Corporate Award Pin Styles Metal Size and Finish Explained

Short answer: The best corporate award pins use clean shapes, polished metal, and a size that is easy to wear. Hard enamel is the most common choice for formal awards because it has a smooth surface and a jewelry like feel. Metal finish, color, and size all work together to create a pin that looks consistent with your brand and your recognition program.

Corporate award pins are more than small keepsakes. They represent years of service, promotions, project milestones, or outstanding performance. A well designed pin should feel solid, look professional, and fit naturally on a jacket or uniform. Understanding the main parts of a pin makes it easier to choose the right style for your team.

Main Styles of Corporate Award Pins

There are a few styles that work especially well for formal corporate awards. Each one has its own look and purpose.

Hard enamel pins

Hard enamel is the most popular choice for corporate recognition. The enamel is polished flat so the surface is smooth, bright, and clean. It has a finished look similar to jewelry which makes it ideal for years of service pins, leadership awards, and executive level recognition.

Hard enamel works best when you want a premium feel with crisp color fills and clear shapes.

Soft enamel pins

Soft enamel has raised metal lines you can feel with your finger. The colors sit slightly lower than the metal which gives a textured look. This style is less formal but can still look very professional with the right design.

Soft enamel works well for team awards, event pins, and general recognition.

Die struck pins

Die struck pins have no enamel. The design is formed by raised and recessed metal only. This gives a clean, classic look and is perfect for awards that are meant to feel traditional.

Die struck pins are often used for simple logos, seals, or service levels where color is not needed.

Choosing the Right Size for an Award Pin

Most corporate award pins fall between three quarters of an inch and one inch. This range keeps the pin easy to wear while still showing the design clearly.

Here are a few notes on size:

• Three quarters of an inch is great for formal jackets or uniforms
• One inch works well when you want the design to stand out more
• Custom shapes should stay balanced so the pin does not twist or rotate

A good supplier will help you choose a size that matches your artwork and the way your team will wear the pin.

Choosing the Right Metal Finish

The metal finish creates the overall tone of the award. It is often the first thing people notice when they hold the pin.

• Polished gold has a warm and classic look and is often used for senior level recognition
• Polished silver feels bright and modern and works well for most company logos
• Gunmetal gives a bold and sleek appearance and is popular for leadership and technical teams
• Antique finishes create a softer appearance but are less common for formal corporate awards

It helps to pick one or two finishes and use them across your entire recognition program. This creates a consistent look for all award levels.

Enamel Colors and Brand Alignment

Using your brand colors makes the pin feel official. Most corporate pins use one to three colors. This keeps the design clean and avoids overcrowding the small space.

When selecting colors:

• Choose your main brand color for the primary fill
• Add one accent color for con