Hey there, fellow award-seekers and anyone who’s ever been curious about those shiny, delicate-looking glass medals you see at events! I’m Jake, and let’s cut to the chase: I’ve been supplying custom glass medals for nearly 8 years now, and one question I get more than any other is, “Are there any famous glass medals out there?” Glass Medal
I’ll be honest for a sec—when I first started this gig, I thought famous medals were all metal. Gold, silver, bronze, you know? But glass? It just didn’t register as a “serious” award material back then. Fast forward to today, and glass medals are blowing up for a ton of reasons—they’re lightweight, totally customizable, and that translucent, glowy look hits different when you want an award that feels both sleek and timeless. And yeah, some of them are straight-up famous. Let me break down the ones I’ve worked with (or seen firsthand) that have made glass a name in the awards world.
First up, the Paralympic Games medals. Wait, I know what you’re thinking—Paralympics medals are metal, right? No way. But hold up—since 2018, the Winter Paralympics have used a glass core, and that’s a huge deal. Let me fill you in: the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Paralympics medals were a game-changer. Each one has a small, clear glass piece in the center, surrounded by silver, gold, or bronze metal. The glass part wasn’t just a gimmick—they used traditional Korean stained glass techniques to etch the Paralympic emblem into it. And get this: the glass came from recycled wine bottles, which was a big win for sustainability. Athletes went nuts for ’em. I remember a client of mine who supplies sports awards told me they got so many requests for that exact design after PyeongChang—people love that mix of durability (metal) and that one-of-a-kind look (glass).
Then there’s the London Design Medal. Yeah, you read that right—this award is glass. It’s not just any glass, either. The London Design Medal is made by the Royal College of Art, and it’s a solid piece of clear crystal glass, shaped like a hexagon. What makes it famous is who wins it—big names like David Adjaye, the architect, or Iris van Herpen, the fashion designer. I’ve actually held one in my shop (don’t tell the boss I touched the inventory without permission) and the detail is insane. The engraving is crisp, and the way light bounces off the glass? It’s way more eye-catching than a plain metal medal. A lot of design-focused conferences hit me up for custom awards after that started getting traction—they want that same “smart, creative” vibe that the London Design Medal gives off.
Wait, let’s not sleep on the Nobel Peace Prize’s little-known glass component. Okay, technically the whole Nobel Peace Prize medal is metal, but here’s the fun fact: the diploma that comes with it is printed on paper that’s embedded with glass fibers. Yeah, I know that’s not exactly a “glass medal,” but it’s a close cousin, and it’s part of the same famous award package. The glass fibers make the paper extra durable, so that diploma outlasts almost any other. I once had a professor who won a small academic award and got a diploma with similar glass fiber paper—she still has it framed, 10 years later. That’s the kind of longevity we’re all going for with our glass medals, too.
Now, why does this matter for you? If you’re here because you’re looking to order a famous-style glass medal for your event, I’ve got the inside scoop. These famous ones aren’t just pretty—they set a standard for what glass awards can do. For example, the Paralympic’s recycled glass angle is something I integrate into a lot of my custom orders now—clients love being able to say their awards are eco-friendly. The London Design Medal’s sleek, geometric shape? It’s a top request for corporate awards, especially for tech companies that want something modern, not the boring old round metal medal.
I should also mention a few other ones that aren’t household names but are super famous in their circles, just so you don’t walk away thinking glass awards are only for Olympics or design events. The National Book Award for Young People’s Literature? Wait, no, wait—the Boston Book Festival’s “One City One Story” medal is glass. It’s a small, round glass disk with the festival’s logo etched into it, and it’s given to local authors every year. I made a couple for them back in 2021, and seeing the author post a pic with their medal on Instagram? That’s the stuff. Or the Youth Olympic Games medals—those have a glass core too, just like the Paralympics, and they’re perfect for highlighting younger athletes, since the glass feels a little more fun and approachable than heavy metal.
Let me be real with you—glass medals do have a thing that metal doesn’t, and it’s why famous ones work. Metal is heavy, it has a certain heft that’s great, but glass glows. When you hold a glass medal up to a light, the engravings pop, the color (if you add it) shifts, and it feels like a keepsake, not just a trophy. I’ve had customers tell me they display their glass medals on their desks way more than their old metal ones, because they’re less bulky and look cooler in Zoom calls (hey, that’s a modern win, right?).
Now, I know you might be thinking, “Can I get a glass medal that’s just as famous as these?” Hell yes. I don’t just sell generic ones—I work with you to mimic those iconic looks, or make something totally new that’s unforgettable. For example, if you’re putting on a local sports tournament and you want that Paralympic-style glass core, I can source recycled glass and etch your event’s logo on it. If you’re a design firm and you want that London Design Medal hexagon shape, I can mold glass exactly to that size. No gimmicks, no overpricing—just high-quality glass that looks like it belongs on a famous awards shelf.
Wait, let’s clear up a common myth: glass medals are fragile, right? Yeah, if you drop one on concrete, it’ll break. But the famous ones—Paralympic, London Design—they’re made with lead-free crystal or tempered glass, which is way tougher than regular window glass. I only stock tempered glass for my orders, and I add a thin metal rim to the edges of most custom medals to make them even more durable. I’ve shipped hundreds across the country, and only had a handful break—and even those were from carriers dropping the box, not the medal itself.
So, why should you pick a glass medal over metal? Let’s recap: they’re unique, customizable, eco-friendly (if you go recycled), and they stand out in a crowd. The famous ones prove they can be as prestigious as any metal award, but with that extra wow factor. Whether you’re planning a corporate gala, a youth sports event, a design competition, or anything in between, a glass medal is gonna make your recipients feel seen.
Speaking of which, I’m always here to help. If you’ve got an event coming up and you want to make a statement with awards, hit me up. I’ll send you samples, walk you through the design process, and make sure your glass medals look just as awesome as those famous ones I talked about earlier. No awkward sales pitches, just straight talk and quality products. Don’t overthink it—reach out, and let’s make something that’ll have your recipients bragging about their award for years.
Crystal Medal References
- International Paralympic Committee. (2018). PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Medals: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation.
- Royal College of Art. (2020). The Making of the London Design Medal.
- Nobel Prize Foundation. (n.d.). Nobel Diplomas: Craftsmanship and Materials.
- Glass Alliance of America. (2021). Tempered Glass Applications in Awards and Trophies.
- Boston Book Festival. (2022). One City One Story Awards: 15 Years of Local Literature Honors.
Pujiang County Hongxin E-commerce Co., Ltd.
As one of the most professional glass medal manufacturers and suppliers in China, we offer a wide range of products with superior quality. Please rest assured to wholesale high-end glass medal at competitive price from our factory. Good service and punctual delivery are available.
Address: No. 6, Row 4, Section 4, Yuequan West Road, Pujiang
E-mail: hongjiangluo95@gmail.com
WebSite: https://www.crystalcraftfactory.com/
