Top 7 Custom Medal Makers Recommendations
Ethan Carter
Do you want custom medals for your event? You've come to the right place! Our guide can help you select a suitable maker.
The suitable maker is important to your purchasing experience and the quality of the product you receive. We've compiled a list of seven leading manufacturers in the custom medal market. Use this article to determine which manufacturer is best for you.
I. Who are the top medals manufacturers?
1. Crown Awards
Crown Awards is the largest award manufacturer in the United States, with 40 years of experience, offering the widest selection of custom awards. Whether it's a brand collaboration, school event, or competition award ceremony, Crown Awards can customize the award to your needs.
●Design options
Custom Antique Awards
Custom Shiny Awards
Custom Dyed Awards
Custom Glitter Awards
Custom Rhinestone Awards
●Pricing
Custom awards require an inquiry before a quote is received.
In-stock awards start at $1.29 each.
●Minimum quantity-Orders must be at least 50.
●Turnaround time
Custom awards require a 3-4 week turnaround time.
Crown Awards products in stock can be shipped the same day if ordered before 5 pm.
●Business hours
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 AM.
Weekends: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
2. GSJJ
GSJJ is one of the top suppliers of medal-making, dedicated to providing fast service and high-quality products.
We operate our own factory, eliminating middlemen and ensuring strict quality control, ensuring you receive high-quality products.
In addition to custom medals, GSJJ also stocks medals for you to check out. You can also visit our medal display area to view previously customized medals for design inspiration.
●Design options
Award Medals
Acrylic Sport Medals
Glitter Medals
Rhinestone Medals
Bottle Opener Medals
Cut-out Medals
Custom Spinner Medals
3D Medals
Glow in the Dark Medals
Epoxy Dome Medals
●Pricing-As Low as $1.64/pc
●Minimum quantity-No minimum order quantity required. Any quantity is acceptable.
●Turnaround time-Custom medal turnaround time typically takes 7-30 days.
●Business hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Pacific Time (PT)
3. Edco Awards
Edco Awards is a leading manufacturer of custom awards with 50 years of experience. They offer customized corporate recognition gifts, athletic medals, trophies, and more.
Edco Awards also offers stock items. If you don't have your own design, you can choose from stock items to save time and receive your order faster.。
●Design options
Custom Wreath Medal
Custom Star MedalsCustom Die Cast Medals Custom Insert Medals
Diamond Star Medals
●Pricing-As Low as $2.49/pc
●Minimum quantity-We do not have a set order quantity; we can order any quantity.
●Turnaround time-Expedited service available, shipping within 1-3 business days to any location in the United States.
●Business hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
4. Medalcraft Mint
Medalcraft makes all of its medals in the U.S., handling both design and production on-site to keep quality steady. American-made products can sometimes feel pricey, but Medalcraft manages to stay reasonably affordable. For anyone looking for reliable medals without stretching the budget too far, they’re definitely worth considering.
They also provide a medal display area, where you can explore different designs and find one that fits your needs.
●Design options
Enamel Medal
Translucent Medal
Printed Medal
Eprom Engraving Medal
Diamond Drag Engraving Medal
●Pricing-The company doesn't provide specific quotes; you'll need to fill out an online form to request a quote.
●Minimum quantity-The minimum order quantity for custom designs at Medalcraft Mint is 100 units to avoid additional fees. While they can produce fewer than 100 units, a "less than minimum charge" will be added to the order.
●Turnaround time-The company does not provide an exact timeline for production. Urgent requests should be directed to customer service, who can clarify scheduling. Instead of fixed office hours, they make themselves available by phone and email at all times.
5. Maxwell Medals & Awards
Maxwell Medals & Awards, headquartered in Traverse City, is a veteran medal manufacturer with 40 years of experience. Serving tens of thousands of customers, they offer extensive custom experience, advanced designs, high-quality products, and prompt service.
●Design options
Custom Acrylic Medals
Custom Wooden Medals
Spin Cast Medals
Colorman Medals
Custom Glass Medals
Custom PVC Medals
Die Struck Medals
●Pricing-As Low as $1.58 per piece
●Minimum quantity-There is no specific quantity limit. If you would like to order a quantity not listed on our website, please call customer service for a quote.
●Turnaround time
Production takes 4-5 weeks, and shipping takes 1-5 days.
●Business hours
Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm EST
6. Gem Awards
Started as a small family business, Gem Awards has grown into one of the country’s fastest-rising makers of custom awards. Today, they craft medals for schools, businesses, and community events nationwide, always aiming to deliver products with a personal touch.
●Design options
Fusion Custom Medal
Scallop Custom Medal
Arrow Custom Medal
Mega Custom Medals
●Pricing
Custom medals are priced under $7.50.
●Minimum quantity
There is no minimum order quantity; any quantity is acceptable.
●Turnaround time
All custom medals typically ship within 24 hours. Larger orders may take a while, but they ship within three business days.
●Business hours
They don't have their opening hours listed.
7. Just Award Medals
Just Award Medals is a full-service custom medal manufacturer, providing excellent service and high-quality products to many customers. Most of their products are directly manufactured, eliminating the need for middlemen to take a cut.
In addition to custom products, Just Award Medals also offers stock items. If you don't have your own medal design, you can choose a stock item for faster delivery.
●Design options
Rotated Custom Medals
Double-Layered Custom Medals
Custom Crystal Inlay Medals
Zephyr Opal Inlay Medals
●Pricing-Starting from just $2.60
●Minimum quantity-Orders must be a minimum of 30 medals.
●Turnaround time
Production and shipping take about 3-10 business days.
●Business hours
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (CST)
II. Frequently asked questions when customizing medal
1. What are the steps to customize a medal?
Step 1-Finalize the medal designs
After selecting a medal manufacturer, you can share your design ideas with them or have them help you refine the design.
Step 2-Complete the medal model
The model is the basis for custom medals and can be customized into any shape or size.
Step 3-Die stamping
There are 3 types of die-casting: iron die-casting with soft enamel, and brass die-casting with hard enamel. Zinc die casting is an expensive metal casting process that is typically used when complex shapes, cutouts, or large dimensions are required.
Step 4-Polishing
Polishing is the process of creating a shiny, smooth surface through friction or chemical action, creating a distinct mirror-like reflection. Polishing also minimizes diffuse reflection. Polishing before painting will create a bumpy appearance, representing a soft enamel. Painting before polishing will create a smooth finish, representing a hard enamel.
Step 5-Electroplating or dyeing
Electroplating is a surface coating process where metal is deposited onto a conductive surface, resulting in a color that is nearly identical to the metal. Dyeing adds color to textiles such as fabrics, fibers, and yarns. The color is your choice.
Step 6-Coloring
If you want to make your own medals look more colorful, you’ll need to use colorants. Coloring can be done by machine or manually.
Step 7-Select ribbon
You can choose from stock ribbon or no ribbon at all. You can also choose to customize it if you make the ribbon look more personal first. Submit your design and we'll produce it for you.
Step 8-Packaging options
GSJJ provides 4 kinds of packaging options: bubble bag, plastic box, velvet bag, and velvet box. The bubble bag is free, while the other three packaging options are available for an additional fee. You can choose the packaging of the product according to your budget and usage occasion.
2. Do I need to provide a complete design?
If you already have a complete design, you can submit it directly to the medal manufacturer for customization.
If you don't have your own design, you can share your ideas with the manufacturer and have them submit a medal design based on your ideas for your approval.
Of course, before choosing a coin manufacturer, you should also check whether they have a design team to assist you with the design. If they don't have a design team to assist you with the design, you will have to submit a complete design.
3. Are there any recommendations for medal size and shape?
The size and shape of medals can be customized based on the intended use, design, and other factors.
Custom medal sizes
●Schools-Schools typically choose a 2.5-inch size for custom medals, which is a moderate size. Customers sometimes also order medals smaller than 2.5 inches.
●Clubs-Clubs often choose smaller sizes when designing their own custom medals, which are both portable and elegant.
●Other Customers-Other customers design medals based on their own needs. Large medals are 5 inches, while small medals are 1 inch.
Custom medal shapes
●Round-The most common medal shape is round, the most popular and classic. The round medals also provide ample space for design.
●Custom Shapes-If you would like to personalize your medals, custom shapes such as hearts and hexagons are also available.
4. What materials are commonly used for medals?
The following are the commonly used medal materials I know of:
●Precious metals–Gold or silver medals instantly feel special. You usually see them at high-level competitions like the Olympics. Honestly, holding one gives you that “wow” moment.
●Alloys-Brass and zinc alloys are more practical for everyday events. They’re solid, look decent, and won’t cost too much. Perfect if you don’t need Olympic-level prestige.
●Wood-Wooden medals have a certain charm, and they’re eco-friendly. If your event is all about sustainability, wood is surprisingly fitting.
●PVC-Lightweight and durable, plus it comes in almost any color. PVC medals are fun to customize, and they’re really easy to handle for casual awards.
●Resin-Very versatile and budget-friendly. Resin lets you experiment with shapes and designs without spending too much. I’ve seen some really creative resin medals that stand out.
5. How long does it take to make a custom medal?
Custom medals generally take 1-5 weeks to be custom-made. Each company's production capacity varies, and production time can be affected by factors such as design and order quantity.
III. Conclusion
Based on this article, you can contact the manufacturer you're interested in for more detailed inquiries. By understanding the manufacturer in more detail, you can better select the one that best suits your needs and customize a higher-quality product.
Top 10 Creative Medal Shape Designs
Special and distinct-shaped medals are an important aspect in uplifting a brand image and overall event awareness. Medals can be customized to offer a non-standard shape, allowing for a bold and visual expression of theme, values, and brand identity.
With the increasing phenomenon of sports events, corporate awards, and themed competitions that are creating memorable experiences, we do see the desire for custom medals to increase. A shaped medal can improve the feel of prestige for an event, while providing participants with a memory that represents the story behind their accomplishment.
How to Choose the Right Medal Size?
Medals signify respect and honor. Medals often have a special meaning to these athletes because they represent respect and recognition in the public eye for their strength, and of a reward for their success.
Sports events are just one of the scenarios where medals are used; we also see medals at company celebrations and academic competitions. A closer look reveals that medals come in a variety of sizes. While you might think they're simply a design choice, the following information will explain the many factors involved in choosing the right medal size.
The Ultimate Guide to Designing Your Own Medals
What are custom medals? Medals are typically made of common metals, wood, PVC, or other materials, attached to a ribbon that forms the medal. Medals are round, but can be customized into any irregular shape and they are most commonly seen in sports competitions, with gold, silver, and bronze medals available. These medals are designed for specific competitions and are unique, holding commemorative significance.
However, medals are no longer limited to sports; they can be found all around us, as company incentives and event commemorations.
Why are custom medals so important? Medals symbolize recognition, and medals from major sports events, such as the Olympic Games, are highly collectible. Also, Medals themselves may be valuable, true value lies in the meaning people ascribe to them— the sense of accomplishment they bring and the honor and commemorative value they convey. Upon receiving a medal, people often display it on a cabinet or carefully store it in a box.
Custom medals can be permanently engraved with the competition theme, logo, and date. For example, a company's sales champion medal can be engraved with information such as the name and date. This physical gift of first place not only motivates employees to continuously improve but also fosters team spirit.