A medal, also known as medallion is a kind of round and flat piece of metal that bears a special recognition for any field whether sports, science, academic or military; or any other achievements. The medal is formed by either sculpting or casting or molding or stamping or striking with a special symbol. It might either be awarded to an organization or an individual to mark the special achievements.
Whether you want a medal for spiritual, religious or for sporting purpose, the entire idea is to commemorate and to celebrate the victory of someone. In the Greek society, medals were given to celebrate the achievements of a sportsperson.
Features of Medals
- The front or the prime surface of medal is called ‘observe’, and it bears pictorial scene or portrait or some kind of image added with an inscription at the bottom of it or right at the top.
- Turn to the back of the medal, which is usually left blank and the surface is generally not used. However, sometimes, it might feature a small design.
- Well, you may find certain categories of medals bearing artistic renderings on it known as ‘observe’, that is, on the main surface and other information with details inscribed on the reverse side.
- You may find a rim in most of the metals, employed to manifest an inscription like privy mark, motto, assayer’s marking, engraver symbol, or any number in a series of digits.
The Colorful Ribbons Help a Lot
- Certain medals are designed to be hung from ribbons and incorporate a small piece of suspension right at the crest. With it a suspension ring is looped with through. The ribbon runs through the ring and is folded to let the medal hang out loosely like a pendant.
- There are medals which are pinned to the breast and it uses a small cut of ribbon piece that is directly attached to a bar where at a point a brooch pin is fixed. In most of the medals, the top bar is precisely hidden right under the ribbon and hence it is not visible. This renders a highly sensitive look and creates an overall appeal. Hence, it helps to create a complimentary design. The top bars are elaborately designed.
- A wide range of metals are used for designing medals.
- Platinum, gold and silver are the most cherished metals that have intrinsic value that goes beyond the artistic elaboration as you find on a medal.
- Those medals designed out of inexpensive metals are usually silver plated, gilded, or chased. Besides, these are finished in a range of other ways so as to improve their appearances.
Have a Look at the Types of Metals Used
- Bronze is one of the most coveted metals used for designing medals. They are employed for making different types of medals owing to their low price range. Also, bronze is known for its ease and durability thus making it easy to cast it. Bronze is non-corrosive and it does not cause any allergic reaction to the wearer.
- Platinum is yet another rare metal used for designing medals
- Silver is used most commonly for making medals. Silver is valued as one of the most precious metals.
- Gold, a highly precious metal is used widely too. Used to honor the highly treasured achievements, gold is used for making medals.
- The base metals that are used include copper, alloy, aluminum, brass, iron, pewter, zinc, nickel, lead, etc.
History has it that medals have also been beautifully designed out of ivory, rock, terra cotta, gemstone, glass, paper, wood, plastics, lacquer ware and enamel. In contrast to those, designers are aware of a range of contemporary metals found that are employed for making these glorious pieces that you call, medals. So please connect with us here and get more detail for winning medals today!