The visual language of a degree parchment is remarkably stable across countries. A few conventions do most of the work.

The border

An engraved double rule frames the text and focuses the eye. On older documents the border is printed from an intaglio plate; modern equivalents use foil or a fine offset print.

The seal

An embossed or wax seal marks the conferring body. Its placement and diameter vary by institution, and the impression depth is part of the character of the document.

The ribbon

Ribbons bind the seal to the sheet and, historically, carried the colour of the faculty. Their condition is one of the first things a collector notices.

Typography

Letter-spaced capitals at the heading, an italic award title and a restrained signature block are the common pattern. The best specimens are quiet rather than ornate.

Our reference specimens follow these conventions region by region, with paper stock, foil and seal work chosen to match.