An order of distinction dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of heraldic bees
The Fellowship of the Golden Bee is the chivalric and scholarly order at the heart of the Armorial of the Bee association. It recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to heraldic research, to the preservation of armorial heritage, or to the life and mission of our international community.
The Fellowship is not conferred by application — it is awarded by the council of the association in recognition of sustained service, scholarship or patronage. All Benefactor members are admitted to the Fellowship upon joining, as a mark of the association's gratitude for their exceptional support.
Each grade of the Fellowship carries its own insigne — a medal of the Golden Bee — worn at official ceremonies and recorded in the Index Armorium alongside the member's armorial bearings.
Become a Member
Five degrees of distinction — from Fellow Member to Grand Master
FMGB
The first grade of the Fellowship Order of the Golden Bee, open to all Benefactor members. Also awarded by the Board of Directors in recognition of service to the Armorial, or granted by the General Assembly to heraldic artists of distinction.
Insignia: Medal on chest ribbon (full dress) · Miniature medal on chest ribbon (gala)
Heraldry: The Fellow Member suspends the insignia of the Order from a blue ribbon adorned with two gold stripes.
FOGB
Conferred on Benefactor members for two consecutive years of membership, or on any Benefactor who has co-opted two other Benefactors into the association.
Insignia: Medal on neck ribbon (full dress) · Medal on neck ribbon + miniature on chest (gala)
Heraldry: The Fellow Officer suspends the insignia from a blue ribbon with two gold stripes starting from the sides of the shield.
FCGB
Awarded by the Board of Directors for extraordinary service to the Armorial. Eligible candidates include members elected from the board after one year of service, and Benefactor members for three consecutive years.
Insignia: Medal on neck ribbon + Silver breast star on left chest (full dress and gala)
Heraldry: The Fellow Commander suspends the Silver Breast Star of the Order at the tip of the shield.
FGCGB
The second-highest grade, awarded by the Board of Directors in recognition of exceptional and distinguished service to the Armorial. Elected from the board after extraordinary service. The number of living Grand Crosses is limited to eight at any one time.
Insignia: Silver breast star on left chest + Grand ribbon (sash) with medal (full dress and gala)
Heraldry: The Fellow Grand Cross suspends the insignia from a blue ribbon sash with two gold stripes surrounding the shield.
FGMGB
The supreme grade of the Order, reserved for the President and Founding Members of the Armorial of the Bee. The Grand Master is the head of the Order and the guardian of its traditions.
Insignia: Grand Collar (Collier) of the Order on ceremonial occasions · Gold breast star on left chest · Grand ribbon (sash) with medal when Collar is not worn
Heraldry: The Fellow Grand Master encircles their shield with the Collar of the Order of the Golden Bee.
Statutes and traditions of the Fellowship Order of the Golden Bee
The Fellowship Order of the Golden Bee is an associative private order. It does not confer any privilege, state recognition, or nobiliary title supported by a State or Royal House. Any individual may be awarded a grade in recognition of outstanding service and support to the Armorial of the Bee and the promotion of the heraldic arts.
Recipients of a grade are entitled to use the post-nominal letters corresponding to their grade after their name:
Each recipient receives an official certificate corresponding to their grade. All certificates are co-signed by the Grand Master and the Chancellor, with the great seal of the Armorial affixed, confirming the authenticity of the appointment. The certificate serves as proof of admission and recognition within the Order.
All recipients wear the insignia corresponding to their grade at official ceremonies. Full ceremonial dress is worn at formal events. Miniature (gala) insignia are worn at white tie and formal evening occasions. The wearing of insignia by anyone not duly admitted to the relevant grade is strictly prohibited. The Grand Master's Grand Collar and Grand Ribbon may not be worn at the same time.
All recipients of a grade are entitled to incorporate the Order's insignia into their personal heraldry, according to their grade. Each grade carries its specific heraldic augmentation as described in the statutes of the Order.
The Chancellor of the Fellowship Order is an appointed position responsible for the custody of the insignia, the signing of official documents, and the oversight of ceremonial matters. The Chancellor co-signs all official certificates alongside the Grand Master, and supports the Grand Master in the governance and continuity of the Order.
All members of the Fellowship are expected to uphold the highest standards of scholarly integrity, collegial respect, and courtesy in all interactions conducted under the name of the Armorial of the Bee. The Board of Directors reserves the right to revoke any grade for conduct unbecoming of the Fellowship.
Distinguished members of the Community of the Golden Bee
