Custom Medal Craftsmanship Comparison Guide

Custom medals can be made with different materials, 2D or 3D molds, plating finishes, surface effects, and moving parts. Each choice affects the medal’s weight, appearance, feel, and production cost. Use the comparison below to see how these options differ and choose the specifications that fit your event and budget.

The mold shapes the medal’s relief, depth, and overall contours. Custom medals can be made with details on one side, both sides, or a combination of 2D and 3D elements. Raised areas create an embossed effect, while recessed areas produce engraved details.

Compare pricing for 3D/custom-shaped medals versus flat medals — what are typical additional costs and who charges least?

Flat 2D medals usually use simpler molds, while three-dimensional 3D designs require more complex molding processes, which can also result in higher production costs. GS-JJ and other factory-direct suppliers can offer 2D, 3D, and mixed designs, such as combining flat areas with raised details. For a detailed breakdown of mold fees and complete unit pricing, read our guide to custom medal prices and costs.

The plating finish affects a custom medal’s appearance, surface texture, and durability. Choosing the right finish can bring out fine details and create different looks, from a bright polished surface to an antique finish or two-tone contrast.

Both UV Print and UV 3D Print deliver high-definition, full-color graphics without custom mold fees. Selecting between them depends on whether your design calls for an ultra-fast flat finish or layered tactile relief.

Translucent Color and Transparent UV Print both utilize see-through pigments to reveal the underlying substrate, differing in whether they rely on traditional enamel containment or digital direct printing.

The main difference comes down to the type of shimmer. Glitter contains visible particles that create a more pronounced sparkle, whereas Pearlescent gives the enamel a softer sheen with a smoother appearance.

Different pigments respond to different conditions. Glow-in-the-dark pigments store and release light after exposure to a light source. Photochromic pigments react to UV light by changing color, while thermochromic pigments respond to changes in temperature.

Dynamic award components come in many forms, from simple central rotating pieces to ball bearings and multi-layer disks, and everything in between. Their main differences lie in the duration of rotation, mechanical details, and the complexity of the manufacturing process.

To compare the best custom medal options for finisher medals with moving parts or multi-layer designs — who can make them and at what cost? Direct-factory manufacturers like GS-JJ specialize in multi-part hardware assembly and precision rotational alignment, providing complete kinetic customization at direct factory rates.

Ribbons are easy to overlook during the design stage, but they affect how a medal is worn, presented, and stored. 

Other details matter too. Jump rings, ribbon loops, and safety clips connect the medal to the ribbon, while velvet boxes, pouches, and display frames provide different ways to package or present it. For more connector and packaging options, see our custom medal packaging plus accessories guide.