Alpha Kappa Alpha jewelry carries meaning in every color and symbol. The sorority's salmon pink and apple green colors, its ivy leaf, its pink tea rose, and the pearls that honor its founders each tell part of a story that began in 1908. This guide breaks down what those symbols mean and how to choose or gift an AKA piece that honors the legacy with pride. As an officially licensed Alpha Kappa Alpha vendor, Trendzio Jewelry crafts every piece to honor the sorority's standards.
A brief history of Alpha Kappa Alpha
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., by nine college women led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle. It is the first historically Black Greek-letter sorority and one of the nine organizations of the Divine Nine (the National Pan-Hellenic Council), built on a mission of scholarship and service to all mankind. The sorority's founders and early incorporators are lovingly remembered as the Twenty Pearls.
That legacy is why AKA jewelry means so much to members. An ivy-leaf necklace or a strand of pearls isn't only decorative; it's a way to carry more than a century of sisterhood and service.
The official colors: salmon pink and apple green
Alpha Kappa Alpha's colors are salmon pink and apple green. Pink reflects love and femininity, and green reflects growth and vitality. In jewelry, these colors appear as pink and green stones, enamel, or crystals — an instantly recognizable signal of membership. When you see pink paired with green, you're almost certainly looking at an AKA-inspired piece.
The ivy leaf: AKA's signature symbol
The ivy leaf is Alpha Kappa Alpha's most recognizable symbol, representing endurance, loyalty, and steady growth. Just as ivy climbs and endures, the symbol reflects the lasting bonds of sisterhood. Ivy-leaf pendants, rings, and earrings are among the most popular AKA pieces because they signal membership instantly and elegantly.
The pink tea rose: AKA's official flower
The sorority's official flower is the pink tea rose, a symbol of grace and beauty. Floral motifs — rose-shaped pendants, pink stones, and delicate flower charms — are a soft, elegant way to represent AKA pride, especially for professional or everyday settings.
Pearls and other meaningful symbols
Pearls hold a special place in Alpha Kappa Alpha because the sorority's founders are honored as the Twenty Pearls. Pearl necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are timeless AKA staples. Other common motifs include the founding year 1908 and Greek-letter designs, each a direct way to display membership and pride.
Popular types of Alpha Kappa Alpha jewelry
- Necklaces & pendants — ivy-leaf pendants, 1908 necklaces, and pink-and-green stone necklaces are everyday favorites.
- Rings — sterling silver ivy-leaf and Greek-letter rings for daily wear.
- Bracelets & bangles — pearl strands and pink-and-green beaded or tennis bracelets.
- Earrings — pearl studs for the office or statement drops for AKA events.
- Lapel pins & brooches — perfect for Founders Day, church, and professional attire.
Two member favorites to start with: the AKA Open Ivy Leaf Necklace for a classic ivy look, and the AKA Ivy Leaf Sterling Silver Ring for everyday wear. Explore the full Alpha Kappa Alpha collection for more.
How to choose Alpha Kappa Alpha jewelry
- Match the occasion. For crossing and probate celebrations and Founders Day (January 15), bolder ivy-leaf and pink-and-green pieces shine. For work or church, choose pearl studs, small ivy pendants, or tea-rose motifs.
- Pick your material. 925 sterling silver offers lasting shine and is hypoallergenic; stainless steel is durable and budget-friendly for everyday wear. Look for a "925" stamp on sterling pieces.
- Think about layering. A simple ivy-leaf pendant pairs beautifully with a strand of pearls for a coordinated, dressed-up look.
Caring for your Alpha Kappa Alpha jewelry
To keep sterling silver and pearls looking their best, store pieces in a dry, airtight bag, remove them before showering or swimming, and wipe gently with a soft cloth. Keep pearls away from perfume and lotion, which can dull their luster over time. With basic care, a quality AKA piece will stay ceremony-ready for years.
Wear your letters with pride
Whether you're marking your own crossing, celebrating a line sister, or shopping for a gift, the right Alpha Kappa Alpha piece turns everyday wear into a statement of sisterhood and service. Explore the full Alpha Kappa Alpha collection at Trendzio to find salmon pink and apple green pieces made to honor the legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Alpha Kappa Alpha's colors?
Alpha Kappa Alpha's official colors are salmon pink and apple green. Pink represents love and femininity while green reflects growth and vitality, and the two appear together across most AKA jewelry.
What is the symbol of Alpha Kappa Alpha?
The ivy leaf is Alpha Kappa Alpha's signature symbol, representing endurance, loyalty, and steady growth. Pearls are also central, since the sorority's founders are honored as the Twenty Pearls.
What is the official flower of Alpha Kappa Alpha?
The official flower of Alpha Kappa Alpha is the pink tea rose, a symbol of grace and beauty that inspires many floral AKA designs.
What do the symbols on AKA jewelry mean?
Common AKA symbols include the ivy leaf (endurance and growth), pearls (honoring the Twenty Pearls founders), the founding year 1908, and the salmon pink and apple green colors.
What jewelry can Alpha Kappa Alpha members wear?
Members commonly wear ivy-leaf necklaces and rings, pearl pieces, salmon pink and apple green designs, 1908 jewelry, and lapel pins for events like Founders Day. Sterling silver and stainless steel options suit everyday wear.
Is Alpha Kappa Alpha jewelry available in sterling silver?
Yes. Many AKA pieces are made in genuine 925 sterling silver, which is durable, hypoallergenic, and holds its shine. Look for the "925" stamp to confirm authentic sterling silver.
