Awards and trophies jargon glossary

What Are the Types of Awards?

• Acrylic awards: A sleek, modern and durable alternative to crystal/glass, often used for corporate recognition or casual events
• Glass awards: Elegant and sleek, ideal for formal corporate or achievement awards
• Crystal awards: Premium, high-end awards, purchased for prestigious recognition or executive-level honours
• Medals: Typically used in sports, competitions or participation events; wearable and collectable
• Perpetual awards: Reusable trophies or plaques where winners’ names are added annually, often for ongoing competitions or employee recognition
• Wooden awards: Classic, sturdy, sustainable and versatile, suitable for corporate, community or commemorative events

What Do the Award Components Mean?

• Bases or plinths: Form the bottom of the trophy, either as a separate stand or integrated into the design
• Columns or stems: Vertical support for the cup or bowl
• Cups or bowls: Top section of trophy, sometimes bowl-shaped
• Handles: Found on either side of the bowl for design and easy carrying
• Lids and covers: Protect the inside of the bowl
• Engraving plates:A great way to display text as required on trophies/awards
• Plaques: Display award details, such as purpose and winner
• Insert centres or logo disks: Personalised disks that add context or branding

Engraving and Personalisation Terminology

• Laser Engraving: A method of precise trophy customisation and personalisation
• Sandblasting: Using pressurised sand to create a deep etch in crystal/glass awards
• UV Colour Printing- A way of using UV light to instantly cure specialized, full-color inks directly onto a trophy's surface
• Sublimation Printing: A digital printing method
• Plate Engraving: Creating a personalised information plate for the trophy
• Colour Fill: Applying paint/pigments to the recessed areas of etching
• Custom Logo Application: Adding any specific branding to the trophy

Award Categories by Use Case

Awards can be tailored to specific contexts, reflecting real-world recognition.

• Corporate and business awards honour achievements, innovation and leadership
• Sports trophies celebrate performance, teamwork and victories
• Employee of the Month or Long Service awards recognise dedication, loyalty and consistent contribution

Each award reinforces motivation and appreciation in its respective setting.

Trophy Ordering, Production and Delivery Terms

When ordering from Trophies2U you can select and customise products, including engraving, logos or colour printing and submit artwork. Glass and crystal awards require proof approval before production as long as you select the option, if not our artwork team will create their own layout.

Standard delivery takes 5–7 working days, express 2–4 days. Orders should be checked within 48 hours of receipt, and any issues reported promptly.

FAQs About Awards

What Is an Engraved Medal?

A commemorative medal that has been personalised by cutting/burning a design onto it. This can be done to create recessed etchings or done in reverse to make the existing embossed material the textured design.

What’s the Difference Between Trophies and Awards?

Trophies are a more traditional prize, normally seen in sports, and will often be a cup or figurine. Awards are far broader and can be anything from a plaque to a glass/crystal design, to a shield and anything else in between.

What Are Crystal Awards?

Crystal awards are a premium trophy made from optical or lead crystal. They are prized for their clarity, brilliance and elegant appearance. They can be engraved with logos, text or designs and are often chosen for corporate achievements, executive recognition or special milestones.

What’s the Difference Between Crystal Awards and Acrylic?

Crystal awards are heavier and more luxurious than acrylic and symbolise a higher level of prestige, distinction and accomplishment. Crystal awards are also more expensive, which should be considered before deciding what level the accomplishment deserves.

Who are Trophies2U?

Trophies2U is a UK-based award supplier specialising in trophies, medals, plaques and custom awards. Our team offers the highest-quality, customisable products, fast turnaround times and engraving services. Whatever the occasion and whether it is made from acrylic, glass, crystal or anything else, we can make your award shine.

What’s next?

When selecting the perfect award, you should consider the recipient, the occasion and then its material to ensure it correctly reflects the achievement. For premium recognition, crystal or glass awards provide elegance, while medals suit sporting events.

Trophies2U offers a wide range of trophies, plaques and medals with fast turnaround and expert customisation, making every award memorable. This awards glossary should have given you everything you need to know about the various processes and materials used in the creation of a trophy, so you can make the correct and informed decision.