Take care of your awards of achievement

What is a trophy?

Trophy is coined from the French word ‘trophee’. This means anything that the winner gets for victory. During war times, these trophees used to be an armour, a knife or even the body part of the looser. Trophies are rewards that a person or a group receives for their extra-ordinary achievement. Apart from this, they serve as a proof of success and a reminder as well. Trophies are objects that are admired for years as they give a sense of achievement to the owner. Earlier trophies were made of metals and wood. These days, plastic, crystal and marbles are also used for making them. The most common metals used for making them are gold and silver. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

How to restore a degraded trophy?

After the trophy gets damaged, nothing much can be done. Many people recommend taking help of professionals who deal with restoration of ancient artifacts. However, the chances of reversing the damage completely are rare. Trophies need the same care and attention that any expensive item would require. They should be prevented from any damage.

Why trophies loose their shine with time?

Dust is another factor that takes away the shine from anything including a medal. Keep dusting the trophies regularly to prevent accumulation of dust on them. Trophies shouldn’t be kept in damp environment as this can lead to mold and mildew which will destroy the trophy material. Climate-controlled environment is ideal for them. Many people don’t know but touching the trophies may also damage them. We leave our skin oil when we touch them. This oil accumulates dust and erodes the material. The medals and trophies should not be exposed to direct and prolonged sunlight as this may cause the metals to expand and loose shape.

Do trophies need care?

Negligence causes the trophies to deteriorate to a state where they become unsuitable for displaying. Only winning an award and placing it at the top most looked corner of the house will not work. These objects of achievements need to be cared regularly or else they will lose their attraction. Erosion of trophies is a natural process and cannot be avoided. A proper maintenance program can help in delaying this.