Did You Know? Custom Medallion: Materials, Personalisation and Design Options Explained

13/11/2026

A custom medallion is a meaningful way to recognise achievement, celebrate an important occasion or create a lasting keepsake. Whether it is presented at a sporting competition, school awards ceremony, corporate event or community celebration, the right medallion combines thoughtful design with suitable materials and personalisation.

Choosing a personalised medallion involves more than selecting a gold, silver or bronze finish. The material, size, engraving, artwork and presentation all influence how the finished award looks and feels.

For customers planning an awards ceremony or special event, understanding these options makes it easier to choose a design that suits the occasion, the recipients and the available budget.

This guide explains the main materials used for custom medallions, popular personalisation techniques, design considerations and practical steps to take before ordering.

What Is a Custom Medallion?

A custom medallion is a decorative award or commemorative piece that includes design elements chosen for a particular person, organisation or event.

It may feature an engraved name, sporting achievement, school crest, company logo, event date or commemorative message.

Although the terms medal and medallion are often used interchangeably, there can be a difference in presentation.

Traditional medals are commonly worn around the neck using a ribbon and are particularly popular at sporting competitions. Medallions may be larger or more decorative, sometimes presented in a protective box rather than worn.

However, there is no single universal distinction. The intended use and selected product design are more important than the name.

At VB Trophies, customers can explore medals and personalised awards suitable for sporting clubs, schools, businesses and special events.

What Materials Are Used for Custom Medallions?

The material affects the weight, appearance, durability and design possibilities of a medallion. Different manufacturing methods also suit different levels of detail.

Zinc Alloy Medallions

Zinc alloy is commonly used in manufactured medals because it can be cast into detailed shapes and decorative designs.

It is suitable for designs featuring raised lettering, recessed backgrounds, sporting symbols and textured surfaces.

Depending on the manufacturing process, zinc alloy medallions may be finished in gold, silver, bronze or antique-style colours.

For sporting events and commemorative awards, this material can provide a substantial appearance without requiring a precious-metal construction.

Brass Medallions

Brass has a naturally warm, golden appearance and is often associated with traditional presentation pieces.

It can be suitable for commemorative medallions, formal awards and designs where fine engraving or a classic metallic finish is important.

Brass is worth considering when the visual character of the metal itself is part of the design.

Its suitability depends on the required thickness, finish and personalisation method.

Steel and Other Metal Options

Steel and other metals may be considered for certain engraved or specialist medallion designs.

They can provide a different feel from cast metal awards, particularly when a clean, contemporary appearance is preferred.

Not every material supports the same manufacturing or engraving techniques, so it is important to confirm compatibility before approving a design.

Important: These are common medallion material options, not a confirmed list of materials available for every product at VB Trophies. Customers should check the specifications of their chosen award.

Choosing the Right Medallion Finish

A medallion’s finish has a significant effect on its final appearance.

Popular options include:

• Gold-coloured finishes: Traditionally associated with first place, achievement and excellence.

• Silver-coloured finishes: Suitable for second-place awards, recognition events and modern presentation designs.

• Bronze-coloured finishes: Commonly used for third-place awards and traditional sporting recognition.

• Antique-style finishes: Can highlight raised and recessed details, giving the medallion a more traditional appearance.

• Polished finishes: Create a bright, reflective surface that can work particularly well with simple designs.

A gold-coloured medallion does not necessarily contain solid gold. Most conventional presentation medals use base metals with a decorative coating or plating.

When comparing options, consider how the finish will complement the organisation’s colours, the event theme and any engraved details.

For competitions requiring different placements, VB Trophies offers a range of gold, silver and bronze award medals.

Custom Medallion Personalisation Options

Personalisation transforms a standard award into something connected to a particular achievement or occasion.

The best method depends on the material, available surface area and complexity of the design.

1. Engraved Names, Dates and Messages

Engraving is particularly useful when each recipient needs different information on their award.

Common engraving details include:

• Recipient’s name

• Club, school or organisation

• Event or competition title

• Award category or placing

• Presentation date

• Short recognition message

For example, a football club might choose:

Royston Youth Football Club
Player of the Season
2026

A corporate presentation might use the recipient’s name, award title and company name instead.

Short, carefully arranged messages are generally easier to read than several lines of tightly packed text.

VB Trophies provides in-house engraving services, allowing customers to discuss suitable personalisation for their selected awards.

2. Club Crests and Company Logos

Adding a club crest, school emblem or business logo creates a stronger connection between the medallion and the organisation presenting it.

Logos may be incorporated through engraving, printed inserts or bespoke manufacturing techniques, depending on the selected product.

For the best result, artwork should be clear and suitable for reproduction at a small size.

Intricate lettering, narrow lines and complex colour gradients may need adjustment.

Where possible, provide an original high-resolution or vector logo rather than an image copied from a website.

3. Printed Medal Centres

A printed centre can be a practical option when an organisation wants to include detailed artwork or multiple colours without commissioning an entirely new metal shape.

Depending on the medal design, a personalised centre may display:

• A school or sporting club crest

• An event logo

• A tournament name

• A colourful emblem

• A commemorative illustration

Printed centres are worth considering for recurring school events, local tournaments and community competitions.

They can also help maintain a consistent appearance across several award categories.

4. Bespoke Raised or Recessed Designs

Some custom-manufactured medallions use raised lettering, sculpted artwork or recessed details formed directly into the metal.

These designs can create greater depth and texture than a flat printed surface.

Other specialist manufacturing methods may incorporate coloured enamel or decorative finishes.

Fully bespoke production usually involves additional design and manufacturing considerations, so customers should discuss feasibility, quantities and scheduling before proceeding.

How to Choose the Right Size and Shape

Medallion size influences both presentation and practicality.

A smaller medal can be appropriate for large participation events, particularly when recipients will wear the award throughout the day.

A larger medallion may be more suitable for a major achievement, anniversary or formal presentation.

Before choosing, consider three questions.

How much information must fit on the medallion?

Names, dates and logos all require space. A design that looks clear on a computer screen may be difficult to read on a small award.

Will the medallion be worn or displayed?

An award worn on a ribbon needs to feel comfortable. A commemorative medallion intended for a display case may prioritise visual detail.

Does the design suit the occasion?

Traditional round medals remain versatile, while specialist shapes may be appropriate when the design has a strong connection to a sport, organisation or event.

Customers can compare different sizes and styles within the VB Trophies medal collection.

Ribbons and Presentation Boxes

The way a medallion is presented contributes to the recipient’s experience.

Choosing a Medal Ribbon

Ribbons can complement sporting team colours, school uniforms, corporate branding or event themes.

A well-chosen ribbon also creates a consistent appearance when multiple awards are presented together.

For example, a school sports day could use matching ribbons across several events, while a tournament might differentiate award categories using colour.

VB Trophies offers a dedicated selection of medal ribbons that customers can explore alongside their awards.

Choosing a Presentation Box

Presentation boxes are particularly suitable for commemorative medallions, milestone achievements and formal recognition ceremonies.

They help protect the award and give it a defined place for presentation or storage.

Before ordering, check that the box accommodates the chosen medallion’s diameter and thickness.

Browse the available medal boxes and presentation options to compare suitable styles.

Which Medallion Design Is Best for Your Event?

The ideal design depends on what the award is intended to recognise.

Occasion	Design considerations
Sporting competitions	Gold, silver and bronze finishes, sport-specific artwork and ribbons
School presentations	School crest, award title and recipient’s name
Corporate recognition	Company logo, subtle finish and professional engraving
Charity events	Event identity, participation message and consistent design
Commemorative occasions	Important dates, anniversary artwork and presentation packaging

For a large community sporting event, a coordinated range of medals may be the most practical choice.

For a retirement presentation or major anniversary, a more decorative medallion with a carefully engraved message may be more appropriate.

There is no need to make every award elaborate. A simple design with accurate personalisation often communicates recognition more effectively than an overcrowded one.

How to Prepare Your Custom Medallion Order

Good preparation helps reduce artwork errors and last-minute changes.

Step 1: Confirm the Quantity

Determine how many awards are required, including any spare medals for additional participants or unexpected presentation changes.

If several award categories are involved, separate the quantities for each design or finish.

Step 2: Choose the Design and Personalisation

Decide whether an existing medal design meets your needs or whether a fully bespoke medallion is necessary.

Prepare logos, text, colours and other design details before ordering.

Step 3: Check Engraving Information

Review the spelling of every recipient’s name, the event title and any relevant dates.

For awards requiring different inscriptions, organise the information clearly so it can be matched to the correct item.

Step 4: Confirm Production Requirements

Ask about the availability of your chosen design, any minimum quantities, artwork requirements and the production time for the specific personalisation requested.

Allow additional time where original tooling or complex artwork is involved.

Step 5: Arrange Presentation and Delivery

Check whether ribbons, medal boxes or other accessories are needed.

Confirm delivery arrangements against the event date, rather than assuming that all award styles have the same turnaround time.

VB Trophies is based in Royston, Hertfordshire, and serves customers across the UK. Local customers can also enquire about collection or arrange a showroom appointment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Custom Medallions

A few simple checks can prevent disappointing results.

Overcrowding the artwork: Too much text makes the design difficult to read. Prioritise the most important information.

Using unsuitable logo files: Low-resolution artwork may lose detail when reduced to medal size.

Confusing finish with material: A gold-coloured coating is different from a solid gold medallion. Check the product description.

Forgetting presentation accessories: Ribbons and boxes can affect the finished presentation and should be considered from the beginning.

Leaving personalisation too late: Engraved names and custom artwork should be reviewed before production.

Assuming all medals can be customised identically: Available engraving surfaces, artwork methods and manufacturing options vary between products.

Taking time to confirm these details can make the ordering process more straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Medallions

What is the difference between a custom medal and a custom medallion?

The terms frequently overlap. Medals are often worn on ribbons, particularly for sporting achievements, while medallions may be larger commemorative or presentation pieces. The specific design and intended use determine which is most suitable.

Can a custom medallion include a club crest or business logo?

Yes, many award designs can incorporate logos through engraving, printed centres or specialist manufacturing methods. The available technique depends on the product, artwork and material.

What is the best material for a personalised medallion?

There is no single best material. Zinc alloy can suit detailed cast designs, while brass may appeal to customers seeking a traditional metallic appearance. The design, budget, weight and engraving requirements should guide the choice.

Can I order personalised medallions in different finishes?

Gold, silver and bronze finishes are common options for awards. The exact colours, sizes and available combinations depend on the chosen product range.

How far in advance should I order custom medallions?

Order as early as practical, particularly if the medallions require individual engraving, complex artwork or bespoke manufacturing. Production requirements vary, so confirm the schedule with the supplier before setting expectations for your event.

Create Meaningful Recognition with VB Trophies

A well-designed custom medallion should reflect the achievement it represents.

The right material, finish, personalisation and presentation can turn a simple award into a lasting reminder of an important occasion.

Established in 1981, VB Trophies combines its experience in the awards industry with in-house engraving and a broad range of personalised recognition products. From local sporting clubs and schools in Hertfordshire to organisations arranging events across the UK, customers can explore options for different occasions and presentation requirements.

Whether you need personalised sports medals, engraved commemorative awards or advice about a bespoke design, start by exploring the medal collection at VB Trophies.

For help choosing an appropriate award or discussing personalisation, contact VB Trophies to explain your requirements.