An Insight into the Meaning of Badge Necklaces
The use of symbols to convey identity, authority, and pride has been an integral part of human history, permeating various cultures and professions. In law enforcement, few symbols are as universally recognized and respected as the badge. Traditionally, badges have been worn on uniforms, serving not only a practical purpose but also a symbolic one—the physical manifestation of a law enforcement officer’s authority and commitment to public service.
The transition from a uniform-worn badge to a wearable sticker on the neck has been gradual. It began as a symbol displayed in a tactical situation, clipped to a plate carrier or to an ID card lanyard. Earning the right to wear such a badge was the must-have privilege for first responders and military operatives alike. The practice has since evolved into a more personal and independent expression of the officer’s identity. Tactically employed officers have been known to wear the emblem on their uniforms or on outer tactical gear.
An emblem displayed on a chain serves to provide both a celebratory and tactical symbol that can be worn day or night. Emblems worn on a chain are unique in the sense that they can be worn around the neck, just like a necklace, yet they have a distinct purpose of showing an identity, recognition, or accomplishment. Law enforcement officials are often viewed as the all-powerful protectors of communities and people; however, what many fail to realize is that officers are in a profession that don’t always look at the big picture. Badges worn on a chain help protect officers psychologically and emotionally. They provide an officer with the motivation to wake up each morning and go out the door prepared to perform their duties. It is an encouraging force that reminds an officer of what they do and who they are—making the everyday challenges and dutiful service worthwhile.
The history of military insignia traces back to ancient times, where they served a similar purpose—denoting rank, achievements , and affiliation to a particular group or unit. Just as the badge has earned a place in modern law enforcement, military insignia has remained a powerful symbol of identity, hierarchy, and tradition.
Beyond the practical uses, law enforcement badge necklaces have become a means of personal expression and identity for many within the law enforcement community. These necklaces come in various styles, from the classic shield design to more intricate artistic interpretations of the badge symbol. Some officers might choose to wear them as a pendant, while others prefer it on a stand-alone chain or on a paracord bracelet. The choice in style often reflects not just their professional affiliation, but their personal style and personality.
A badge necklace can be a source of immense pride for the wearer, as it encapsulates the values and beliefs that form the foundation of the law enforcement profession. It also connects them to a broader network of individuals who share the same vocation and values. In times of hardship or stress, this sense of belonging and understanding within the law enforcement community is crucial, serving as a reminder that they are not alone and that their work is appreciated.
Furthermore, a badge necklace can be a conversation starter, an educational opportunity to discuss the role and responsibilities of law enforcement, and a tool for fostering positive community relations. It provides an opportunity to humanize the badge, to see it as more than just a symbol of authority but as a representation of dedication, sacrifice, and service to the community.
Embedding the law enforcement badge in a jewelry piece such as a neck chain is a customer-specific modification to the law enforcement brand—the badge. The badge is the recognized symbol of the ultimate legal, and the presence of the badge is required for law enforcement officers to feel professional and secure. Law enforcement personnel don’t own the badge; officers essentially borrow the brand from the community and have it modified to be unique to themselves.
A Guide to the Various Types of Law Enforcement Badge Necklaces
There are several types of law enforcement badge necklaces and you can choose the one that works best for you, depending on your personal preference. There’s a wide range of designs and styles to select from.
You may find one the following materials more appealing:
Gold
Gold is a metal that has been around for thousands of years. People find gold to be more precious than silver. It has a shine that will not dull over time. Gold is also more expensive than silver but it has not substantially increased in value over time, so it is a good investment.
Silver
Silver has been a known metal since ancient times. Today, silver is a little less expensive than gold, but it is still more valuable than copper or aluminum.
Plated
Platings are combinations of different metals. They are less expensive than gold or silver jewelry but more durable than aluminum. Plated metals retain their color well and are seldom affected by the skin’s acidity.
The basic designs of law enforcement badge necklaces have been around for many years. Traditionally, the badges have been similar to the badges carried by law enforcement officers. The shape of the badge necklaces may be a shield or five pointed star. It can also be an eagle or some other symbol signifying the law. Law enforcement badge necklaces can be carried on a cord, chain, or rope. The badges can also be worn on a brooch.
In recent years, law enforcement badge necklaces have become more colorful and more decorative. You may want a design that incorporates colored enamel and precious gems. You can have a gold badge necklace adorned with colorful gemstones or a gold badge necklace with a silver star. You can also find a badge necklace that has been plated with a glossy enamel coating.
Some badge necklaces show only the badges. Others display badges along with other symbols of law enforcement. Common symbols include a shield, eagles, scales, guns, handcuffs, or the flag. Some designs focus on just handcuffs or just guns. Decorative elements may be added, such as a rope or spray of leaves.
How to Select a Law Enforcement Badge Necklace
Once you’ve decided to purchase a law enforcement badge necklace, you must determine which style is the most appropriate for you, or for whoever will be receiving it as a gift. To start off, take into account the design of the badges that are part of your line of work. If you have one specific badge design and you wear it primarily at work, you may want to consider a necklace that allows you to attach that one specific badge to the chain.
If, however, you wear multiple types of badges and identification tags while working, you may want to consider adding an extra chain so that you can hang multiple badges or other items from it.
Another consideration is the size of the badge necklace. Some law enforcement badge necklaces are relatively small, while others are larger. You’ll want to choose one that matches or compliments the size of your badge or tags. If you’re purchasing a necklace for someone else, it’s easy enough to ask them what sort of size they want, or contact someone in their family or office and ask them what they think would be best.
While certainly not all law enforcement badge necklaces are customizable, many allow for some degree of personalization. Some can have a name inscribed on them, for example, while others have protective features that enable them to last longer without needing a change of chain, or symbols that can be added to further personalize them.
Personalization and customization options can make a really big difference when it comes to law enforcement badge necklaces, and if you want to ensure that your gift is special, consider requesting some form of customization if the company allows for it.
Maintaining Your Badge Necklace
The exact maintenance requirements of your law enforcement badge necklace will depend on its material composition. In most cases, however, you can follow the guidelines below to preserve the appearance, integrity and durability of these jewelry items.
How to Clean & Care for Your Law Enforcement Badge Necklace
There are many off-the-shelf liquid cleaners that are appropriate for use with metals and plastics. You can also make your own solution by mixing a few drops of mild dish detergent with warm pressurized water for metals, and straight warm pressurized water for plastics. This solution is usually enough to remove any surface dirt. Use a non-scratching cloth or sponge to wipe the solution across the surface, focusing on areas where dirt tends to accumulate, before rinsing with more warm pressurized water. Remove all traces of cleaner, which can cause corrosion and staining if left behind. Finally, buff the surface to a shine with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.
Most law enforcement badge necklaces can withstand mild environmental effects , but they should never be worn in sauna, steam room, shower or hot tub. Prolonged exposure to sulfur-containing materials—such as rubber materials or certain types of hair dyes—should be avoided. The best way to prevent these interactions is to simply remove your badge necklace before engaging in activities that might cause the problems above. If you discover some corrosion has occurred due to moisture exposure, make up a solution of 1 part rubbing alcohol to 4 parts water. Wipe at the affected areas with this solution using a cotton cloth to remove the corrosion. If this solution doesn’t work, try increasing the ratio of alcohol to 1 part alcohol and 1 part water.
Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to keep up with proper care for your law enforcement badge necklace. If you don’t know what it’s made of or how to clean it, reach out to your manufacturer. Many companies also offer warranties on the longevity of their products, but you may need to prove you properly cared for the piece in order to get any returns or exchanges.
Where to Purchase Authentic Badge Necklaces
The best place to buy an authentic [Law Enforcement] badge necklace and to be assured of authenticity and quality is from a company that’s been in business for a number of years. A good rule of thumb is the longer a company has been in business the more reputable they are. Because you’re paying a premium price for such pieces – it becomes critical that you be sure you’re getting the highest quality and finest craftsmanship available.
While there ARE legitimate sites on the internet that offer these products and do, in fact, have the original designs and sources for these pieces, as long as a company claims that they are ‘the first and only’ company to sell such pieces, take it with a grain of salt. The original source of these pieces WAS, and always has been, badge companies. Police departments were selling them to their officers directly, as well as to the public.
There are a very few police departments who still offer these necklaces and angel pins to the public, but not many, and they have NEVER been approved by; endorsed by; nor do they sell these pieces at the request of any police union, police association or police organization. These pieces are NEVER ‘union authorized’ or ‘union approved’.
There has NEVER been an official authorization for the design, style, or quality of any police badge necklace on the market. ‘Union made’ or ‘union authorized’ NEVER meant anything other than the union was NOT being ripped off, or charged by the printer. ‘Union approval’ NEVER meant that they were ‘blessed’ with an approval or an authorization.
We’ve been in this business for over 25 years and take pride in offering only the best quality, most authentic styles we can find. And we refuse to carry pieces that are not as we state they are.
Influence of Badge Necklaces on the Image of Law Enforcement
The introduction of badge necklaces has helped to change and modernize the overall perception of law enforcement. Prior to the introduction of badge necklaces, many officers were outfitted with traditional badge and leather accessories that could, at times, be uncomfortable or inconvenient. The modernization of Police, Sheriff’s Department, and Federal Law Enforcement badges has helped to create much more flexible and functional fashion accessory. The traditional leather belt and leather accessory badges would often be worn on the duty belt, leading to some discomfort and annoyance when wearing the belt for long periods of time. Wearing a badge as a necklace alleviates this issue and many others while giving the Officers and Agents greater flexibility when using their badge necklace to display their badge. Many Officers and Agents prefer to wear their badge necklace while driving, talking to the public, or during other duties that would otherwise be cumbersome if they were wearing a badge in their uniform, on their belt, or in a pouch . Badge necklaces are also preferred by many Officers and Agents due to the fact that they can wear the necklace as an accessory when not wearing their uniforms. Many Officers and Agents choose to wear their badges while off-duty, as a fashion accessory, or daily reminder of their role as an Officer. The popularity of these accessories has helped to further increase the perception and image of the Officers and Agents wearing them. The visibility of these accessories helps to reinforce the position and professionalism of the Officers and Agents wearing them and is one reason they are so popular among law enforcement officials. The growing popularity of these accessories has helped to encourage the public to look up to the Officers and Agents, who are public servants, leaders, and idols to many children. These officers, agents, leaders, and idols understand the impact that wearing their badge as a necklace can have on the public’s perception of law enforcement, and they continue to wear their badge as a necklace to better the public’s perception of law enforcement agencies and their own.