Coat of Arms Components

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Family Crest/ Coat of Arms Products

Coat of Arms Pricing

History of Coat of Arms

Components of Coat of Arms

Symbols & Meanings

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Coat of Arms Components

Components of a Coat of Arms

A Coat of arms consists of several parts: the shield, the mantling, the helmet,

the wreath, charges, and the crest. (however, it is important to note that

not all arms depict a crest. Blazonry is the heraldic language. To blazon

a coat of arms is to describe the symbols and colors upon it in a brief and

precise sequence.

SHIELD

The most important element of the coat of arms is the "shield". Almost every shape has been

used. Shield shapes vary per the geographical area as well as the time period. However,

you can use any shape you choose. The colors and charges (animal or other designs on

the shield) of the shield are a part of the blazon, but the shape of the shield is not. The surface

of the shield is called the field. Shields of more than one color are divided by lines.

The are a variety of line shapes available.

SHIELD ELEMENTS ( or CHARGES)

The symbols and figures used to decorate sheilds are called charges. There are so many

images available from geometric shapes, celestial objects, plants and animals, man-made

objects and human forms.

CREST

The crest is the image or symbol that appears above the helm, (or helmet). This is part of the

official blazon. However, coat of arms do not always depict a crest. They can be without.

HELM (or helmet)

The helm, or helmet, is not part of the blazon and was used to show social rank on the coat

of arms. Styles are the artists preference. Royalty, nobility, and knights were entitled to use

certain styles and colors of helmets, usually gold or silver. Commoners used gray helmets.

Originally meant ot protect the head of the wearer.

MANTLE/MANTLING

The silk mantle was worn over the helmet to protect the knight's head from the sun. It is not

part of the official blazon and is used in artist preference and depicted in the primary and metal

color used on the shield. Mantlings are now represented with elaborately twisted designs

and curves.

WREATH

The crest wreath, or torse, was made of 2 pieces of colored silk twisted together. It is used to

attach the mantle to the helmet.

MOTTO

A motto is a word or phrase placed on a scroll above or below the shield. It usually describes

the bearers name. The motto you select can be a phrase expressing an ideal, or outlook on life.

SUPPORTERS

Supporters are usually animal figures or human figures placed on each side of the shield. They

look as though they are holding or supporting the shield. They are primarily used by royalty,

nobility, and some other knights.

COMPARTMENT

A compartment is the base, on which the shield and supporters are standing on. A motto can

also be placed on this as well.

Updated September 2008

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	Coat of Arms Components Components of a Coat of Arms A Coat of arms consists of several parts: the shield, the mantling, the helmet, the wreath, charges, and the crest. (however, it is important to note that not all arms depict a crest. Blazonry is the heraldic language. To blazon a coat of arms is to describe the symbols and colors upon it in a brief and precise sequence. SHIELD The most important element of the coat of arms is the "shield". Almost every shape has been used. Shield shapes vary per the geographical area as well as the time period. However, you can use any shape you choose. The colors and charges (animal or other designs on the shield) of the shield are a part of the blazon, but the shape of the shield is not. The surface of the shield is called the field. Shields of more than one color are divided by lines. The are a variety of line shapes available. SHIELD ELEMENTS ( or CHARGES) The symbols and figures used to decorate sheilds are called charges. There are so many images available from geometric shapes, celestial objects, plants and animals, man-made objects and human forms. CREST The crest is the image or symbol that appears above the helm, (or helmet). This is part of the official blazon. However, coat of arms do not always depict a crest. They can be without. HELM (or helmet) The helm, or helmet, is not part of the blazon and was used to show social rank on the coat of arms. Styles are the artists preference. Royalty, nobility, and knights were entitled to use certain styles and colors of helmets, usually gold or silver. Commoners used gray helmets. Originally meant ot protect the head of the wearer. MANTLE/MANTLING The silk mantle was worn over the helmet to protect the knight's head from the sun. It is not part of the official blazon and is used in artist preference and depicted in the primary and metal color used on the shield. Mantlings are now represented with elaborately twisted designs and curves. WREATH The crest wreath, or torse, was made of 2 pieces of colored silk twisted together. It is used to attach the mantle to the helmet. MOTTO A motto is a word or phrase placed on a scroll above or below the shield. It usually describes the bearers name. The motto you select can be a phrase expressing an ideal, or outlook on life. SUPPORTERS Supporters are usually animal figures or human figures placed on each side of the shield. They look as though they are holding or supporting the shield. They are primarily used by royalty, nobility, and some other knights. COMPARTMENT A compartment is the base, on which the shield and supporters are standing on. A motto can also be placed on this as well. Copyright © CcYoung Designs 2002 - 2008 All rights reserved Updated September 2008