Medals and ribbons are often used as a form of recognition and honour. You would see them in annual day events at schools and colleges when students are awarded medals for their academic and extra-curricular achievements. Sometimes these medals are hanging from a ribbon worn around the neck.

At other times, the ribbon alone could serve as a recognition of the special status of the individual who is wearing it. For example, ribbons are used by military personnel on their uniform daily while medals are worn on special occasions. In the corporate world, both medals and ribbons are used to recognise and honour extraordinary achievements.

When it comes to buying cheap medals or ribbons in Australia, where do you go? You may not find many reputable stores where high-quality medals and ribbons can be found at cost-effective prices. However, it’s not that you will not find such stores at all; although very few, they exist nevertheless.

For example, you would like to consider buying medals and ribbons at Olympia Trophies Corporate which provides corporate awards, trophies, medals, plaques, badges, cups, specialist services, and corporate gifts. You can buy medals and other award items online and get them delivered to your doorsteps across Australia.

In this post, we will discuss different types of medals and ribbons used in corporate and other award functions.

Types of Medals

A small piece of round metal or some other material such as crystal can symbolize success and achievement. It’s very common to see people awarded with first–, second-, or third-place medals. Here is a brief rundown of different kinds of medals you can find.

Academic Medals

The academic world sees a large number of medals given to students and sometimes even to teachers regularly. Academic medals come in myriad varieties to fit every situation worth recognition and honour. You can expect academic medals for excellence in arts, computers, drama, graduation, music, science, maths, perfect attendance, and more.

General Medals

This kind of medals can be used for any event as they don’t bear the name of any event or the reason for which it is being given, making them suitable for just any event. However, you can find a variety of medals in different materials and sizes. For example, you can expect acrylic medal buttons, 50 mm medals, 70 mm medals, etc.

Sports Medals

Australia is a sports-loving country and corporates love these events as they induce a competitive team spirit among employees and associates. You can find sports medals for virtually all games athletics, basketball, cricket, dance, karate, netball, rugby, soccer, swimming, and more. Medals for team events and tournaments can also be found.

Stained Glass Medals

When you want to go for colourful medals that boast creativity and skilled craftsmanship, stained glass medals are an option. Typically, it will come with a ribbon and be placed in a presentation box. As they are created with care and patience, you can get a name and message engraved. You can find stained glass medals for sporting, academic, and even corporate award functions.

Star Medals

Medals in a star shape or round medals with one or multiple star insignia are very popular. You can find these star medals in different materials including gold, silver, bronze, and acrylic. You can get a name, a logo, an image, or a message engraved or placed on the medal. Star medals in 50 mm size are quite popular. However, you can find other sizes too.

Everything You Wanted to Know about Ribbons

The world of ribbons is no less prolific. You can find a large variety of ribbons to suit any award functions and other events. They bring colours and elegance to the occasion a sense of pride and recognition to the wearer. Ribbons are strips of fabric worn around the neck or attached to a uniform. They can be customized to align with the specific events.

However, ribbons have use cases beyond the winners’ circles. For example, the circular clusters of ribbon loops called Rosettes are used widely to recognise volunteers or community members at an event. Ribbons are often used for tying gift boxes to elevate their beauty. They are also used to embellish garlands, bouquets and floral arrangements. Another use case for ribbons is using them in invitations and stationery items to enhance their appeal and elegance.

Now, let’s have a look at ribbon materials. When it comes to choosing a ribbon material, a wide assortment of options are available, each giving a distinct look and feel. Here is a list of some commonly used ribbon materials.

Satin Ribbons: It offers a luxurious and silky feel that goes well with formal occasions and gift wrapping.

Organza Ribbons: It’s made with silk, polyester or nylon fabric and offers an ethereal touch.

Grosgrain Ribbons: It’s heavy silk or nylon fabric woven using the heavy weft technique and offers a sophisticated look.

Velvet Ribbons: They offer a classic and elegant feel and look rich and luxurious.

Burlap Ribbons: Its fabric is made with vegetable fibres that offer a natural rustic and eco-friendly look.

Now, let’s explore different types of ribbons that you can find in a medals and ribbons shop.

Neck Ribbons

Medals are typically worn with the help of neck ribbons as they proudly occupy the centre of the wearers’ chest. Corporations often choose brand colours to keep uniformity in promotional materials. Using neck ribbons with the same colours as in your brand can give the ribbons added importance.

Here are some common neck ribbon combinations: Black Neck Ribbon, Black/Green Striped Neck Ribbon, Black/Red Striped Neck Ribbon, Black/White Striped Neck Ribbon, Black/Yellow Striped Neck Ribbon, Black/Yellow/Red Striped Neck Ribbon, Blue Neck Ribbon, Blue/White Striped Neck Ribbon, Blue/Yellow Striped Neck Ribbon, Dark Blue/White Striped Neck Ribbon, Green/Blue Striped Neck Ribbon, Green/White Striped Neck Ribbon, etc. You can find many more colours. You can even ask for customized ribbons to match your brand colours.

Place Ribbons

These are fabric strips that speak about your place or achievement in a contest. For example, you can find Achievement Award Ribbons, Competitor Award Ribbons, Fifth Place Award Ribbons, First Place Award Ribbons, Fourth Place Award Ribbons, Good Performance Award Ribbons, Good Try Award Ribbons, Highly Commended Award Ribbons, Merit Award Ribbons, Participant Award Ribbon, Runner Up Award Ribbon, Second Place Award Ribbon, Sixth Place Award Ribbon, Special Award Ribbon, Third Place Award Ribbon, Top Effort Award Ribbon, etc.

Take Away

Medals are ribbons are widely used in corporate and academic award functions. Medals mostly represent success and achievement while ribbons are used to add colour and vivacity to such events. They can be used to wear the medals, tie the wrappings of gift boxes, decorate garlands and boutiques, and embellish decorations and clothing. If you plan to buy medals or are looking for cheap sports trophies melbourne, you should look for them online. Especially, Olympia is a reputable corporate awards and trophies store, offering both online and in-store services.