GreekChat.com Forums  

Go Back   GreekChat.com Forums > Greek Life

Greek Life This forum is for various discussion topics regarding greek life. If you are posting a non-greek related message, please do so in one of the General Chat Topic forums.


Register Now for FREE!
Join GreekChat.com, The Fraternity & Sorority Greek Chat Network. To sign up for your FREE account INSTANTLY fill out the form below!

Username: Password: Confirm Password: E-Mail: Confirm E-Mail:
 
Image Verification
Please enter the six letters or digits that appear in the image opposite.

  I agree to forum rules 

» GC Stats
Members: 325,130
Threads: 115,503
Posts: 2,196,060
Welcome to our newest member, zmaisongoogleto
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10-31-2012, 09:40 AM
tea&krumpets tea&krumpets is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 66
Expensive badges - worth it?

I'm a new member of an NPC sorority, and I was just wondering if you guys think its worth it to buy a prettier, more expensive badge, as opposed to a plain one? I know it depends on my budget (I won't go much higher than $150), but I'm just curious. Also, if I decided years down the road when I'm out of college that I want to upgrade, is that possible? Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10-31-2012, 09:56 AM
adpiucf adpiucf is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: I can't seem to keep track!
Posts: 5,803
It depends on your org. They may also change jewelers and slightly modify the design over time, as well, so I'd buy the pin that makes the most financial sense, but that will also be one you will enjoy.

No matter which pin you end up choosing, I highly recommend purchasing a pin guard with your chapter designation. The guard more securely fastens your pin to your clothing. (I learned this after I lost my first pin in the grass outside our chapter house when I was a sophomore!) In my sorority, you have to purchase the guard at the same time you order your pin. I'm not really sure why it can't be affixed later, but that's what I was told.

You don't have to get a diamond encrusted badge, but a little bling is fun!
__________________
Click here for some helpful information about sorority recruitment and recommendations.

Last edited by adpiucf; 10-31-2012 at 09:59 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10-31-2012, 09:57 AM
APhi4Ever APhi4Ever is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,105
This depends entirely on you and what you want and how much you are willing to spend. If you want the basic badge now and are interested to see if you can upgrade it later, I'd contact your sorority's HQ or Executive Office to inquire or ask someone in your sorority.
__________________
Alpha Phi
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10-31-2012, 09:57 AM
ibis ibis is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 37
Your first one will be the one you will always remember.

So, if you can afford it, go for the one that strikes your fancy!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10-31-2012, 10:06 AM
ADPi95 ADPi95 is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Virginia via Texas
Posts: 160
Again, it depends on your sorority. Make sure you haven't already paid for a basic badge (depending on the org, some of your initial sorority fees may already include a basic badge) and you may just have to make up the difference if you decide to go with something fancier.

My sorority now offers sterling silver (sooo wish we had that option when I was in school) and it makes purchasing a badge a little easier on your budget, even with the extra bling!
__________________
It's hard to be a DIAMOND in a rhinestone world.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10-31-2012, 10:39 AM
FSUZeta FSUZeta is offline
Super Moderator
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: naples, florida
Posts: 18,410
I bought a plain badge when I was initiated because I could not make up my mind which jeweled badge I wanted. I also did not realize it at the time, but our tastes can change over time.

Years later, I decided to buy a silver badge with alternating pearls and turquoise, and I am so glad that I went the route that I did. I probably would not have chosen the pearl and turquoise badge at 18. I still absolutely love it 10 years later. Since ZTA's colors are turquoise blue and steel grey, my badge is especially special to me.
__________________
I live in Fantasyland and I have waterfront property.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10-31-2012, 10:55 AM
DeltaBetaBaby DeltaBetaBaby is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: ILL-INI
Posts: 7,208
Send a message via AIM to DeltaBetaBaby
Does your sorority allow collegians to get bling? Mine doesn't (though maybe we are the only one?).
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10-31-2012, 11:01 AM
AZTheta AZTheta is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: N 37.811092 W -107.664643
Posts: 5,295
Quote:
Originally Posted by ibis View Post
Your first one will be the one you will always remember.
So true. I cherish my small crown pearled badge with the badge guard loop at the top instead of the bottom. It is nothing fancy, and it is the most priceless (to me) badge I own. It carries a lot of memories, through some very rocky times as well as countless Founders Day celebrations. I was given a badge guard by a graduating senior that I'd advised, and it's attached.

Quote:
Originally Posted by FSUZeta View Post
Years later, I decided to buy a silver badge with alternating pearls and turquoise, and I am so glad that I went the route that I did. I probably would not have chosen the pearl and turquoise badge at 18. I still absolutely love it 10 years later. Since ZTA's colors are turquoise blue and steel grey, my badge is especially special to me.
where is the smiley face for JEALOUS of silver and turquoise?

OP, you have so many choices! And there is no law that states that you can't own more than one badge.

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!
__________________
"One of the painful things about our time is that those who feel certainty are stupid, and those with any imagination and understanding are filled with doubt and indecision." Bertrand Russell, The Triumph of Stupidity
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10-31-2012, 11:55 AM
thetalady thetalady is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Big D
Posts: 3,008
Quote:
Originally Posted by AzTheta View Post
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!
I think we need a picture of this!! I can't picture it and it sounds really interesting.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10-31-2012, 12:48 PM
Gusteau Gusteau is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,792
Quote:
Originally Posted by AzTheta View Post
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!
That sounds awesome!

My sister's ZTA badge is sterling silver set with turquoise - it's gorgeous! I think you'd like how a white gold and turquoise kite would look (very Arizona...)
__________________
"Delta Chi is not a weekend or once-a-year affair but a lifelong opportunity and privilege"
- Albert Sullard Barnes
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 10-31-2012, 12:48 PM
HQWest HQWest is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,027
The silver choices are nice options if your chapter allows it. Double check on what is the norm at your chapter. Several chapters here prefer every one has a similar badge. You don't want to end up having to buy another badge for recruitment if you are going to be an officer next year.

Some people that I know bought the simple badge as a collegian and later bought a new badge with more bling, but the only ones I know that REALLY had regrets about the badge they picked are the girls that bought the "mini" badges. Some NPC groups make a smaller version of the badge to encourage everyone to at least have a badge since the gold ones are getting so expensive. The "mini" ones are easier to lose and are harder to distinguish. They just don't look as nice.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 10-31-2012, 12:58 PM
KDCat KDCat is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Posts: 1,385
I bought a plain badge when I was first initiated because I didn't have the money for an expensive badge. I bought a blinged out badge as an alumna.

I love my plain little pin. I was annoyed when the design of the plain KD pin was changed. The "chased border" version in silver or white gold has grown on me, though.

I need the jealous smilie face for silver and turquoise badges, too. Those ZTA pins are gorgeous!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 10-31-2012, 01:35 PM
Titchou Titchou is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Sweet Home Alabama
Posts: 4,575
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."
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 10-31-2012, 01:43 PM
adpiucf adpiucf is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: I can't seem to keep track!
Posts: 5,803
I can't imagine a mini-badge. Ours are so tiny to begin with!
__________________
Click here for some helpful information about sorority recruitment and recommendations.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 10-31-2012, 01:44 PM
tea&krumpets tea&krumpets is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 66
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.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
How expensive are newborns? Xanthus Chit Chat 53 09-08-2009 05:59 PM
Why does bedding have to be so expensive?? norcalchick Chit Chat 18 08-21-2007 01:20 AM
Expensive lotion Rudey Chit Chat 43 07-16-2007 02:53 AM
Why is Dieting more expensive?? absolutuscchick Chit Chat 18 06-27-2005 05:00 PM
Most expensive gift you bought yourself. Special1920 Zeta Phi Beta 23 05-16-2005 10:54 PM



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:44 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.