There are many ways in which to remember your genealogy and family roots. One of the best and most
traditional ways in through heraldry. There are many components to history that have evolved at
different times over its long history that stretches all the way back to the Middle Ages. The coat of
arms is one of the first and most traditional means of identifying yourself and your family. Not only
have they been used on the battlefield, but also in everything from decorating to personal adornment.

Coats of Arms in Everyday Use
While the coat of arms may have been originally devised as a way to distinguish
one armored soldier of importance from another on a battlefield of hundreds of
similarly dressed men, it has evolved into something very central to family. No
longer a means of identification but a way in which to identify self and link back
to family members long gone, the coat of arms is and has been used in all
functions of everyday life. Jewelry for both men and women have seen the
inclusion of coat of arms almost immediately after they commonly began to
be used. Oftentimes, a person’s coat of arms would be included in regular
household decorating, engraved in chairs, painted on dinner sets, and woven
into tapestries large and small.

The Embroidered Coat of Arms
The embroidered coat of arms is the perfect way to bring your coat of arms to life. All the
components of the coat of arms are finely embroidered along with your surname and country
of origin. The embroidered coat of arms is perfect for both the home and the office, as well as
the perfect gift for loved ones, family and friends.

Order Your Family Lineage Pendants Here Online
You can order your very own beautiful family seal rings right here at our online shop and
have them shipped directly to you. Or you can have them sent as a gift to that special person,
no matter where they are located in the world. To see our range of family crests, simply go to
our online shop here. (All major credit cards accepted).

Contacting Us
If you would like more information or advice about a specific item please complete our
contact form or email us at info@family-pride.org and we will be happy to assist you in
finding that perfect family heritage gift.

In medieval times, noble knights would wear a surcoat to prevent them from succumbing to the heat.
On these cloths would be a symbol that was used to help identify one knight from the other and to help
distinguish them from their enemy. These symbols worn on their coat came to be known as a coat of
arms. The coats were originally kept similar in nature so that the knight could be identified quickly as
an enemy or an ally. These coats have adapted and changed over time, however, to evolve beyond
the simplistic images that they once were.

What you would expect to see on a Coat of Arms
You would usually expect to see a coat of arms in a certain shape with a crest
ad helmet as well as a motto along the bottom. There are other images and
colours that you would also expect to see on the coat of arms, such as
animals, for instance.The animals that one might see would be large and
fearsome creatures, real or otherwise. They would often be depicted in
a fighting stance, perhaps to instil fear in the opponent. You would see a
bear, or a lion, for example, although horses, dragons and eagles were
also very common. There were a few very specific stances in which the
animal would be depicted, so that they would be stood on their back
legs, or stood to face the opponent. The animal could be shown to be
walking, sitting, or lay down also.

How the Coat of Arms was passed through the Family
As the coat of arms was passed down from father to son they would change the coat slightly to
reflect the passing and also to add their own identification to it. This change would usually be
added to the centre of the coat of arms. When a woman married, her coat of arms would be added
into her husbands in some way. The final coat could be divided into four parts and separated out
in some circumstances.

How you can wear the Coat of Arms
There are some circumstances in which you may be entitled to wear a coat of arms, but to do so
you must be considered ‘worthy’, which is to say that you do not have a criminal record, for
instance. These regulations are mostly in line with those of educational institutions. If you want
to wear your own coat of arms then it is important that you find out which is the correct one.
There are many and some may be rather similar so you would need to use specific sources to
locate the one that applies to your own heritage. There is much debate about how one might do
this amongst notable genealogists.

The Popularity of Genealogy
Because of the enormous history that lies behind the evolution of a coat of arms it is easy to
understand why so many people are interested in them and why people want to find out more.
The study of genealogy has grown, as has the number of websites that have been created to
help people trace their family history. Coats of arms can still be seen today, although not in
the same way that they once were.

The coat of arms in its most original form would have been created to help identify one knight from
another in times of battle, but most importantly to help distinguish the two different fighting sides.
The arms would refer to a single person, or perhaps even a larger group of people, such as a noble
family, for instance.

Given that the coat could refer to a family, it came to be known as a family crest,
a kind of badge of  honour that could display the family name. The family crest
goes further than simply representing  a heritage, though, it can represent an
organisation such as a school, or even a country.

Where Coats of Arms can be seen today
Although the tradition of the coat of arms is almost a millennium old, they are
still relevant and can be seen in many places. There are strict rules around
when they can be used and where, however.  The images we are most used to
seeing will traditionally include a shield and crest, as well as a motto,
often written in Latin.

Why it is called a ‘Coat’
Although we understand where the coat of arms originates from, it is often
wondered by it is referred to as a coat. The images were often embroidered
rather than embossed on to the metal armour worn by knights in battle.
As such, the arms were stitched into cloth which was then draped over the
armour as a coat, hence the name.

The coats of arms are steeped in military history but have evolved into something that we now use to
discover our own heritage rather than to distinguish us from our enemies in battle. The interest in
genealogy is one that has grown in recent years, making the fascination with the coat of arms ever
more prominent.

How the Coat of Arms can change over time
Every coat of arms is different and even the coat that is passed from father to son must be
differentiated so that the passing can be marked. This might involve the addition of an image to the
coat, or a simple colour change. These changes have helped us to record the family tree and the
lineage of an individual to their ancestors. The many changes and additions to the coats of arms
have led to the very elaborate designs we see today. Most of the designs we now see that are still
in use are royal or born on a flag. Other than these, the images that we recognise the most are
perhaps the logos of branded items.

The study of the Coat of Arms
Given the significance of the coat of arms and the manner in which they came to pass, it is not hard
to understand why so many people take an active interest in locating theirs and tracing its origins.
The coat can be used to understand why the receiver was bestowed the honour of wearing the coat
and what their military achievements were, as well as their rank. By locating the ancestors in this way,
the rest of the family line can be traced and we can begin to understand how the family spread and
grew over time. Tracing the family tree is understandably a popular pastime and lots of information
can be found online to help in the pursuit.

Heraldry is very ancient custom that refers to the practice of denoting a person’s lineage for the purposes
of identification in times of battle or to assist a military commander should a battle ever come to pass. It
is also a way of noting a person’s military rank. This was done by collecting information about a person’s
coat of arms so that it could be identified later on by a herald. The coat of arms is a very elaborate image
that depicts a person’s family and origins, although it could not be worn by all members of the family.
The right to display the coat of arms was one that had to be awarded through
honour. The coat was  mainly one that royal families and nobility would wear
although over the years, both the reasons for its use and the places it can be
seen have changed dramatically. It is not likely, for instance, that a coat of
arms would now be used to identify the rank and file of a soldier in a foreign
advancing army, but it might be displayed in a university or on a flag.

The development of the coat of arms
The notion of heraldry and the original coat of arms can be traced back to
ancient Europe, where the coat would be emblazoned on the shield of a
noble knight so that they could be identified amongst others, and in
particular their enemies in battle. The coat could be passed down the
line and inherited but it would be  altered to depict the passing, whether
this meant that a small detail was added or that the colour of one
aspect of the arms was changed. The first coat of arms would have been
very basic in nature but it is easy  to see how it would have become more
elaborate and detailed with the passing of time. It is also easy to
see why they are something that we tend only to associate with the elite, even in modern times. These
images have become so magnificent that they are almost akin to works of art.

The typical coat of arms
The coat of arms can be broken down into certain parts, which include the charge, referring to the most
central image, and the helm or helmet, which refers to the time in which the noble from which the coat
was inherited fought their battles. You would usually find a motto beneath a coat of arms that would
refer to the motto the family goes by. This would largely describe the values that the family holds most
dear and endeavours to live by. We might be used to seeing such mottos on school blazers or on the
shirts of sportsmen, and we would typically find them to be in Latin although perhaps not exclusively.
These features are quite usual for most coats of arms although every coat is different and may include
different features. No one coat of arms would ever be identical to another for obvious reasons. The
general layout and format would be quite similar, however.

Heraldry comes from a German word that refers to the military or to the act of hosting. A person may be
a herald if they are to announce military threat or the people that form the army. The first herald would
have come from the custom of sending out representatives to travel around Europe on behalf of the
nobility to send messages or to bring back information. This was a common practice and was one that
was welcomed because it was thought entertaining to welcome a travelling messenger who could talk
about their sights and experiences on their journeys.

The Travelling Troubadour
These travelling troubadours would collect information about knights and other
notable families, along with their heraldry. This information was of particular use
when it came to times of battle as commanders  would require these details to
make important strategic decisions about their opponents as well as to identify
who the advancing army are. Because of the usefulness of the troubadours
knowledge they would often be placed next in line to the commander, and from
this role came the job of the herald.

The first coated shield
The first coated shield is known to be one that was found in France and dates
back to the very first few  years of the eleventh century. It was at the Battle
of Hastings though that the notion of heraldry came to  England and the coats
of arms  developed into the images of lions that are now more familiar to us
today.

Ancient Ireland and its Druidic Customs
For the Irish, though, their coats of arms reflected their ancient Druidic beliefs and so would depict oak
trees to represent life, and salmon to represent wisdom. The oak tree was of particular significance as many
ceremonies would take place that would centre around the tree as part of the Druidic customs. The serpent
or salmon also carried significance and we can still see remnant of these images in coats of arms today and
in images such as that found on the Hippocratic Oath.

The image of the Serpent
In ancient Druidic Irish times the serpent was a mark of health and wellbeing, which is why it can be seen
in so many crests. The link between the serpent and the Druids was so significant that it was the serpent
St. Patrick referred to when he claimed he would run the Druids out and replace the religion with the Christian
faith. The serpent, however, can still be seen all over Ireland and in the ancient family crests that are still
worn and displayed today.

Heraldry today
Heraldry is not a forgotten practice that has ceased to exist, although it is certainly a very ancient one that
we have inherited. The importance of heraldry can be seen on military transportation, on important buildings
and universities, on the shirts of sportsmen and women and on the colours sported by jockeys during a race.
We may think of ancient Celts and Norwegians when we think of the coat of arms but we need not look far to
find that it is still a prominent cultural custom even in today’s modern world.

Our last names might be something you have not
given much thought to before, but for many people in western
civilisations, a surname carries with it an enormous amount
of significance and is something people can be proud of.

Your surname relates to where you are from and who your
predecessors were. It tells us about your origins and were
you come from.

For the Americans, a surname could be derived from the period
of vast immigration at the turn of the last century, or it could
come from the pilgrims even further back still.

We can use our surnames to trace our family tree.

How names can change
In the US, the ancestors of most people would have been the poorer people who migrated
to America in hopes of work and a livelihood. They would have brought with them elements
of their own culture and practices but over time their names would have become more American.

Finding out about our ancestors
Through a name alone an individual may find out that their ancestors were amongst the royal or social elite of another state or country, or that their great grandfathers were war heroes. However grand and elaborate the bloodline, though, the fact would still remain that in America at least, a person’s situation was made no easier. In spite of this, the knowledge that one is descended from someone great can still create a swelling of pride.

How we can access our family history
It is little wonder why we have become so retrospective as a nation and why we find our history so interesting. Learning what came before us and who are families were can help us understand our own identity. With an increase in interest in such matters there has also been an increase in the number of research materials online to help us in our pursuits. Some sites will offer a full search and access to records and databases although these will come with a fee, especially if you want to see your coat of arms or family crest.

Medieval Practices
If you do find out your family crest then it is really up to you what you then decide to do with it. Historical customs would have seen the crest displayed on weaponry to help identify the carrier in times of war and battle. Where the crest is displayed could also have related to a person’s position and rank. The shields that bare the crest can still be purchased along with the detailing and designs.
The full coat of arms depicts the origin of the name pictorially and the name can be given in the language from which it was derived.

Giving the Coat of Arms as a Gift
A coat of arms or family crest can make a great item to give to someone because it something most people take enormous pride in. Everyone’s is different which really sets the gift apart. They can also be displayed almost anywhere around the house but look great set on top of the mantle or in a display cabinet around the home.

Contacting us
If you would like more information or advice about a specific item then please
complete our contact form or email us at info@family-pride.org

Our last names might be something you have not given much thought to before, but for many
people in western civilisations, a surname carries with it an enormous amount of significance
and is something people can be proud of. Your surname relates to where you are from and
who your predecessors were. It tells us about your origins and were you come from. For the
Americans, a surname could be derived from the period of vast immigration at the turn of the
last century, or it could come from the pilgrims even further back still. We can use
our surnames to trace our family tree.

How names can change
In the US, the ancestors of most people would have been the poorer people who
migrated to America in hopes of work and a livelihood. They would have brought
with them elements of their own culture and practices but over time their names
would have become more American.

Finding out about our ancestors
Through a name alone an individual may find out that their ancestors were amongst
the royal or social elite of another state or country, or that their great grandfathers
were war heroes. However grand and elaborate the bloodline, though, the fact would
still remain that in America at least, a person’s situation was made no easier. In spite
of this, the knowledge that one is descended from someone great can still create a
swelling of pride.

How we can access our family history
It is little wonder why we have become so retrospective as a nation and why we find our history
so interesting. Learning what came before us and who are families were can help us understand
our own identity. With an increase in interest in such matters there has also been an increase in
the number of research materials online to help us in our pursuits. Some sites will offer a full
search and access to records and databases although these will come with a fee, especially if
you want to see your coat of arms or family crest.

Medieval Practices
If you do find out your family crest then it is really up to you what you then decide to do with it.
Historical customs would have seen the crest displayed on weaponry to help identify the carrier
in times of war and battle. Where the crest is displayed could also have related to a person’s
position and rank. The shields that bare the crest can still be purchased along with the detailing
and designs. The full coat of arms depicts the origin of the name pictorially and the name can be
given in the language from which it was derived.

Giving the Coat of Arms as a Gift
A coat of arms or family crest can make a great item to give to someone because it something most
people take enormous pride in. Everyone’s is different which really sets the gift apart. They can also
be displayed almost anywhere around the house but look great set on top of the mantle or in a display
cabinet around the home.

An Ideal Keepsake

An embroidered coat of arms makes a unique
and beautiful adornment by which you can
show your pride in your family’s history and heritage.

It makes the perfect addition for your
home or office as well as the perfect gift for friends or family members.

Of Historical Relevance

A coat of arms is an emblem firmly rooted in medieval history.
It began as a personal identifier and evolved to represent whole kinship groups and institutions.
In the beginning, heraldic arms identified knights on a battlefield or in a tournament.
They were entrenched in medieval pageantry and quickly became items of personal vanity and pride,
spreading to other media, such as rings, tapestries and banners.

The coat of arms includes several components: a crest, helm, torse, mantling, shield and motto,
along with your family’s name. They are governed by the rules of heraldry and strictly regulated,
although this was not always so. Each coat of arms is unique and represents different meanings
and values to different individuals.

Coats of arms primarily hung in castles and noble estates and were passed down patrilineally, which means from father to son.
Coats of arms were originally reserved for knights and then noble families. But, beginning in the thirteenth century,
they began to be adopted by the lower classes as well. They have been continually represented on a variety of media,
inherited and honoured throughout history since their inception and are no less important or valued today.

Hand-made and Unique: The Perfect Gift

Our embroidered coats of arms are all hand-made with gold and silver bullion, rayon, silk and cotton.
These stunning art works can be created in a multitude of sizes and come with the option to have them framed.
They can be created as a single embroidery, consisting of your family coat of arms, family name and country of origin.

Most, if not all, families have European roots. You can celebrate yours with a one of a kind embroidered
family coat of arms. These exceptional pieces of art also make fabulous wedding gifts, providing
newly weds with hand-made representations of each others family heirlooms.

A Coat of Arms is sometimes also called a Family Shield, Family Seal or Family Crest.

Contacting us
If you would like more information or advice about a specific item then please
complete our contact form or email us at info@family-pride.org

Tokens Representing Family History, Personal Honour and Status
Jewelry has been used for thousands of years as a form of
personal decoration.

Made of precious materials, such as gold and silver, and
often set with precious gems, jewelry is an indicator of wealth.
By extension, it is also an indicator of status, both in times
past and today.

However, jewelry can also carry with it knowledge
and power depending upon what is depicted on it.
Family crest rings are such pieces of jewelry that communicate
facts about your family history, symbols and values
through the depiction of your family crest.

Depending upon your family’s status in history,
family crest rings can also radiate power or speak of wealth.

The Development of the Family Crest
The practice of wearing family crest rings began hundreds of years ago for the purpose
of communicating one’s wealth, status and ancestral roots. These heraldic rings were often
worn by lords of manors and other members of the nobility. The family crest as you may think
of it today did not originally stand on its own. The closest example we have of a family crest apart
from a coat of arms in the middle ages is the heraldic badge worn by Scottish clan members,
which incorporated the crest, shield and motto. Over time, this is what the modern family crest
came to be. Originally, however, it was a component of the family coat of arms, in which it appeared atop the helm,
a spot it traditionally held on medieval battle helmets. At first used for personal identification alone,
it gradually developed its own significance, enough to stand on its own as a family identifier.

Family Crest Rings: Practical and Beautiful

Today, family crest rings serve both practical and stylistic functions.
They are objects of beauty that you can wear to show your familial connections and pride in your heritage.
In many societies, they still act as status symbols, an immediate identifier of one’s social class.
Family crest rings make exceptional gifts for both men and women, regardless of their social status or
nature of their family history. Family crest rings are about displaying your pride in your family history,
heritage and genealogy; in your ancestors, who shaped your family unit and family values.
They reflect both the beautiful legacy of medieval heraldry and pageantry and your family’s heraldic history.

A Coat of Arms is sometimes also called a Family Shield, Family Seal or Family Crest.

Contacting us
If you would like more information or advice about a specific item then please
complete our contact form or email us at info@family-pride.org

Jewelry has been a popular form of
adornment since the prehistoric era.

That which we consider ‘heraldic’ began
cropping up following the turn of the tenth century.

Family seal rings stemmed out of the practice of knights
who wore crests and coats of arms on their
armour to distinguish them from other combatants.
The knights began wearing these heraldic symbols on other devices,
such as badges, and jewelry for pride and personal vanity.

Historical Practicality
Family seal rings, also known as signet rings, however, were not only worn to feed pride and personal vanity;
they were also used for the practical purpose of sealing and authenticating documents.
Seal rings were created by engraving a crest or coat of arms on the top, flat side of the ring.
The emblem was designed as a mirror image of itself, essentially in reverse, so that it appeared
correctly when pressed into hot wax. Family seal or signet rings were designed and worn by
the nobility, partly because they could afford luxuries and party because one had to be noble to wear a coat of arms.

Family Seal Rings: Beautiful and Practical
Today, family seal rings are worn as a source of family pride and as a tribute to your family heritage.
Many individuals still use family seal rings to seal letters and other documents, as a means to identify
themselves as the sender and to authenticate the documents. Generally, however, family seal rings
are worn as status symbols and a representation of one’s family heritage.

You can celebrate your family heritage and show pride in your roots by sporting a beautiful ring,
etched with your family seal, crest, shield or coat of arms. This not only speaks to your family pride
and history but also evokes the magnificence of the medieval world, its pageantry and heraldry.

The Gift for Any Occasion
Family seal rings, available in gold or silver, make the perfect gift for any occasion, such as graduation,
Christmas or birthdays. They are a means of commemorating family history and heritage and also the
important events that occur in the recipients’ and givers’ lives which add to that history and heritage.

A Coat of Arms is sometimes also called a Family Shield, Family Seal or Family Crest.

Contacting us
If you would like more information or advice about a specific item then please
complete our contact form or email us at info@family-pride.org