We produced medals for Jizerská 50

Crystalex created glass medals for the legendary Jizerská 50 race for the first time this year. The aim was to design and produce a medal that would not only be a decorative object, but a worthy symbol of sporting performance and a unique reminder of the atmosphere of the Jizera Mountains.

At Crystalex, we work with glass every day. This is why we are able to take full advantage of its strengths, from precise detail to durable design. The medal for the Jizerská 50 thus combines pure aesthetics with durability, making it a lasting memento of performance.

The production was carried out on a pressing line, which Crystalex normally uses in the production of glasses. The pressing process allows for precise shaping and stable quality across the entire series, while offering room for expressive details in relief.

Pressing technology normally works with a shape corresponding to the “saucer” of the jar. This principle became the basis for the shape of the medal. The experience with the process made it possible to achieve clean edges, good legibility of the relief and an overall impression of strength and high quality.

The design of the medal was prepared by chief designer Martin Jašontek. The concept was based on the fact that the medal refers directly to the environment of the Jizera Mountains, where the race takes place. It was not just a graphic motif, but a real transfer of the character of the landscape into the material.

The result is a medal that works not only visually but also haptically. The structure is legible to the eye and to the touch and gives the impression that the medal bears the authentic imprint of the place.

The key element is a detailed topographic map of the Jizera Mountains, which was milled into a punch. The milling itself took approximately six hours to achieve the distinctive texture and fine detail.

This makes the relief work with light and shadow. When changing the angle of view, the map naturally transforms and looks alive, giving the medal a distinct visual depth.

Part of the design was also the variability of the motif. Some of the medals bear the marked route of the Jizera 50, others are supplemented with an imprint of cross-country ski tracks. Thanks to this, each piece acts as an original reminder of the race and at the same time refers to specific elements that are inherently connected with the Jizerska 50.

This variability adds character to the medals and enhances their collector and emotional value.

The winter impression is emphasised by the colour scheme. The underside of the medal is sprayed with white and turquoise, which accentuate the relief and promote the “snow” effect. The colour scheme is chosen to look clean and fresh, while naturally following the visual character of the Jizera Mountains.

Although it is a machine production, human labour also plays an important role in the process. Workers manually transfer the molten medals to the cooling belt using shovels. The medals are then sprayed by hand with a coloured spray, which enhances the relief and promotes the wintry character of the whole. The whole process thus combines technological precision with traditional glassmaking skills and continuous quality control at each step of production.

Crystalex has created a medal that combines craftsmanship, innovation and the spirit of the Jizera 50. The result is an authentic glass symbol of the race that retains its value not only as an award, but also as a lasting reminder of a unique sporting experience.