What accessories are available for award medals?
Award medal accessories can improve the way medals are worn, presented, protected and displayed. Popular options include neck ribbons and neckbands, medal display racks and holders, presentation cases, medal plaques, easels and velveteen pouches. Accessories are also available for related recognition products such as lapel pins and award plaques.
Neck ribbons make medals ready to wear during an awards ceremony, while cases and pouches help create a more polished presentation and protect the award afterward. Medal display racks and plaques allow recipients to showcase medals they have earned rather than storing them in drawers or boxes. Choosing the right accessories can make even an economical medal feel more complete and memorable.
How do I choose the right neck ribbon or neckband for an award medal?
When choosing a neck ribbon or neckband for an award medal, consider the medal size, attachment method, ribbon width, color and overall presentation. Many organizations select ribbon colors that coordinate with a school, team, league, company or event theme. Themed neckbands are also available which may display unique themed graphics such as basketballs, soccer balls, etc.
Neck ribbons can also help distinguish different award levels or divisions. For example, different neckband colors can be used for first, second and third place, age groups, competition levels or individual events. Wider (typically 1-1/2" wide neckbands) or more substantial neckbands may create a more premium appearance for championship medals, while economical ribbons (7/8" wide neckbands) work well for large tournaments, races and participation awards. Always make sure the ribbon attachment is compatible with the medal being used, (typically a "quick clip" or round jump ring.) For the most part you will find attachment hardware available in bright gold, although with custom die cast medals, such hardware is often available in other finished like silver and bronze.
Can I replace the ribbon or neckband on an existing medal?
Yes. In many cases, replacement medal ribbons and neckbands can be purchased separately and used with existing medals. This is useful when a ribbon becomes damaged, when medals are being reused for a new event, or when an organization wants to change colors to match a school, team or tournament. Neckbands with quick clips, instead of just a jump ring make it easy for quick replacement or attachment to your award medals. Before ordering replacement ribbons, check the medal's attachment point and the clip or connector used on the ribbon. Different medal styles may require different attachment methods. Replacing the ribbon can be a simple and inexpensive way to update the appearance of an existing award without replacing the medal itself.
What is the best way to display award medals?
The best way to display award medals depends on the number of medals, available wall or shelf space and how prominently the recipient wants to showcase them. Wall-mounted medal display racks and medal holders are popular because multiple medals can be hung by their ribbons and displayed together in one organized location. Such medal displays include the popular Swagger Hanger from Justawardmedals available in many sport and activity themes such as running, volleyball, soccer, wrestling, etc.
Medal displays work especially well for runners, swimmers, wrestlers, gymnasts and other athletes who accumulate awards over several seasons or events. Medal plaques offer another option when a more formal presentation is desired. Individual medals can also be displayed in presentation cases or on stands. A good medal display turns an award collection into a visual record of accomplishments instead of leaving medals stored away.
How do medal wall display racks and holders work?
Medal wall display racks and holders are designed to organize and showcase award medals by hanging them from their neck ribbons. Depending on the design, a display may hold several medals or a much larger collection and can be mounted on a bedroom, office, workout room, trophy room or other wall.
Wall-mounted displays are particularly useful for athletes who regularly compete in races, tournaments or meets and continue adding medals over time. Some displays emphasize the medals themselves, while others incorporate decorative shapes, sport themes or motivational elements. When selecting a display, consider how many medals you currently have and whether you will need additional capacity for future awards.
What are medal presentation cases used for?
Medal presentation cases are used to enhance the presentation of an award while also providing protection and storage. A case can make a medal feel more substantial when it is presented at a championship, banquet, graduation, corporate event or awards ceremony.
Presentation cases can also help protect medals from scratches, dust and damage during transportation or long-term storage. They are especially appropriate for championship medals, commemorative awards, academic recognition and other situations where the medal is intended to be kept as a lasting keepsake. Because medal sizes vary, the award medal case should be selected to fit the specific award.
Are display and presentation cases available for lapel pins?
Yes. Presentation and display cases for lapel pins can provide a more professional way to present, protect and store recognition pins. A case is especially useful when a lapel pin is being presented for years of service, academic achievement, membership, leadership, a championship or another important accomplishment.
Instead of handing the recipient a loose pin, a presentation case gives the award a more finished appearance and provides a convenient place to store it afterward. Cases can also help prevent pins from becoming scratched, bent or lost. As with medals, check the size and style of the lapel pin to make sure the selected case provides an appropriate fit.
What are medal plaques and how are they used?
Medal plaques provide a way to turn an individual medal into a more substantial display award. The medal is incorporated into or mounted on a plaque, allowing it to be displayed on a wall or presented as a more formal recognition piece.
This can work well for championship medals, academic awards, special achievements, retirement recognition or any situation where the medal deserves a permanent display. A plaque may also provide additional space for engraving or personalization such as the recipient's name, event, achievement, team or date. Medal plaques combine the familiar symbolism of a medal with the display presence of a traditional plaque.
When should I use an easel to display an award or plaque?
An award plaque easel is useful when you want to display an award on a desk, shelf, table, reception area or display case rather than mounting it on a wall. Easels can be especially helpful for plaques, recognition pieces and awards that may be moved or displayed temporarily.
They can also enhance the presentation of an award during a banquet, ceremony or event by holding the award upright before or after it is presented. When selecting an easel, consider the size, weight and orientation of the plaque or award to make sure the display stand provides adequate support and presents the award at an attractive viewing angle.
What are velveteen award pouches used for?
Velveteen award pouches provide an economical way to improve presentation while protecting an award during transportation and storage. They can be used for medals, acrylic awards, plaques, crystal & glass awards and other recognition products when a full presentation case is not necessary.
A pouch can help protect the surface of an award from scratches and gives recipients a convenient place to store it after the ceremony or event. Velveteen pouches are particularly useful for tournaments, schools, corporate recognition and other programs where many awards are being distributed and organizers want a more finished presentation without the added size or expense of individual hard cases.
