How Are Custom Medals Made?

Every custom medal order follows the same ten factory stages at Glory Medals. Knowing what happens at each stage makes it easier to approve artwork quickly, keep a deadline realistic and understand where a change request still fits without delaying production.

The Ten Factory Stages

An approved visual moves through the following stages before the order leaves the factory:

1. Artwork & specification confirmation — size, thickness, relief, colors, plating, ribbon, quantity and packaging are checked against the approved visual.
2. Mold making — the artwork is translated into a production mold with the required 2D or 3D levels and lettering.
3. Die casting or stamping — the medal body is formed according to material, relief, detail and order requirements.
4. Trimming & polishing — edges and surfaces are refined to remove production marks.
5. Plating — the approved metal finish, such as gold, silver, nickel, copper, antique or matte plating.
6. Coloring or printing — enamel colors or printed graphics are applied against approved Pantone references.
7. Ribbon & accessory assembly — ribbons, rings, clasps and inserts are assembled in-house.
8. Quality inspection — mold detail, finish, color and assembly are checked at key stages.
9. Packaging — medals are counted and packed in the approved individual, bulk, retail or presentation format.
10. Factory handoff & shipping — the finished order is prepared for handoff and the confirmed logistics route.

What You Approve Before Production Starts

Production only begins after the visual is approved. If a logo placement, color reference or ribbon width changes after that point, tell the sales team as early as possible — changes made while the order is in production may add cost or time.

Timing You Can Plan Around

• Free artwork within 24 hours of a complete brief.
• Quote response within 12 hours.
• Stock products prepared in 3 working days.
• Custom-tooled products in 10 working days to factory handoff.

You can also read the full walkthrough on the manufacturing process page, or send a brief to the team through the contact page and we will review it within 12 hours.