On November 26, 1913 the Alpha Chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma was founded at Hunter College in New York. Its 10 founding members; Lillian Gordon Alpern, Josephine Ellison Breakstone, Fay Chertkoff, Estelle Melnick Cole, Jeanette Lipka Furst, Ethel Gordon Kraus, Shirley Cohen Laufer, Claire Wunder McArdle, Rose Sher Seidman, and Gwen Zaliels Snyder had a very clear vision about the type of sorority they wanted to establish. They wanted to establish a nonsectarian sorority and welcomed women of all faiths and backgrounds. In fact, Phi Sigma Sigma was the first collegiate sorority of this kind. The founding members were definitely pioneers of their time.

According to the official Phi Sigma Sigma website, their core values are:

Lifelong Learning
As new members, as collegiate members and as alumnae, learning is a priority and we encourage our sisters to make the most of educational opportunities at our colleges and in our communities. Through education and challenging ourselves to reach new goals, we become women of influence and substance.

Inclusiveness
An inclusive sisterhood prepares its members for a world filled with diversity. By embracing our differences, we become a stronger organization that benefits not only our members, but those around us. We seek out and include women of various races, cultures, levels of ability, socioeconomic origin, backgrounds and perspectives.

Leadership through Service
Phi Sigma Sigma believes that a woman who serves is also a woman who leads. By serving others, our members become more valuable citizens, students, parents, workers and community leaders.

 

 

 

 

 

As stated in the Phi Sigma Sigma core values, philanthropy is exceptionally important to teaching leadership. The official philanthropy is the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation. This foundation provides scholarship and educational grants among other assistance for the members and alumnae. The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation also contributes to the National Kidney Foundation. It's members also work hard to raise funds and donate their time to local organizations as well.

Kappa Kappa Gamma ~ ΚΚΓ

Open Motto: N/A
Mascot: Owl
Symbol: Fleur-de-Lis, Key
Jewel: Sapphire
Colors: Dark Blue and Light Blue
Flower: Fleur-de-Lis

On October 13th, 1870 Kappa Kappa Gamma women't fraternity was founded at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. It is said that in the late 1860's two friends Mary Louise Bennett and Hannah Jeannette Boyd were frustrated that there weren't any women's organizations similar to men's fraternities.  At a time when very few women were encouraged to seek higher education, the women who were at these colleges and universities needed the support and sisterhood that a women's organization could provide.  Soon after their initial discussion the recruited 4 other women; Mary Moore Stewart, Anna Elizabeth Willits, Martha Louisa Stevenson and Susan Burley Walker. As noted on the official Kappa Kappa Gamma website:

"Kappa's six Founders were exceptional young women who believed they could take on the world and create something totally new. Taught to love learning and literature, these educated ladies not only originated the idea of Kappa Kappa Gamma but wrote its constitution, planned its motto and chose its badge and name."

There are strict regulations regarding the Kappa Kappa Gamma badges, which since it's founding have been golden keys. Member are discouraged from loaning their badges to those who are not initiated members because they represent membership. As noted on the KKG website, it is strongly recommended that badges be returned to the main headquarters upon a member's death. This is to help ensure that only initiated members are in possession if these keys.

Currently there are 138 chapter and over 240,000 collegiate members nationwide. They are all strong women who support each other through their endeavors and they also active members in their community through their philanthropy. In addition, these caring women have also partnered with RIF - Reading is Fundamental. They share their time, treasure and talent to help young people discover the joys of reading.

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  Kappa Delta ~ ΚΔ

   

  Open Motto: "Let us strive for that which is honorable, beautiful and highest
  Mascot: Teddy Bear
  Symbol: Nautilus Shell, Katydid, Dagger|
  Jewel: Diamond, Emerald, Pearl 
  Colors: Olive Green and Pearl White
  Flower: White Rose

  
  

  
  

  In the fall of 1897, four friends gathered together to found the sorority Kappa Delta. In Farmville, Virginia  - at the State  Female Normal School  (now Longwood University) -  Lenora Ashmore Blackiston, Julia Gardiner Tyler Wilson, Sara Turner White and Mary Sommerville Sparks Hendrick came together to found Kappa Delta. Their objective, as stated on the official Kappa Delta website, was (and is):

  "The object of Kappa Delta Sorority is the formation and perpetuation of good fellowship, friendship and sisterly love among its members; the encouragement of literature and education; the promotion of social interest; and the furtherance of charitable and benevolent purposes."
  

  

   

  On October 23rd, 1897  Kappa Delta officially became a sorority. It is noted that Kappa Delta was the first sorority to be accepted to the National Panhellenic Conference as soon as they petitioned to join. Today there are 142 active chapters and 516 alumnae chapters and they are now headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. There are also more that 230,000 members throughout the world.

   

  Philanthropy is a huge part of Kappa Delta life. They work hard in their community and for each other. They also support four national charities; Prevent Child Abuse America, Girl Scouts of the USA, Orthopaedic Research Awards, and Children's Hospital of Richmond, Virginia.

Hopefully you were one of the lucky people to receive a fine quality piece of Charming Chick sterling silver jewelry over the holiday. If you were - or you already own, love and enjoy this gorgeous metal - we have some tips on how to keep it looking it's best. There are just a few things you need to know about silver before we talk about how to care for it.

Sterling Silver consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% of another metal, which is usually copper or some other alloy. You can tell if a piece of jewelry is Sterling silver because it is commonly stamped with -- 925 or sterling. Silver is much more abundant than gold and platinum, so the price of the piece is largely determined by the craftsmanship and labor involved in its creation.

As some of you may know, over time sterling silver reacts with the sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the air and the metal can become tarnished. Tarnish (which appears as black patches) occurs when the compound silver sulfide if formed. It is important to note that silver can react poorly when it comes in contact with other things like; rubber gloves, cleaning products, chlorinated water, perfumes, hairsprays, etc.

How to Reduce Tarnishing:

To reduce tarnishing, we recommend keeping your sterling silver jewelry in an air-tight protective bag made of tarnish proof cloth or a plastic zip lock bag made of Mylar or polyethylene. Charming Chick stores and ships our jewelry in small zip-lock style bags for this reason. You can continue to store your jewelry in this bag if you wish, or purchase another larger bag for storing your sterling silver collection. If you properly store your sterling silver charms, bracelets, necklaces, anklets, rings, brooches, etc., they will require minimal cleaning to keep that beautiful shine. We also recommend storing it away from other articles that might rub against it and causes scratches. Sometimes wood finishes can contain chemicals that are not good for sterling silver, so avoid storing on wood surfaces.

Alpha Sigma Alpha ~ AΣA

Open Motto: “Aspire, Seek Attain.”
Mascot: Dot the Lady Bug
Symbol: Phoenix
Jewel: Pearl, Ruby
Colors: Crimson, Pearl White, Palm Green and Gold
Flower: Narcissus and Aster

Alpha Sigma Alpha was founded November 15, 1901 at the Virginia State Female Normal School, which is now Longwood University. During the time of its founding, higher education for women was still a highly debated topic. Because of this, many women who were enrolled in these schools sought out the commandery and support of other women facing the same obstacles. The founders of Alpha Sigma Alpha were searching for the same.

Virginia Lee Boyd-Noell, Juliette Jefferson Hudley-Gilliam, Calva Hamlet Watwon Wootton, Louise Brooks Cox- Carper and Mary Williamson-Hudley had become very good friends and i the fall of 1901 they were recruited and bid by other sororities. However, they quickly realized that this would mean the five friends would not be sorority sisters. So in November of that year they formed AΣA. Early on it was decided that only teacher's colleges or universities and colleges of education within universities.

According to the official Alpha Sigma Alpha website the sorority's purpose as stated in the charter is as follows:

“The purpose of the association shall be to cultivate friendship among its members, and in every way to create pure and elevating sentiments, to perform such deeds and to mould such opinions as will tend to elevate and ennoble womanhood in the world.”

In 1958 Alpha Sigma Alpha's philanthropic focus became aiding the mentally challenged and in 1976 the Special Olympics was named their national project. In 1990 and additional project was added:

 "The S. June Smith Center is a private non-profit agency providing early identification, education, training and therapy to infants and children in the Lancaster area with developmental disabilities and delays." via www.alphasiggmaalpha.org

Currently there are 145 Alpha Sigma Alpha chapters and over 100,00 members nationwide.

Alpha Epsilon Phi ~ AEΦ

Open Motto: “Many hearts. One Purpose.”
Mascot: Giraffe
Jewel: Pearl
Colors: Green and White
Flower: Lily of the Valley

In 1909 - at Barnard College - seven Jewish women met to form a "club" that would later become known as the sorority Alpha Epsilon Phi. In the early 1900s it was very rare for women to attend college but in 1907 Barnard College opened its doors to young ladies of well-to-do families. Helen Phillips was the one who came up with the idea of starting the group. She along with Ida Beck, Rose Gerstein, Augustina Hess, Lee Reiss, Stella Strauss, and Rose Salmowitz founded Alpha Epsilon Phi on October 24th, 1909. The women shared common heritage, interests and an appreciation for true friendship. Their goal was to form a group that would help foster lifelong friendship and provide a home away from home for its members.

Currently Alpha Epsilon Phi has over 100 chapters and over 80,000 initiated members. Although it is a Jewish sorority they are not a religious organization. According the Alpha Epsilon Phi official website "...membership (is) open to all college women, regardless of religion, who honor, respect and appreciate our Jewish identity and are comfortable in a culturally Jewish environment."  Young women who are part of a legacy are given careful consideration when pledging but  it is not guaranteed a bid.

Philanthropy and service  are a big part of being an Alpha Epsilon Phi member. From the very beginning their focus was to assist Jewish war survivors, provide scholarships and aid in educational endeavors.  While members are involved in many philanthropic projects their two official philanthropic are the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and Sharsheret.

Alpha Delta Pi ~ ΑΔΠ

Open Motto: “We Live For Each Other”
Mascot: The Lion (nicknamed Alphie)
Jewel: The Diamond
Colors: Azure Blue and White
Flower: Woodland Violet

Alpha Delta Pi was founded as the Adelphean Society - on May 15th, 1851 - by Eugenia Tucker Fitzgerald. It was the first secret society for college women and was founded at Wesleyan Female College in Macon, Georgia.  Actually, an interesting fact about Wesleyan College, is that it was the first college in the world to grant degrees to women. A student's day at Wesleyan College was very structured and all the women who attended were from progressive and educated families. Eugenia Tucker enlisted the help of her dearest friends when creating this sorority; Elizabeth Williams Mitchell, Ella Pierce Turner, Octavia Andrew Rush, and Sophoronia Woodroff Drews. According to the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority website, Eugenia wrote in her diary, "The society shall be called Adelphean and shall have for its object the mental, moral, social and domestic improvement of its members."

In 1905 the Adelphean Society changed its name to Alpha Delta Phi (AΔΦ) and it later had to change again because there was already a men's fraternity of the same name at universities where they wanted to start chapters. In 1913 the organization became Alpha Delta Pi (ΑΔΦ). There are currently 140 chapters.

In 1979 Alpha Delta Pi adopted the Ronald McDonald House as the national philanthropy. Since that time they have been able to contribute over 5 million dollars to this worthy cause. In the 1983 the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation was established. This foundation was put in place, "...to provide essential resources for Alpha Delta Pi Sorority's educational, leadership and philanthropic activities which improve the lives of women and the communities they serve."

At Charming Chick we carry a fantastic selection of personalized jewelry. The items we carry are finely crafted, stylish, versatile and make outstanding gifts. Monogram jewelry is a terrific way to let that special someone know that you are thinking of them. Sterling silver pieces of monogram jewelry are classic, elegant and can be worn and enjoyed for many years to come. We will be featuring just a few of these stylish pieces -- be sure to browse our website to view the our collection.

This elegant monogram black onyx pendant on 5-strand seed bead necklace is the perfect accessory to add to your fall wardrobe. This super chic necklace adjusts from 18-20 inches to fit with most necklines. The personalization is a fabulous touch to this piece and is available in four font styles.

This gorgeous sterling silver toggle bracelet is a wonderful piece of jewelry. It is sure to become a signature piece of jewelry to anyone who receives this. This finely crafted heavy-link bracelet fits in perfectly with any attire. It can be worn daily and the toggle clasp is secure but also stylish as well. The round charm can be personalized for an extra special touch.

Our sterling silver square ring with black lettering is a dramatic and stylish look. It is available in a variety of sizes and the personalization comes in three font styles. This ring definitely makes a statement and will be worn and enjoyed for many wonderful years.

These beautiful diamond-shaped copper monogram earrings are simply stunning. The euro-wires give the monogram plates perfect amount of movement. The hammered finish adds interest and an artistic touch. Of course the monogram makes these earring especially yours.

The last item we will feature on the blog today is this sterling silver monogram bangle bracelet. The delicate filigree design is exquisite. It is a true heirloom piece which will be worn for generations to come. The bracelet is oval to keep the filigree monogram on top. The bangle opens easily on the side with and open hook clasp and it is available in 7 or 8 inch.

Chick Enamel Charm

We have some wonderful Easter charms to offer this season. These can be worn as a necklace alone, on a chain with multiple charms or on a charm bracelet. These make a wonderful Easter keepsake that will be worn after year. The little chick pictured above is cute as can be. It is sterling silver and is enhanced with brightly colored enamel on the front. It measures 3/4" as is just perfect for Easter.

Pink CZ Sterling Egg Charm

This dazzling Easter egg charm is made of sterling silver. The faceted CZ in the middle, danced and sparkles as the light hits it. It makes a beautiful and unique addition to a charm bracelet. It also looks stunning when worn around the neck, on a simple chain. It measures 12mm tall and 10mm wide.

Sterling Silver Pearl Bunny Pendant

This sweet little floppy-eared bunny is also made of sterling silver. It features two, cultured freshwater pearls. The largest of the two pearls, measures 6mm in diameter. The entire piece measures 23mm.

Sterling Silver Enamel Egg Charm

This brightly colored, enamel Easter egg charm is just darling. It has several different designs engraved on it. There is a bunny in the middle -- there are also butterflies, a heart, flowers and more. It is hollowed in the back which makes it light-weight. It can be hung on a chain, bracelet, or even on earrings! This is a fantastic and festive item.

Sterling Silver Bunnies Charm

These two love bunnies are just as cute as can be! This makes a great gift for the special lady in your life. She will love this thoughtful keepsake and sweet reminder of your love. It is a flat design which can easily be worn on a bracelet, anklet, earrings, or necklace.

Easter Bunny Sterling Silver Charm 

The last item I'll be highlighting today, is this Easter bunny charm. Not only is he super cute -- he is also a GREAT deal! As of this posting he is marked down from $6.99  -- to just $0.99!!!  Hurry, this deal won't last long. So as you can see, you really don't have any reason not to get this adorable little guy.

St. Patrick's Day Enamel Charm

St. Patrick's Day is this Thursday -- so here at the Charming Chick Blog we want to share some of history, traditions and symbols of this Irish holiday. St. Patrick's is actually a religious holiday to honor the patron Saint on Ireland. St. Patrick, who  is credited with bringing Christianity to the country. While he may not have been the very first --  he certainly was a big part in putting an end to pagan practices, which helped Christianity to flourish there.

Willow Tree Irish Charm Figurine

As you might expect, the largest St. Patrick's celebrations take place in Ireland. Here in the United States - especially in areas with a large Irish population - you'll find a wide array of St. Paddy's Day festivities taking place there as well. To celebrate the holiday you'll often see people - Irish or not - wearing a  lot of green. Many cities have parades that take place, and in some areas (like Chicago) they turn rivers, lakes or other bodies of water green!

 
Sterling Silver Lucky Clover Euro Bead

Here are some of the most common symbols of St. Patrick's day:

Shamrock ~ The shamrock is a three leafed white clover, which is a symbol of Ireland. It also was used by St. Patrick to help explain the Holy Trinity -- The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. Today 4-leaf clovers are used as a sign of Irish luck. Each leaf represents; luck, love, wealth, and hope. 

Corned Beef and Cabbage ~ Cabbage has long been a staple of Irish cuisine, but on St. Patrick's Day --  Irish Bacon is the traditional meal served during this holiday. At the turn of the century, Irish immigrants started serving corned beef -- because it was more affordable.

The Leprechaun - This mischievous little fellow is another symbol of St. Patrick's Day. According to Irish folklore, when the leprechaun isn't hanging out at rainbows and hiding pots of gold -- they making shoes. That must be their day job. It is said that, if you see one of these creatures and capture them, they will grant you three wishes. Also, leprechaun's were originally described to be wearing red and not green.

Marcasite 4-leaf Clover Necklace

We'll leave you with one last bit of St. Patrick's trivia:

Did you know...

That the first color traditionally associated with St. Patrick's Day was blue? It's true!

Have a very Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!!