Medallions were a prominent part of art in ancient civilizations, in particular Rome. Sculpted out of marble and gold with intricate detailing, these medallions were often used in art pieces whose goal was to honor those who died. Funeral monuments constructed by artists such as Raphael and Bernini displayed images of the dead inside medallions, which were part of larger sculptures shaped like pyramids and blocks decorated with drapes.
Different nations, for example Cambodia, use decorative medallion necklaces as part of the costumes worn during folk dancing. In ancient Cambodia, traditional dancing was a popular form of entertainment in the royal court. The medallions worn for the dance were crafted of opulent materials such as gold and silver, adding sparkle to the ritual. This tradition remains intact today, with dancers wearing handcrafted medallions made of cheaper materials such as copper.
Often associated with the floors of hotel and office building lobbies, medallions are increasingly becoming a part of home decor. Made of materials such as granite, medallions whose diameter measures up to several feet are used often as accents for floors and walls. A creative alternative to paintings and tile patterns, these medallions are constructed from several pieces that fit together like a puzzle, connected together to form one large panel. Homeowners install medallions on floors in foyers, patios, kitchens and showers, as well as on garden walls.
The medallion has been used by many jewelry designers as a source of inspiration. Hung on metal chains or cords, jewelry medallions are produced using a heavy coining press that imprints a design onto the metal circle. Some higher-end manufacturers use 24 karat gold to emphasize certain parts of the design. Others use bezels to add precious stones, arranged in ornate patterns, to their medallion designs. Family medallions are often passed down as heirlooms from previous centuries.
Medallions are awarded to individuals for athletic, scholarly, military and other achievements. They most often referred to as medals in this context. Medals are hung with the help of short or long colored ribbons or a horizontal bar and pin, which help to attach the medal to an article of clothing. The front face, along with the rim of some medals, is decorated with an emblem or logo, along with text explaining the honor that the individual is receiving.