Crystal, acrylic, metal, stone and wood each bring different possibilities to a fund closing award. We select the material and production approach around the idea, quantity, budget, target date and presentation of the piece.
The result may be a restrained rectangle, a layered composition or a sculptural form. The materials should support the design and work reliably in production.
Form and detail
Production and schedule
Presentation and delivery
Consider how the material supports the shape, graphics, personalization and level of detail the design needs.
Quantity, construction and finishing affect the production approach. We consider these together with the date the awards need to arrive.
Weight, protection, packaging and delivery destinations are part of the design brief. Planning them early helps the finished awards arrive ready to present.
Compare award materials
Choose the effect and construction the piece needs, then select the material. These are practical starting points; the final specification depends on the design and quantity.
Crystal: clarity, weight and precise detail
Optical crystal suits restrained desk pieces, bevels and facets, layered panels, and internal laser-etched imagery. Surface decoration can add fund identity and personalization. Consider weight, edge protection and the presentation box when planning delivery.
Lucite and acrylic: graphics, form and depth
Cast Lucite can encapsulate suitable graphics or objects; fabricated acrylic supports cut shapes, layers and color. These are different production approaches, so not every embedment or effect works in every acrylic piece. Artwork, depth, joins and polishing affect the result.
Metal: precision and sculptural presence
Machined, fabricated and cast metal create different possibilities, from a crisp base or dimensional symbol to an original sculpture. Alloy, finish, tooling and assembly influence weight, cost and lead time. An intricate cast form needs a different development schedule from a simple metal accent.
Resin: dimensional storytelling
Resin is useful for models and sculptural forms with detailed surfaces and painted finishes. The model, mold, scale and finishing method shape the appearance and production requirements. Fragile projections and fine features need careful review.
Wood: warmth, grain and contrast
Wood can form an award, an architectural base or a warm contrast to crystal, Lucite or metal. Species, grain, stain and finish shape its character. Natural color and grain vary; review a sample when consistency matters. Plan component attachments and protective packaging together.
Mixed materials: make the combination purposeful
Crystal with metal, acrylic with wood, or layered components can make a design more specific. The joins matter as much as the materials: tolerances, adhesives, fixings, balance and assembly must work at the final scale.
Decoration and personalization
Printing, engraving, surface etching, subsurface crystal etching and dimensional elements offer different levels of detail and contrast. We recommend the method around the artwork and material. Confirm final names, fund information and recipient variations before approval.
Simple, distinctive or sculptural?
A classic form with considered typography may be the best solution for a large recipient group or short schedule. Layering or a dimensional graphic can add individuality with moderate complexity. A sculptural concept may require original modeling, tooling and additional sampling.
See completed Polaris examples and use the buying guide to plan quantities, budget and timing. This guidance is prepared by the Polaris Custom Awards team.
How It Works
From concept to delivery
Tell us about the close.
Develop and refine.
Prototype and review.
Produce and deliver.
Share the occasion, recipients, approximate quantity, budget and target date.
We develop the concept with you and confirm the design, materials, specifications and pricing.
We check the prototype or production sample before full production proceeds.
We coordinate production, packaging and delivery around the agreed project requirements.
Begin Your Commission
Consult with our design studio to explore material samples and discuss your upcoming fund closing milestones. We provide tailored solutions for enduring recognition.