A Deep Dive into the Craftsmanship of Awards Medals

Introduction to Awards Medals

What are awards medals? At their core, awards medals are tangible symbols of recognition, honor, and achievement. They are meticulously crafted objects, often made from metal, that serve to commemorate personal, professional, academic, or athletic excellence. While the term "medal" often brings to mind the iconic Olympic podium or military valor, the category is broad and includes a vast array of items such as awards pins and medals for corporate milestones, academic decathlons, and community service. These tokens are distinct from trophies or plaques in their typically smaller, wearable form, often suspended from a ribbon. Their purpose transcends mere decoration; they are physical narratives of accomplishment, designed to be held, displayed, and cherished. The craftsmanship involved in their creation elevates them from simple tokens to miniature works of art, embedding deep meaning into metal and enamel.

The historical significance of medals is profound, stretching back millennia. Ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Greeks, used medallions to honor military leaders, commemorate victories, and celebrate deities. These early precursors were often struck from precious metals and featured intricate portraits and scenes. The tradition evolved through the Middle Ages with religious pilgrimage badges and Renaissance portrait medals, which celebrated humanist ideals and individual patronage. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the production of medals became more systematized, often used by states to honor civic duty and scientific discovery. This rich history establishes medals not just as awards, but as cultural artifacts that reflect the values, artistic styles, and technological capabilities of their time. They are a continuous thread connecting modern recognition with ancient traditions of honor.

The role of medals in recognizing achievement is multifaceted. On a personal level, they provide a lasting, physical testament to hard work and success, boosting morale and fostering a sense of pride. Institutionally, they formalize and standardize recognition, creating a visible hierarchy of accomplishment, as seen in military decorations or academic honors. In the corporate world, custom awards pins and medals are powerful tools for employee engagement, reinforcing company values and motivating teams. Beyond formal institutions, the realm of awareness and remembrance has seen a significant rise in the use of custom awareness ribbon pins and personalized memorial ribbon pins. These specialized pins use color-coded ribbons and symbolic designs to show support for causes (like pink for breast cancer awareness) or to honor the memory of a loved one with personalized details. Whether celebrating a gold-medal performance or silently advocating for a cause, medals and pins serve as a universal language of recognition, solidarity, and memory.

The Manufacturing Process

Design and Sculpting

The journey of an award medal begins with an idea, translated into a two-dimensional design. This stage involves close collaboration between the client and the medal artist or designer to capture the essence of the award—its symbolism, text, and aesthetic. Once the 2D artwork is approved, the true artistry begins: sculpting. Traditionally, a master sculptor would create a three-dimensional model, often several times the size of the final medal, from clay or plaster. This oversized model allows for incredible detail that will be reduced and sharpened in the final product. Today, digital sculpting using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software is common, allowing for precise manipulation and easy revisions. However, many high-end manufacturers still employ master sculptors for critical projects, as the human touch can impart a unique vitality and depth to the design. This model, whether physical or digital, becomes the blueprint for all subsequent production steps.

Die-Striking and Casting Techniques

Transforming the design into metal primarily involves two techniques: die-striking and casting. Die-striking (or minting) is the method used for most mass-produced medals, including many awards pins and medals. It involves creating hardened steel dies—one with the obverse (front) design and one with the reverse. A blank metal planchet is placed between these dies, and a powerful press strikes it with immense force, impressing the design into the metal. This process produces sharp details, clean edges, and a consistent product. Sand casting or investment casting (lost-wax casting) is used for more complex, three-dimensional, or low-volume pieces. In investment casting, a wax model based on the sculpture is created, encased in a ceramic shell, and then melted out. Molten metal is poured into the resulting cavity. This technique allows for undercuts, high relief, and intricate details that striking cannot achieve, making it ideal for unique personalized memorial ribbon pins with delicate features.

Metal Selection and Finishing

The choice of metal fundamentally affects the medal's appearance, weight, cost, and longevity. Common base metals include zinc alloy, brass, copper, and iron. Precious metals like gold, silver, and bronze are used for higher-end awards. After the basic shape is created via striking or casting, the medal undergoes a series of finishing steps. This includes trimming excess flash (for cast pieces), filing, and sanding to smooth rough edges. The surface is then prepared for coloring through processes like polishing to a mirror shine, sandblasting for a matte texture, or antiquing with chemicals to highlight recessed details and give an aged, distinguished look. The finish sets the stage for any additional coloration or protective coatings.

Enameling and Plating Processes

Color is frequently introduced through enameling and plating. Enameling involves fusing powdered glass to the metal surface at high temperatures. Hard enamel (cloisonné) is ground flat and polished to a glossy, durable finish, often seen in high-quality military badges. Soft enamel, more common for custom awareness ribbon pins, involves filling color into recessed areas, leaving a tactile, differentiated surface that is then often coated with a protective epoxy resin. Plating applies a thin layer of a different metal over the base metal through electrochemical processes. Common platings include gold plating (varying in karat and thickness), silver plating, nickel, and antique copper or black nickel finishes. Rhodium plating is often used to prevent tarnish on silver-colored items. These processes allow for a vast spectrum of colors and effects, from the vibrant hues of an awareness ribbon to the classic luster of a gold-plated achievement medal.

Materials Used in Awards Medals

Gold, Silver, and Bronze

The classic triumvirate of gold, silver, and bronze is deeply ingrained in award culture, directly borrowed from the ancient Olympic tradition. In modern medal-making, solid gold is rare due to cost; instead, gold plating or gold-filled finishes over base metals like brass or sterling silver are standard. The thickness of the gold layer, measured in microns, significantly impacts durability and value. Silver medals are typically made from sterling silver (92.5% pure silver, alloyed with copper for strength) or are silver-plated. Solid bronze, an alloy primarily of copper and tin, is commonly used for third-place medals and has a distinctive, warm brown hue that can develop a rich patina over time. The choice among these three is not merely aesthetic but conveys a clear hierarchy of achievement recognized globally.

Other Metals and Alloys

Beyond the classics, a wide array of metals and alloys offer versatility and cost-effectiveness. Brass (copper and zinc) is a workhorse for base metal medals, accepting various platings and finishes beautifully. Zinc alloy (often Zamak) is extremely common for die-cast awards pins and medals due to its excellent casting properties, allowing for fine detail at a lower cost. Pewter, a malleable alloy primarily of tin, is popular for its low melting point and soft, antique-gray appearance. Stainless steel is chosen for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, ideal for medals that will be worn frequently or in harsh conditions. Aluminum is used for very large, lightweight, and cost-effective awards. The selection depends on the desired aesthetic, budget, production method, and intended use of the medal.

Enamel Types and Colors

Enamel provides the vibrant, durable color that brings medal designs to life. As mentioned, hard and soft enamels are the two primary types. The color palette is virtually limitless, with standard Pantone color matching ensuring brand consistency, crucial for custom awareness ribbon pins where specific colors carry universal meaning (e.g., red for AIDS awareness, teal for ovarian cancer). Modern epoxy resins and UV-cured coatings offer alternative coloring methods that are cost-effective for complex blends and gradients. The precision in enamel application is critical; it requires skilled artisans to ensure colors are filled correctly, remain within their designated cells (in cloisonné), and are fired or cured to a perfect, lasting finish. The quality of enameling is a key differentiator between mass-produced and artisan-crafted pieces.

Identifying and Authenticating Medals

Hallmarks and Maker's Marks

Authenticating a medal often starts with examining its markings. Hallmarks are official stamps that indicate the purity of precious metals. In Hong Kong, a significant hub for jewelry and medal manufacturing, hallmarks are assayed and registered at the Hong Kong Assay Office. Common marks include "925" for sterling silver, "750" for 18k gold, and the iconic Chinese dragon mark for items assayed in Hong Kong. Equally important are maker's marks—small logos, initials, or symbols stamped by the manufacturer or mint. Reputable makers, such as those supplying official awards pins and medals for major events in Hong Kong like the Standard Chartered Marathon or the Hong Kong International Film Awards, proudly mark their work. Identifying these marks through reference books or online databases is a primary step in verification.

Identifying Fake or Reproduction Medals

The market, unfortunately, includes fakes and reproductions. Key indicators of authenticity include weight (precious metals have a distinct heft), detail sharpness (genuine struck medals have crisp, non-fuzzy details), and edge finishing (look for seam lines indicative of casting versus the clean edge of a struck piece). Reproduction medals, often made for collectors, may be legally produced but should be clearly marked as such. Fake medals attempting to pass as originals may have incorrect details, poor-quality enameling, or use base metals with thin, worn plating. For personalized memorial ribbon pins, while faking is less common, authenticity lies in the provenance—purchasing from a reputable, established manufacturer ensures you receive a quality product as intended.

Grading the Condition of Medals

For collectors, grading condition is essential for valuation. The Sheldon scale, adapted from coin grading, is often used:

• Mint State (MS): Perfect, as-struck condition with original luster.
• Extremely Fine (XF/EF): Minimal wear on highest points, sharp details.
• Very Fine (VF): Light even wear, all major features sharp.
• Fine (F): Moderate wear, but design remains clear.
• Fair/Good: Heavy wear, with outlines visible but flat.

Factors considered include surface marks, scratches, toning (natural tarnish), edge nicks, and the state of any enamel or plating. A medal's history—whether it was actually awarded, worn, or stored—greatly impacts its grade. Proper care, as outlined in the next section, is crucial to preserving a high grade.

Caring for Your Awards Medals

Cleaning and Polishing Techniques

Improper cleaning is a leading cause of damage. The first rule is: when in doubt, don't clean. Many collectors value original patina. For basic maintenance, use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently remove dust and fingerprints. For silver medals with tarnish, use a specially formulated silver polish and a very soft cloth, applying minimal pressure. Avoid abrasive pastes or dips that can remove fine detail. Gold-plated and bronze medals should generally only be wiped with a damp cloth and dried immediately. Never clean enameled areas with metal polish; use only mild soap, water, and a soft toothbrush, drying thoroughly. For valuable or antique pieces, consultation with a professional conservator is always recommended.

Preventing Tarnish and Corrosion

Tarnish (silver sulfide) and corrosion (green verdigris on copper alloys) are chemical reactions with air and pollutants. Prevention is key. Handle medals with cotton gloves to prevent acidic oils from your skin from transferring. Control the environment by storing medals in a cool, dry place with stable temperature and low humidity (ideally below 50% RH). Use anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets in storage containers to absorb moisture and sulfurous gases. For display, ensure they are not in direct sunlight, which can fade enamels and accelerate chemical reactions. These simple precautions can preserve the brilliance of your awards pins and medals for generations.

Proper Storage and Handling

Proper storage is the ultimate protective measure. Individual medals should be placed in inert, archival-quality containers. Options include:

Storage Method	Best For	Notes
Acid-free paper envelopes or flips	Long-term storage, organization	Prevents PVC damage from plastic.
Archival plastic capsules (acrylic)	Display while protected	Allows viewing without handling.
Felt-lined display cases	Showcasing collections	Ensure wood is sealed to prevent acidic off-gassing.
Specialized medal albums	Collectors with many pieces	Provides individual slots and documentation space.

Always store medals separately to prevent them from scratching each other. This is especially important for delicate custom awareness ribbon pins and personalized memorial ribbon pins, where the enamel and plating can be easily damaged by contact with harder objects. By combining careful handling, a controlled environment, and appropriate storage, you ensure that these symbols of honor and memory retain their beauty and significance indefinitely.