge to this day from initiation and it is surrounded by pearls. I love it and I'm glad I went with the pearls because it wasn't "too expensive" and it was just blingy enough for me. You can't go wrong with pearls--in my eyes.

Hm, either this has changed since I was a collegian, or I misunderstood it at the time.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Hm, either this has changed since I was a collegian, or I misunderstood it at the time.

Or could it have been a chapter or regional thing?

We have two options -- gold plate or 10 carot gold. Jewels are the same in either (6 garnets, 12 pearls) there is no choice there. While I love seeing the blinged-out badges of other groups, I have to admit that I like that we all wear the same badge.

[Gusteau]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Or could it have been a chapter or regional thing?

I wouldn't be surprised. I work with a lot of chapters that are not my own, and they often SWEAR something is a rule either in their chapter bylaws or Delta Chi Law when it is in neither.

DBB - not to say this wasn't a rule when you were a collegian, it may have been, just that a lot of members I work with believe traditions are rules.

[als463]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Hm, either this has changed since I was a collegian, or I misunderstood it at the time.

I initiated in 2004. I didn't even realize that the plain badge was part of the initiation cost. I can say that most of my pledge class got jewels and I remember getting just pearls because I just couldn't make up my mind. Now, if I could have gotten one with opals--I'd be in Heaven. That's why I continuously check out "that site" to see if I can find something with opals in my price range.

[Phigirl04]

Originally Posted by als463

I initiated in 2004. I didn't even realize that the plain badge was part of the initiation cost. I can say that most of my pledge class got jewels and I remember getting just pearls because I just couldn't make up my mind. Now, if I could have gotten one with opals--I'd be in Heaven. That's why I continuously check out "that site" to see if I can find something with opals in my price range.

I feel you on the opals. I was just looking at two of those sites and on one I saw several with opals. I think I would die for the opal/pearl or the opal/emerald options. Trying to stop myself from trying to get it right now.

[Titchou]

When I was initiated you got your badge as part of the initiation/pledge fee and the only choice was plain or rose engraved. Afterward, you could buy a jeweled one and I got a white gold all diamond one. Many years later it was stolen in a burglary. Since it was insured (be thinking about that all of you with expensive ones) I replaced it. they didn't make the all diamond one in white gold at that time so I got yellow gold. I wear it in one of those circle mounts on a chain. Of course, they now offer the all diamond in white gold again! But I am happy with the yellow gold because it truly is a "golden anchor."

[adpiucf]

I can't imagine a mini-badge. Ours are so tiny to begin with!

[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.

[AZTheta]

IDEA for you, t&k (and I love your user name, so creative! envious):

Take yourself over to the Badge Trends thread, and put out some feelers there. One of your sisters may be able to help you out in locating a badge! I did that for a Theta sister a couple of years ago - got her a vintage badge with an interesting history for ~$100 +/-. Not everyone is in the business of making $ or being greedy about selling badges for profit. Personally I'd much rather see a Theta badge happily shared with an active who will treasure it and wear it with love and pride, than see one go to a non-Theta who will only hoard it (or worse). I am willing to bet this will have a happy ending if you go through one of your own sisters... just an idea.

and, with the holidays coming, perhaps there will be a little $ that you can put towards a badge/pin?