5 Things to Look for Before Ordering a Glass Award

1. Quality of the Glass

Not all glass is the same. Many low-end awards are made with low-grade, simple glass, which will chip and/or scratch easily. Others use optical or crystal clear glass; the difference in appearance is stunning and upscale.

If you are looking for a high-quality look, choose awards made with high clarity glass. Examine the glass for bubbles or any imperfections. These minor things determine how professional the award looks at its display point.

2. Glass Weight and Size

Glass awards come in a variety of sizes, and some may be extremely small. Although small glass awards have their merit, a small glass award may feel underwhelming at a large corporate awards event, likewise, an award overly large can make it awkward for the recipient to carry.

Use a tape measure to look at where the award will ultimately be displayed and visualize how it will be presented prior to placing your order. Glass awards come in many sizes. In general, we recommend medium sized glass awards, approximately 8–10 inches tall, it is a common size for the majority of corporate awards and recognition events.

Weight also matters when it comes to awards. A glass award that is heavy will feel solid in the recipient’s hand and add a sense of premium quality—however, if it’s too heavy, it’s going to be hard to handle. The best impression comes from a balanced combination of size and weight.

3. Engraving Options

Engraving options are the element that personalizes the award. Make sure that your supplier offers a clear, deep engraving that is going to last. Laser engraving is a common process used because it provides crisp text and logos.

Will you be able to add information such as the recipient’s name, date, and/or company logo? Some suppliers also offer color-filling or frosting. Frosting is a great way to distinguish an award from others. You will want to get proof of the engraving before production to avoid misunderstandings or errors.

If you want your text to stand out, you will need to shorten your message and use a big, readable font. The more words included in the design, the more cluttered it will look.

4. Design and Shape

Common shapes of glass awards are rectangles, circles, and obelisks. There are also modern award shapes such as curved edges and mixed materials (such as a glass award atop a metal base).

In considering the event, think about the tone of the award; a formal ceremony usually lends itself more to traditional designs, whereas a creative industry may appreciate a bold, modern shape.

If you are trying to make the award match a theme for your brand scheme, choose an award that includes some customizable elements. Some awards provide color accents or etched designs that are more fitting with your logo’s style.

The table below lists common shapes with their usual settings:

5. Lead Time and Delivery

Glass awards take time to produce, as they are more often engraved or require custom shapes. Some suppliers need at least 2 to 3 weeks to produce the awards; others may offer a quicker shipping option for a price.

Before you order, always check to see how long the production and shipping will take. If your event is fast approaching, also confirm whether rush options are available.

Finally, take a look at the packaging. Since glass can be fragile, the award should be packaged in a padded gift box or protective case. This will help protect your award during shipping, as well as give a more professional look when you present the award.