The Pin/Pendant had Order of the Rose on it. I had no idea what it was because I hadn't noted the Greek Letters on it. A little googling for information, and I found this on a website that had one priced at $150.00. Ruby Lane has one for sale at over $500.
From Market Square Jewelry
Founded in 1931, the Beta Sigma Phi society is a non-academic sorority found in the United States. This vintage pin or pendant was originally given by the chapters council to express the gratitude and esteem to their sorority sister. This vintage piece is crafted of highly polished 10 karat yellow gold and set with two creamy white cultured pearls, absolutely darling!
Beta Sigma Phi, an International Women's Service/Social Sorority
Metal: 10K Yellow Gold
Gem: 2 Pearls
Gem Measurements: 1.5 mm, Round
Measurements: 30 x 25 mm, with bail
Marks: "Order of the Roses (B)10K" Stamped on the reverse
History
Walter W. Ross founded Beta Sigma Phi in 1931 to “unite congenially in fellowship and friendship women interested in promoting their cultural development and fostering association with each other in pursuit of the liberal arts.” Members of Beta Sigma Phi span all ages and educational backgrounds. The Greek letters of its name represent life, learning and friendship, which is the organization’s motto.
This service oriented sorority first appeared in Fremont, Ohio during an installation ceremony held at the Fremont Hotel in 1936. The first records of the City Council, a coordinating body made up of members from various local chapters, dates back to 1946. By the 1950s membership in Beta Sigma Phi had doubled across the United States as the women held elegant teas and grand balls. In the 1960s and 1970s the organization became less formal, but more active in the community with service projects and charity fundraising.
At one time there were as many as five local Beta Sigma Phi chapters in the Fremont, Ohio area. These included the following chapters: Iota Delta, Nu Sigma, Nu Psi, Xi Delta and Xi Theta Zeta. Today (2009) Beta Sigma Phi has become an international organization with over 200,000 members in chapters around the world.
