Certificate borders

The term "Guilloche" (architectural ornamentation resembling braided or interlaced ribbons, New Oxford American Dictionary) is sometimes used to describe the intricate engraving-style backgrounds that appear in stock certificates, currency and awards.

Both Crestock and iStockPhoto are good sources for vector versions of Guilloche borders, ornaments, and backgrounds. Try searching for "Guilloche" or "Engraved Image".

This post was inspired by an article in the latest issue of Design Tools Monthly. If you're not a subscriber, you should check it out. Highly recommended.