Evolution of The Badge

The distinct, octagonal badge of Sigma Alpha Mu is given to each new initiate. Our gold letters Σ A M shine off the black octagon in the center of the badge.

The earliest badge in our possession is from Samuel A. Miller (Alpha, 1910). At first glance, it looks much like your badge. This early badge is slightly larger and only has one pearl on each of the octagonal panels.

The Tenth Edition of Baird’s Manual of American College Fraternities (1923) noted that, “During the past few years there has been a marked improvement in badges of all kinds. They have become smaller in size, plainer in ornamentation and less expensive than formerly, and many of the fraternities have adopted badges of standard size and style from which no departure is permitted.”

The fraternity system trends noted in Baird’s also applied to Sigma Alpha Mu. By the early 1920s, our standard gold badge with sixteen pearls was already well known. This full pearl badge in 10K gold has always been offered.

Back in 1909, an ounce of gold was priced at $20.67— about $739.05 when adjusted for inflation. Today, that same ounce is worth $4,098.

As the expense of materials and production has continued to increase, the Sigma Alpha Mu produced a standard badge with purple enamel sides from 1980s-2000s. Improvements in manufacturing allowed Sigma Alpha Mu to create a new standard badge that resembles our jeweled badge at a comparable cost as the purple badge using faux gold and faux pearls in the early 2000s.

The final photo is Sigma Alpha Mu’s new standard badge that includes detailing more comparable to the jeweled badge - striking a balance between heritage, quality, and affordability.

In all versions, our Greek letters - and its meaning true continue to shine bright.

Do you still have your Sigma Alpha Mu badge? We love to see you post it on social media.