From Our Founders' Jewelry Boxes

BY SALLY CUTLER (ALPHA CHI, BUTLER UNIVERSITY), HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVIST 

It seems safe to say that all Alpha Chi Omegas have a piece of Alpha Chi jewelry that sparks an emotion or brings back a special, vivid memory. It might be your badge, a special pendant, a milestone pin, or perhaps a charm bracelet or another meaningful item. As you celebrate Founders’ Day this year on October 15, we hope you will look into your jewelry box to find that favorite Alpha Chi Omega piece and wear it proudly. 

In our Alpha Chi Omega archives collection, we are fortunate to have jewelry that belonged to several of our Founders. Let’s take a look at these special pieces. 

Nellie Gamble Childe 

White gold filagree ring with oval-shaped blue stone and raised coat of arms, diamond-shaped gold pendant with black enamel inlay and raised coat of arms 

Olive Burnett Clark

From top left: small gold pendant of the coat of arms, round enamel pin with the Greek letters, diamond badge with 85 guard (for the 1885 founding) and a white gold filagree ring with a blue stone and raised coat of arms 

Bertha Deniston Cunningham 

The only original badge known to still be in existence, this badge features 28 pearls and seven garnets and was created in 1885. Each collegiate chapter has a replica of this badge for the chapter president to wear during her term.  

Bessie Grooms Keenan 

22 pearl gold badge, Daughters of the American Revolution pin (although not an Alpha Chi Omega jewelry item, still meaningful to Bessie and her family’s history) 

Estelle Leonard 

Top: small gold bow-shaped pin with the coat of arms; bottom: silver link bracelet with the coat of arms 

You can browse a variety of beautiful pieces of Alpha Chi Omega jewelry on our digital history website!  Which piece catches your eye? And if you have a special item you would like to share with sisters during our virtual alumnae event on October 15, be sure to add it to this photo collection and join us for the event if you can!