The design of the Gold Star Medal has been described in detail in Decree 2553-I, and the design is very similar to the medal of the Hero of the Soviet Union. The ribbon is a rectangular hanging device with a height of 19.5mm and a width of 15mm. The colors are red, white and blue that symbolize the Russian flag. The five-pointed star hanging below the ribbon has a diameter of 15mm and does not have any design on the surface. On the reverse, there is a 2x4mm embossed font of Heroes of Russia (Russian: Герой России), with a large 1mm serial number on the top. The serial number shows the number of times this award has been awarded (for example, SN164 indicates that the medal was awarded for the 164th time). On the back of the ribbon, there is a fastening device consisting of a needle and a hook, which is used to attach the medal to clothing. The medal is made of gold and weighs approximately 21.5 grams.

When this medal is worn in public, it is worn on the left side of the suit jacket above all Russian and Soviet medals. Some people who have been awarded medals of the Soviet Union (such as Heroes of the Soviet Union and Heroes of Socialist Labor) in the past will wear this medal as well as the Order of the Soviet Union.