With a life that spans at least 900 years, the award plaque has become synonymous with recognition and accomplishment.
The word “plaque” is an old word in the English vocabulary that is derived from the Middle Dutch language of the mid-19th century. While the word “plak” translates to “tablet,” the word “plakken” means “to stick,” and eventually comes to mean “to beat (metal) into a thin plate.”
Over time, the English-speaking public adopted the French spelling and pronunciation of plaque. Often defined as an ornamental marker or tablet, plaques are used to recognize people, places and events. Made from a variety of materials like metal, wood and stone, plaques have evolved to not only commemorate accomplishment, establishments and life-changing happenings, they mark key moments in our lives.
Honoring the Fallen and Historical Sites
The earliest plaques are found in the 12th century throughout the Benin Empire in present-day Nigeria. Bronze and brass placards herald warriors and key battles fought on behalf of the kingdom. These are not unlike plaques we see today, paying homage to soldiers who died in the service of their country.
Plaques are not just memorials but informational signs. For over 150 years, the blue plaques of London point out historical locations and the people who lived there. In the U.S., the National Trust for Historical Preservation bestows markers to buildings and places that gain National Registry status.
Today’s Custom Engraved Award Plaques
Today, award plaques are used for many of the same reasons as those from the past, plus a whole lot more. Rather than the old-style, cast metal plaques of years gone by, today’s plaques are made from thinner metal and other materials that allow for the use of modern techniques for placing personalized messages, artwork and photography onto them. For instance, laser engraving is a common 21st century technology to customize award plaques and trophies.
Another modern notion is that recognition is only one way to make use of a plaque. Here are a few more reasons to personalize a custom engraved plaque:
- Grand openings of businesses
- Personal timelines
- Family trees
- Occupational milestones
- Family memorials
- Sports titles
- Preserve printed articles
- Congratulation inventors with a patent
The list is as long as your imagination!
Personalized, Custom Engraved Award Plaques from PlaqueMaker
Create a statement with a custom engraved plaque that will last forever. PlaqueMaker.com is your one-stop-shop for custom engraved award plaques, trophies, memorials and gifts. We have something for any occasion and every budget – thousands of high-quality plaques and engraved awards to fit your needs, available in a wide variety of materials and sizes to help bring your vision to life. Design it yourself with our easy-to-use online tools. Have questions about your design idea? Email us at email@example.com and we will be happy to help.
2017 Holiday Hours & Shipping Schedule
PlaqueMaker office closed Thanksgiving Day, November 23
Black Friday, November 24 – Limited Office Hours 8 am – 12 pm
Extended Office Hours start Thanksgiving Weekend: Saturdays and Sundays, 8 am – 4 pm
PlaqueMaker office closed Christmas Holiday, December 25 and December 26
PlaqueMaker office closed New Year’s Day, January 1, 2018
Additional time-in-transit: From Nov. 20 to Dec. 30, a limited number of UPS® Ground and UPS® Standard packages, with transit times of three or more days, and with specific origins and destinations, will require an additional day in transit. UPS® Ground and UPS 3 Day Select® packages will not be guaranteed though this time. All UPS 2nd Day Air and UPS 3 Day Select® packages tendered Dec. 18–19 will require an additional day in transit. UPS 3 Day Select packages tendered on Dec. 19 will be delivered after Christmas.
PlaqueMaker.com is a family-owned and operated business located in Indiana. Our custom engraved plaques and more are proudly designed in the USA, using materials sourced from all over the world – that’s 4 million plaques and counting since 1999! Our professionally-trained graphic designers, craftsmen and customer service representatives manage every aspect of your creative project personally, from design to manufacture to delivery. Because we are an online-only operation with a single, locally-owned facility, we can offer a secure order process, lower prices and the fastest possible completion. What’s more – we stand behind our products with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+.