you know your a winner when..

Nothing marks victory or personal achievement more than being awarded a trophy. The feeling at the time of reception is not one everyone can say they've had. It's a feeling difficult to describe - you've just proven yourself superior over many other competitors in your field - a champion, and now you have every right to bask in your well-deserved glory.

What is arguably the best asset of receiving bespoke awards is that one serves as proof of merit afterwards. It immortalises your victory so that you can remember that feeling when you look at it, and others can attempt to empathise with you whilst you tell your ego-boosting little anecdote. "Not many people are good/strong/clever/skilled enough receive such prestigious awards and trophies like this one just here. But, boy, let me tell you... etc etc."

Yes, the reward of the trophy is not simply in winning it. Those who do may cherish in the legacy that comes with the victory. That legacy that may last for years and years to come, perhaps even surpassing the winner's lifespan. That is surely something worth competing for. A huge inspiration of confidence and personal achievement comes from engraving the name of the winner onto the award, or on a separate accompanying plaque. So for awards that reoccur on a monthly or annual basis, future winners will see for themselves the legacy that your name carries on the award. Engravings are common on many kinds of awards including on acrylic and glass trophies.

Awards and trophies have marked both individual and team victories since the ancient times. In fact, if we look at how the word has evolved, we see the English word trophy itself deriving from the French trophée in 1513, meaning "a spoil or prize of war", which in turn was derived from the Latin trophaeum meaning 'monument to victory'. But this isn't a history lesson.

Today's trophies take many shapes and forms, often in cups. The symbolic image of the cup providing sustenance and energy can, I suppose, link to the feeling of glorious victory... maybe not. In any case, whilst trophies and other bespoke awards have traditionally been made with metal figures, wood columns, and wood bases, in recent years they have been made in different materials, predominantly acrylic, plastic, and glass trophies .

Me? Oh, I haven't received any trophies. I came close once. Second place in breaststroke swimming at primary school. The bitterness still remains to this day.

This article was written by Laser Crystal

About Laser Crystal: established in 1999, we have fast become the UK's leading manufacturer of 3D laser engraved awards and promotional gifts. Our name is synonymous with quality, innovation and a fast and efficient service. Our clients range from multinationals, universities, and small businesses to associations and trade only business gift houses - all of which have come to trust Laser Crystal. Including IBM, Camelot, BAE Systems, Mercedes, Jaguar, and The Home Office . . . even the Queen presents our products!