The Crown Pearl Badge is the official means of identifying oneself with Kappa Kappa Psi. Unlike many other fraternities and sororities, the purchase of the Crown Pearl Badge is optional in Kappa Kappa Psi, making membership a matter of principle rather than material possession.
The Crown Pearl Badge contains special symbols that have deep meaning to members of the Fraternity:
Each symbol has been carefully chosen to represent the ideals and values that guide the Brotherhood.
Unlike many Greek organizations where the badge purchase is mandatory, Kappa Kappa Psi respects the choice of its members. Some brothers choose not to purchase a badge, yet remain full members of the Fraternity. This reflects KKPsi's focus on principle over material symbols.
The Crown Pearl Badge was designed by three of the ten founding fathers:
Their 1919 design has endured over 100 years with only minor refinements.
The Crown Pearl Badge has specific proper placement:
This formal placement indicates the serious, official nature of the badge.
Kappa Kappa Psi has several types of jewelry, and the Crown Pearl Badge is distinct from:
Each serves a different purpose and context.
Members can attach special elements to their badge showing:
This customization makes each badge unique to its wearer.
The Crown Pearl Badge design dates back to November 27, 1919 — the same day Kappa Kappa Psi received its charter. This means the badge is as old as the Fraternity itself.
A member wearing the Crown Pearl Badge is immediately recognizable as a member of Kappa Kappa Psi. The distinctive design allows Brothers from different chapters to instantly identify each other's membership.
The Crown Pearl Badge is typically made of:
This quality ensures the badge lasts a lifetime and beyond, becoming a family heirloom.
For those who prefer not to purchase the full badge, the Membership Recognition Pin (Cofa) provides a more economical alternative that still identifies the wearer as a Kappa Kappa Psi member.
The presentation of the badge, often done during initiation ceremonies, carries deep meaning. It is not merely a piece of jewelry—it is a symbol of commitment to the Fraternity's ideals and to one's brothers.
Badge Design Committee Established - As part of the Fraternity's founding, a committee is created to design the official badge and coat of arms.
Design Process - William H. Coppedge, Clyde Haston, and Dick Hurst work on creating a distinctive badge that will represent the Fraternity for generations to come.
Crown Pearl Badge Introduced - The Crown Pearl Badge design is finalized and presented to the membership. The design incorporates symbols representing the Fraternity's values and purposes.
Adoption Across Chapters - As new chapters are chartered, the Crown Pearl Badge becomes the standard official badge across all Kappa Kappa Psi chapters.
Design Stability - Despite over 100 years of history, the Crown Pearl Badge design remains remarkably consistent. Only minor refinements have been made to the original design by Coppedge, Haston, and Hurst.
Quality Standardization - Jewelry manufacturers are designated to create official Crown Pearl Badges, ensuring consistent quality and authenticity across all chapters.
Optional Policy Clarification - The Fraternity reaffirms that badge purchase is optional, respecting members who choose to focus on principle over material symbols.
Digital Documentation - The Crown Pearl Badge design is carefully documented and preserved in digital formats to ensure accurate reproductions and maintain historical accuracy.
Heritage Recognition - The Crown Pearl Badge is celebrated as one of the oldest continuously used Greek organization badges, a testament to its timeless design.
| Item | Purpose | Wear Occasion | Official | Optional | |---|---|---|---|---| | Crown Pearl Badge | Official identification | Formal occasions, Greek events | Yes | Yes | | Membership Recognition Pin (Cofa) | Daily identification | Casual wear | Yes | Yes | | Enameled Recognition Pin | Colorized ID | Informal occasions | Yes | Yes | | Official Key | Special services | As desired | Yes | Yes | | Membership Candidate Pin | Candidate identification | During pledge period | Yes | No | | Recognition Bar | Band uniform ID | Band uniforms/jackets | Yes | Yes | | Life Member Pin | 50+ year service | As desired | Yes | Yes | | Fraternity Ring | Personal jewelry | As desired | No | Yes | | Fraternity Flag | Group symbol | Chapter house, events | Yes | N/A |
The Crown Pearl Badge represents the heart of Kappa Kappa Psi's identity. Designed by three of the Fraternity's ten founding fathers and created in the very year of the Fraternity's establishment, the badge has become one of the most recognizable symbols in Greek life.
What makes the Crown Pearl Badge truly special is that it is a choice, not a requirement. This reflects the core principle of Kappa Kappa Psi: that membership is based on shared values and commitment, not on material possessions.
For over 100 years, brothers have proudly worn the Crown Pearl Badge, each one a testament to their commitment to Brotherhood, Musicianship, and Service.