On View
Making a Way Gallery
Exhibition
Making a Way Out of No Way
Manufactured by
Fourteen Karat Plus, Inc., American, founded 1988
Subject of
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., American, founded 1911
Date
after 1988
Medium
ring: gold with amethyst and diamond;
pouch: leather with metal and plastic
Dimensions
H x W x D (ring): 1 1/4 × 1 × 7/8 in. (3.2 × 2.5 × 2.2 cm)
H x W x D (pouch): 4 1/2 × 3 1/2 × 3/8 in. (11.4 × 8.9 × 1 cm)
Description
2015.102.1.1: This is a gold ring with thick band, the Official Ring of the International President, Grand Basileus, of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. The center of ring top has an amethyst rectangle with rounded edges with a gold 8-point star at the center, with each point having a small inlaid diamond, with a larger inlaid diamond at the center. Around the edge in relief gold lettering reads "GRAND BASILEUS" around the top and "OMEGA PSI PHI" along the bottom, with dots between the two phrases. On both the PL and PR side, in relief, is a depiction of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity shield; a shield with a five-point star, "O ? F]" with a genie-like lamp at the bottom, surrounded by dotted border, with two crossing swords behind, the bust of a set of armor at the top, all surrounded by a wreath. The initials “A.R." and "F.K. +10k" is etched onto the interior of the ring.
2015.102.1.2: A beige leather pouch, meant to hold the Grand Basileus Omega Psi Phi ring. This is a rectangular pouch with a top flap secured with a central beige plastic topped metal button. In dark red type the words "Fourteen Karat Plus, Inc." is typed on the bottom of the front, center.
Place used
Rochester, Monroe County, New York, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Jewelry and Adornment
Type
signet rings
Topic
Associations and institutions
Fraternities
Humanitarianism
Men
Social reform
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Andrew A. Ray
Object number
2015.102.1.1-.2
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5032195e8-d45f-4574-9abe-dfefe0c9582a

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

Share this page