A Professional Manufacturer for Challenge Coins, Badges, Medals & Trophies, Key chains, Embroidery & Woven Patches, and Other Custom Promotional Gifts.
A Professional Manufacturer for Challenge Coins, Badges, Medals & Trophies, Key chains, Embroidery & Woven Patches, and Other Custom Promotional Gifts.
In the world of sports, a medal is more than just a symbol of victory — it’s a tribute to the perseverance and dedication that athletes bring to the competition. As a leading manufacturer of medals and memorabilia in China, AQ PINS & GIFTS has built its reputation on years of industry experience and fine craftsmanship, offering high-quality, custom UV-printed metal and crystal medals to clients around the globe.
We produced this special medal exclusively for a Panamanian client’s sporting event. The design was inspired by the client’s deep appreciation for athletic spirit and their pride in Panama’s local culture. This is not a generic, mass-produced item — it was co-created with direct input from our client in Panama, specially designed to serve as a meaningful and emotional symbol of honor for their athletes — something truly personal and unforgettable.
The Origin of Medals in Sports Competitions
The tradition of awarding medals in sports competitions began with the modern Olympic Games, which were revived in 1896 by Pierre de Coubertin. However, the use of medals as symbols of achievement can be traced back to earlier times.
In ancient Greece, winners of the Olympic Games were honored with olive wreaths and great prestige, but not metal medals. The first use of medals in sports came during the Renaissance period in Europe, where gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded for artistic and academic achievements.
At the 1896 Athens Olympics, only silver medals and copper medals were given to the first and second-place finishers; winners received olive branches instead. It was at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics that gold, silver, and bronze medals were officially introduced for the top three places — a tradition that continues today.
Since then, medals have become a powerful symbol of excellence, effort, and national pride in sports around the world.
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Photo 1
Photo 2
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Metal + Crystal Medals – Product Details
We offer high-quality medals made from zinc alloy combined with crystal – a great choice for awards, recognition events, or special commemorations.
Material
The base of the medal is made from durable zinc alloy, which gives it a solid, premium feel and allows for detailed designs. The crystal element adds a touch of elegance with its clear, reflective surface.
Size
We can make the medals in any size you need. Whether you want something small and subtle or a larger, more eye-catching design, we’ve got you covered.
Plating Options
Choose from several plating finishes: gold, silver, copper, or black nickel. Each finish gives the medal a different look, so you can match your event’s theme or brand style.
Logo Printing
Your logo or design can be added using UV printing. This method produces sharp, colorful logos that are long-lasting and won’t easily fade or scratch off.
Ribbon (Included)
Each medal comes with a ribbon that can also be customized – you can choose the color and even add your logo to it for full branding.
Shape Customization
While most medals are round, we’re happy to create other shapes based on your preferences.
Want a star, shield, or custom design? No problem!
No Minimum Order
One of the best parts?
There’s no minimum order quantity. Whether you need just one unique medal or hundreds for a big event, we can handle it.
These zinc alloy + crystal medals combine style and flexibility, making them perfect for creating something truly special and memorable.
Metal and Crystal Medals: A Unique Craft with Timeless Appeal
How They’re Made Metal and crystal medals combine the strength of metal with the elegance of crystal, making them a popular choice for awards. The process starts with the metal base, usually made from zinc alloy due to its durability and ability to hold fine details. It is either die-cast or stamped into shape, then polished and plated with finishes like gold, silver, or nickel to enhance its appearance.
The crystal part is typically made from high-quality optical glass or acrylic. It’s cut and polished to ensure clarity and shine. This piece can be round, square, or custom-shaped to match the event's theme. Details such as logos, names, or event titles are often added using engraving, laser etching, or full-color printing.
Assembly Process Putting the medal together requires precision. The crystal is attached to the metal using strong glue, magnets, or by being embedded directly into the metal frame. Each method ensures that the final product looks seamless while staying secure.
Why They’re Popular This style of medal became widely used around the early 2000s, especially in Asia, where award design began focusing more on visual impact and creativity. Today, they are used globally in sports events, academic ceremonies, and corporate recognition programs. Their layered look gives them a unique edge over traditional flat medals.
Advantages and Drawbacks One major benefit is their elegant appearance and the design flexibility they offer. They are also lighter than solid metal medals, making them easier to carry. However, because of the crystal element, they can be more fragile and require careful handling and packaging. Production costs may also be slightly higher due to the extra materials and craftsmanship involved.
Who Uses Them? These medals are often chosen for special occasions—like championship games, graduation ceremonies, and company award nights. They are ideal for organizers who want to give out something that feels meaningful, stylish, and memorable. Whether it’s recognizing athletic achievement or celebrating academic excellence, metal and crystal medals deliver both beauty and significance.
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UV Printing on Metal and Crystal Medals – A Practical Guide
UV printing is a digital printing method that uses ultraviolet light to cure ink as it is applied onto a surface. It’s commonly used for printing on non-porous materials like metal and crystal, making it ideal for decorating medals.
How It Works
In UV printing, the design is first created using graphic software. The file is then loaded into a UV printer. As the printer jets the ink onto the medal, UV lights immediately cure or dry the ink. This allows for sharp, detailed prints that don’t smudge or fade easily.
Before printing, especially on smooth surfaces like crystal or polished metal, the surface may be cleaned or treated with a primer or plasma process to help the ink stick better.
History
UV printing has been around since the 1960s but became more common in commercial use from the 1990s onward. As environmental concerns grew over solvent-based inks, UV printing gained popularity because it produces little to no harmful emissions. By the early 2000s, the technology had improved enough to allow precise printing on small, curved, or shiny items like medals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
1. Sharp, full-color images with high detail
2. Quick drying time speeds up production
3. Resists fading, scratching, and weathering
4. Eco-friendly – low VOC emissions
5. Can print on hard-to-print surfaces with preparation
Cons:
1. Expensive equipment setup
2. Not ideal for textured surfaces
3. Requires special inks and regular maintenance
4. Adhesion can be an issue if not done right
Who Uses It
UV printing is widely used by trophy makers, event planners, and companies that produce custom awards. It's popular for sports medals, recognition plaques, school awards, and corporate gifts where personalization and durability matter.
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Copper
Gold
Black Nickel
Metal and Crystal Medals with Multi-Color Plating Options
Metal and crystal medals are a popular choice for awards in sports, education, and business recognition programs. These medals combine the shine and clarity of crystal with the strength and flexibility of metal.
The metal part of the medal is made from zinc alloy, known for its durability and excellent casting properties. This material provides a solid base for detailed designs and allows for various surface treatments. One major advantage is that it can be electroplated in different colors. Electroplating not only enhances the look but also protects the surface from damage over time.
Common plating choices include gold, silver, copper, and black nickel. Gold is usually used for top prizes, silver for second place, and copper for third place. Black nickel gives a unique, modern look and is often chosen for special categories or custom designs.
The crystal part is generally made from clear acrylic or real glass. It’s cut to reflect light and add sparkle to the design. Combining colored metal with shiny crystal creates a high-quality award that looks professional and elegant.
These medals can also be customized in shape, size, and finish. Designers can add engravings, polished surfaces, brushed textures, or antique effects based on the event theme or brand identity.
This type of medal works well for large events or personalized gifts. It offers both visual appeal and lasting quality, making it a meaningful way to recognize achievement.
Custom Medal Ribbons – Add Your Color and Logo
Medal ribbons play a key role in the overall look and feel of an award. They not only hold the medal securely but also offer a chance to showcase your style and identity.
We provide full customization options for medal ribbons, starting with color. Choose from a wide range of standard colors or match your corporate or team colors exactly. If you want to take it a step further, we can print your logo, slogan, or design directly onto the ribbon.
This level of personalization makes your medals more meaningful and professional. Whether it’s for a sporting event, school competition, or company recognition program, custom ribbons help your awards stand out.
Made from strong, high-quality materials, our ribbons are built to last and keep their color, even in tough conditions. Let us help you create medals that truly represent your brand or event.
Packaging Options for Award Medals
When it comes to award medals, proper packaging is important for protection and presentation. Common choices include bubble bags, which offer cushioning during shipping. OPP bags are clear and lightweight, allowing visibility while keeping the medal clean. Velvet boxes provide a soft, high-end feel—perfect for special occasions. Paper boxes are sturdy, customizable, and eco-friendly, making them a popular option. Other solutions like plastic cases, fabric pouches, and custom gift boxes also offer practical or decorative benefits. Each packaging type serves a different purpose. Choosing the right one depends on the medal’s value, use, and style. Good packaging ensures the medal stays in top condition while adding a professional touch.
In the world of sports, a medal is more than just a symbol of victory — it’s a tribute to the perseverance and dedication that athletes bring to the competition. As a leading manufacturer of medals and memorabilia in China, AQ PINS & GIFTS has built its reputation on years of industry experience and fine craftsmanship, offering high-quality, custom UV-printed metal and crystal medals to clients around the globe.
We produced this special medal exclusively for a Panamanian client’s sporting event. The design was inspired by the client’s deep appreciation for athletic spirit and their pride in Panama’s local culture. This is not a generic, mass-produced item — it was co-created with direct input from our client in Panama, specially designed to serve as a meaningful and emotional symbol of honor for their athletes — something truly personal and unforgettable.
The Origin of Medals in Sports Competitions
The tradition of awarding medals in sports competitions began with the modern Olympic Games, which were revived in 1896 by Pierre de Coubertin. However, the use of medals as symbols of achievement can be traced back to earlier times.
In ancient Greece, winners of the Olympic Games were honored with olive wreaths and great prestige, but not metal medals. The first use of medals in sports came during the Renaissance period in Europe, where gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded for artistic and academic achievements.
At the 1896 Athens Olympics, only silver medals and copper medals were given to the first and second-place finishers; winners received olive branches instead. It was at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics that gold, silver, and bronze medals were officially introduced for the top three places — a tradition that continues today.
Since then, medals have become a powerful symbol of excellence, effort, and national pride in sports around the world.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Photo 1
Photo 2
XXXXXXXX
Metal + Crystal Medals – Product Details
We offer high-quality medals made from zinc alloy combined with crystal – a great choice for awards, recognition events, or special commemorations.
Material
The base of the medal is made from durable zinc alloy, which gives it a solid, premium feel and allows for detailed designs. The crystal element adds a touch of elegance with its clear, reflective surface.
Size
We can make the medals in any size you need. Whether you want something small and subtle or a larger, more eye-catching design, we’ve got you covered.
Plating Options
Choose from several plating finishes: gold, silver, copper, or black nickel. Each finish gives the medal a different look, so you can match your event’s theme or brand style.
Logo Printing
Your logo or design can be added using UV printing. This method produces sharp, colorful logos that are long-lasting and won’t easily fade or scratch off.
Ribbon (Included)
Each medal comes with a ribbon that can also be customized – you can choose the color and even add your logo to it for full branding.
Shape Customization
While most medals are round, we’re happy to create other shapes based on your preferences.
Want a star, shield, or custom design? No problem!
No Minimum Order
One of the best parts?
There’s no minimum order quantity. Whether you need just one unique medal or hundreds for a big event, we can handle it.
These zinc alloy + crystal medals combine style and flexibility, making them perfect for creating something truly special and memorable.
Metal and Crystal Medals: A Unique Craft with Timeless Appeal
How They’re Made Metal and crystal medals combine the strength of metal with the elegance of crystal, making them a popular choice for awards. The process starts with the metal base, usually made from zinc alloy due to its durability and ability to hold fine details. It is either die-cast or stamped into shape, then polished and plated with finishes like gold, silver, or nickel to enhance its appearance.
The crystal part is typically made from high-quality optical glass or acrylic. It’s cut and polished to ensure clarity and shine. This piece can be round, square, or custom-shaped to match the event's theme. Details such as logos, names, or event titles are often added using engraving, laser etching, or full-color printing.
Assembly Process Putting the medal together requires precision. The crystal is attached to the metal using strong glue, magnets, or by being embedded directly into the metal frame. Each method ensures that the final product looks seamless while staying secure.
Why They’re Popular This style of medal became widely used around the early 2000s, especially in Asia, where award design began focusing more on visual impact and creativity. Today, they are used globally in sports events, academic ceremonies, and corporate recognition programs. Their layered look gives them a unique edge over traditional flat medals.
Advantages and Drawbacks One major benefit is their elegant appearance and the design flexibility they offer. They are also lighter than solid metal medals, making them easier to carry. However, because of the crystal element, they can be more fragile and require careful handling and packaging. Production costs may also be slightly higher due to the extra materials and craftsmanship involved.
Who Uses Them? These medals are often chosen for special occasions—like championship games, graduation ceremonies, and company award nights. They are ideal for organizers who want to give out something that feels meaningful, stylish, and memorable. Whether it’s recognizing athletic achievement or celebrating academic excellence, metal and crystal medals deliver both beauty and significance.
XXXX
XXXX
UV Printing on Metal and Crystal Medals – A Practical Guide
UV printing is a digital printing method that uses ultraviolet light to cure ink as it is applied onto a surface. It’s commonly used for printing on non-porous materials like metal and crystal, making it ideal for decorating medals.
How It Works
In UV printing, the design is first created using graphic software. The file is then loaded into a UV printer. As the printer jets the ink onto the medal, UV lights immediately cure or dry the ink. This allows for sharp, detailed prints that don’t smudge or fade easily.
Before printing, especially on smooth surfaces like crystal or polished metal, the surface may be cleaned or treated with a primer or plasma process to help the ink stick better.
History
UV printing has been around since the 1960s but became more common in commercial use from the 1990s onward. As environmental concerns grew over solvent-based inks, UV printing gained popularity because it produces little to no harmful emissions. By the early 2000s, the technology had improved enough to allow precise printing on small, curved, or shiny items like medals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
1. Sharp, full-color images with high detail
2. Quick drying time speeds up production
3. Resists fading, scratching, and weathering
4. Eco-friendly – low VOC emissions
5. Can print on hard-to-print surfaces with preparation
Cons:
1. Expensive equipment setup
2. Not ideal for textured surfaces
3. Requires special inks and regular maintenance
4. Adhesion can be an issue if not done right
Who Uses It
UV printing is widely used by trophy makers, event planners, and companies that produce custom awards. It's popular for sports medals, recognition plaques, school awards, and corporate gifts where personalization and durability matter.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Copper
Gold
Black Nickel
Metal and Crystal Medals with Multi-Color Plating Options
Metal and crystal medals are a popular choice for awards in sports, education, and business recognition programs. These medals combine the shine and clarity of crystal with the strength and flexibility of metal.
The metal part of the medal is made from zinc alloy, known for its durability and excellent casting properties. This material provides a solid base for detailed designs and allows for various surface treatments. One major advantage is that it can be electroplated in different colors. Electroplating not only enhances the look but also protects the surface from damage over time.
Common plating choices include gold, silver, copper, and black nickel. Gold is usually used for top prizes, silver for second place, and copper for third place. Black nickel gives a unique, modern look and is often chosen for special categories or custom designs.
The crystal part is generally made from clear acrylic or real glass. It’s cut to reflect light and add sparkle to the design. Combining colored metal with shiny crystal creates a high-quality award that looks professional and elegant.
These medals can also be customized in shape, size, and finish. Designers can add engravings, polished surfaces, brushed textures, or antique effects based on the event theme or brand identity.
This type of medal works well for large events or personalized gifts. It offers both visual appeal and lasting quality, making it a meaningful way to recognize achievement.
Custom Medal Ribbons – Add Your Color and Logo
Medal ribbons play a key role in the overall look and feel of an award. They not only hold the medal securely but also offer a chance to showcase your style and identity.
We provide full customization options for medal ribbons, starting with color. Choose from a wide range of standard colors or match your corporate or team colors exactly. If you want to take it a step further, we can print your logo, slogan, or design directly onto the ribbon.
This level of personalization makes your medals more meaningful and professional. Whether it’s for a sporting event, school competition, or company recognition program, custom ribbons help your awards stand out.
Made from strong, high-quality materials, our ribbons are built to last and keep their color, even in tough conditions. Let us help you create medals that truly represent your brand or event.
Packaging Options for Award Medals
When it comes to award medals, proper packaging is important for protection and presentation. Common choices include bubble bags, which offer cushioning during shipping. OPP bags are clear and lightweight, allowing visibility while keeping the medal clean. Velvet boxes provide a soft, high-end feel—perfect for special occasions. Paper boxes are sturdy, customizable, and eco-friendly, making them a popular option. Other solutions like plastic cases, fabric pouches, and custom gift boxes also offer practical or decorative benefits. Each packaging type serves a different purpose. Choosing the right one depends on the medal’s value, use, and style. Good packaging ensures the medal stays in top condition while adding a professional touch.
Our diverse range of products includes commemorative coins, lapel pins, medals, trophy, key chains, embroidered & woven patches, lanyards, balloons, PVC & silicone gifts, and other promotional items.
