The Prestige of Clear Glass Awards
Clear glass trophies possess an elegance and purity that make them ideal for commemorating milestones and achievements. They capture and refract light, creating a luminous effect that draws the eye. In Chicago, a city known for its architecture and design heritage, demand for high‑quality glass awards is strong. Companies, nonprofits and schools look for providers who can craft distinctive pieces that honor recipients and reflect the spirit of the city. This article focuses on clear glass trophies in Chicago, profiling the best local providers, explaining the types of glass awards available and offering a guide to selecting the perfect trophy.
Top Providers of Clear Glass Trophies in Chicago
Viking Awards – Local Expertise and Creative Variety
📍 10405 W Cermak Rd, Westchester, IL 60154
Consistently ranked as the number one glass awards provider in Chicago, Viking Awards stands out for its variety, quality and service. A recent review of local providers described Viking’s selection as “a wide variety of shapes — flames, stars, diamonds and ovals — with custom design capabilities” and praised the company’s ability to handle projects of any scale with fast turnaround. Their Westchester showroom allows clients to view samples and collaborate with designers. Viking’s clear glass trophies are made from optical crystal or polished glass, and they offer deep etching, sand‑blasting and color fill options for customization.
Viking’s local presence means that Chicago organizations can pick up orders directly, discuss design changes in person and benefit from quick delivery. For out‑of‑town clients, Viking ships nationwide. The company’s ability to handle large corporate programs as well as small community events makes it a versatile choice for clear glass awards.
Chicago Award Source – Speed and Professionalism
Located in Lincoln Park, Chicago Award Source has provided custom awards and engraving services since 1981. Their website notes that they complete orders with fast turnaround and operate seven days a week, with all work done in‑house. Chicago Award Source offers jade glass and optical crystal trophies with deep‑etched engraving. The company often serves corporate clients and can accommodate on‑site consultations, making it convenient for Chicago businesses that require quick, professional service.
Because Chicago Award Source does its engraving locally, they can produce sample proofs rapidly and adjust designs based on client feedback. They also ship worldwide, which is useful for national companies with Chicago offices. Their longevity and reputation as the city’s only 24‑hour turnaround shop make them a reliable choice when deadlines are tight.
Awards and Fine Gifts – Artistic Customization
Awards and Fine Gifts, while not exclusively a glass supplier, excels at creating unique, multi‑layered glass awards with artistic flair. The company is praised for its creative custom orders and ability to produce one‑of‑a‑kind pieces for corporate and nonprofit events. Their website highlights that they provide awards for associations, corporations and nonprofits, emphasizing unique designs, outstanding service and simple pricing.
Working with Awards and Fine Gifts is akin to collaborating with a designer. The company listens to client stories and transforms them into striking glass sculptures. They often incorporate colored glass, metal accents or layered panels to create depth and dimension. Because of the bespoke nature of their work, lead times may be longer and pricing higher, but organizations seeking a memorable, artful glass award should consider this provider.
EDCO Awards – National Selection, Local Availability
Although EDCO is based outside Chicago, its extensive online catalog of clear glass trophies makes it a popular choice for organizations needing volume. EDCO’s glass awards range from simple jade plaques to intricate optical crystal sculptures, all available with free engraving, free logo setup and factory‑direct pricing. The company offers bulk discounts and ships to Chicago quickly. For events requiring dozens of identical trophies, EDCO’s efficiency and variety are a compelling draw. The brand’s national reputation also ensures quality and consistency.
Trophies Are Us – Family‑Owned Affordability
Serving Chicagoland since 1974, Trophies Are Us manufactures most products on‑site and is known for its affordable pricing, quick turnaround and personalization. According to an industry listing, the company uses genuine marble and metal columns, offers custom plaques in various styles and does not charge per letter for engraving. While Trophies Are Us focuses on traditional trophies and plaques, they also produce clear glass awards. Their small team provides attentive service, making them a good fit for budget‑conscious customers.
Types of Clear Glass Awards
To choose the right glass trophy, it helps to understand the different types available:
- Jade Glass – Made from soda‑lime glass, jade glass has a slight green tint. It’s more affordable than optical crystal and works well for larger plaques and employee awards. Chicago Award Source offers jade glass trophies with deep‑etched engraving. Jade glass is popular for bulk orders because it’s widely available and can be shaped easily.
- Optical Crystal – Crafted from lead‑free crystal, optical crystal is exceptionally clear and heavy. It refracts light beautifully, making it ideal for prestigious awards. Viking Awards’ clear glass trophies often use optical crystal for maximum brilliance. Optical crystal is more expensive but elevates the perceived value of the award.
- Art Glass – Art glass incorporates colored patterns, swirls and shapes into the design. Awards and Fine Gifts specializes in these multi‑layered pieces. Art glass awards are perfect for creative industries or events seeking a unique look.
- Edge Glass Plaques – These plaques feature beveled or polished edges and often sit on a metal stand. They are simple yet elegant and suitable for corporate recognition. Jade glass plaques fall into this category.
- Towers and Obelisks – Tall, column‑like trophies made of optical crystal create a commanding presence. They are often used for top performance awards. EDCO and Viking Awards both offer obelisk designs in their catalogs.
Buying Guide: Selecting a Clear Glass Trophy
When purchasing clear glass awards, take the following factors into account:
- Material Clarity – Decide whether you need premium optical crystal or more budget‑friendly jade glass. Optical crystal has the clearest, prism‑like quality, while jade glass offers subtle color and lower cost. Ask suppliers which material they use and request samples if possible.
- Engraving Depth – Deep‑etched engraving creates dimension and makes text and logos stand out. Chicago Award Source offers deep‑etched jade and optical crystal awards, and Viking Awards uses sand‑blasting or laser engraving for crisp results. Ensure the provider uses high‑quality engraving methods so that text doesn’t fade over time.
- Shape and Size – Consider whether a classic rectangle, circle, flame or abstract shape suits your event. Viking Awards offers a variety of shapes, while Awards and Fine Gifts can create completely custom designs. Larger trophies may be more impressive but also heavier and more expensive.
- Budget and Quantity – Pricing varies significantly based on material, design complexity and order size. EDCO offers factory‑direct pricing and discounts on large orders. Trophies Are Us provides lower‑cost options with free engraving per letter. Balance your desired impact with your budget constraints.
- Turnaround Time – If your event date is close, choose a provider known for fast production. Chicago Award Source promises 24‑hour turnaround and operates seven days a week. Viking Awards’ local production also allows for quick fulfillment. Custom art glass pieces may require longer lead times.
- Customer Support – Working with a responsive provider simplifies the ordering process. Look for companies that offer design consultations and clear communication. Local shops like Viking Awards and Chicago Award Source provide in‑person assistance, while national suppliers may rely on digital proofs and email communication.
Trends & Insights: The Chicago Glass Awards Scene
Emphasis on Local Craftsmanship
Chicago’s rich artistic and architectural heritage inspires many businesses to support local artisans. Viking Awards epitomizes this trend with its locally produced trophies. Clients appreciate the ability to see samples, discuss designs face‑to‑face and support a regional business.
Increased Demand for Custom Shapes
Companies want awards that stand out and reflect their brand. Providers like Awards and Fine Gifts specialize in multi‑layered glass sculptures that tell a story. Even standard providers offer custom shapes to differentiate from generic plaques.
Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing
While glass itself is recyclable, some providers offer additional eco‑friendly options, such as packaging made from recycled materials. Clients are increasingly asking about sustainability practices and carbon footprints. This concern mirrors the broader movement toward green recognition seen in other award categories.
Combining Glass with Other Materials
Mixed‑material trophies are trending. Designers incorporate wooden bases, metal accents or acrylic layers to add texture. The contrast between transparent glass and opaque materials creates a modern aesthetic. Chicago Award Source and Viking Awards offer trophies with metal or wood elements, adding depth and stability.
Conclusion: Selecting the Best Clear Glass Trophy Provider
Clear glass trophies exude elegance and commemorate achievements in a timeless way. When shopping in Chicago, Viking Awards emerges as the top choice thanks to its creative variety, local production and custom service. Chicago Award Source provides speedy, professional engraving with deep‑etched options, while Awards and Fine Gifts delights clients with artistic custom designs. EDCO offers extensive variety at competitive prices, and Trophies Are Us caters to budget‑conscious customers with affordable awards and flexible engraving.
When choosing a clear glass trophy, consider the type of glass, engraving method, design, budget and timeline. Take inspiration from Chicago’s design culture and don’t hesitate to request unique shapes or combined materials. By partnering with a reputable provider, you can present awards that honor your recipients with the prestige and clarity they deserve. To begin creating your clear glass trophies, contact Viking Awards for expert guidance and a view of their stunning collection.
