Family Crest

Our Family Crest Jewelry draws on the proud and ancient history of Heraldry. Known as the shorthand of history, Heraldry grew from the need to distinguish combatants on the battlefield in a time of heavy armour!

With time, a formal registrar was established to ensure that each design was unique.

A family tree illustrated through evolving Heraldry in a stained glass window in one of Ireland's great old houses.

Family Honor

The heavy armour may be consigned to history but heraldry lives on. Steeped in familial honor and achievements and shaped by pride in ancestry, there are now 1000s of unique designs worldwide linked to family names but also cities, towns, and organizations, symbolizing achievements and aspirations.

Intricate Design

At first glance these designs may seem complicated. However each heraldic design has several elements that are often present:

1. The Shield with Coat of Arms

Bearing the actual coat of arms and representing original shield designs, no heraldic design is without one. All other elements decorate and complement the coat of arms.

The Lawton coat of arms on a modern day shield, our sterling silver Family Shield Ring.

2. Helm

The helm is a helmet which can signify rank and sits at the top of the design. An animal, cap, or crown, referred to as a crest, may sit on top of the helmet, and it can be used as a simplified symbol of the full family Herald. This is probably the reason that many people today refer to all heraldic elements as a "Family Crest."

The "Maloney" Coat of Arms with Helmet on our Family Coat of Arms ring crafted in weighty Sterling Silver.

3. Mantle

Often accompanying the helm, the mantle represents a cloth that would have been worn over the back of the helmet by an armoured combatant, in part to protect against the sun in the days before SPF!

The handsome Hennessy Coat of Arms with the family name included on a scroll at the bottom of the design.

4. Motto

The Motto is the family name or a short phrase that describes those represented by the design, typically on a scroll under the shield and coat of arms.

Your Own Piece Of History

According to Dr Edward McLysaght, an expert in Irish surnames, "one’s surname is one’s most important family heirloom."

And we would have to agree with the good Dr., especially when that name is commemorated in one of our beautiful pieces of Jewelry! Each family name has its own unique Heraldry. If you are curious to see your own Heraldry get in touch and we can send you an image of your own family's Coat of Arms.

A sterling silver Family Crest Pendant with Heraldry for two families, the O'Neills and the Gavins. A perfect piece to celebrate the joining of two families and an ideal gift for a Wedding or Anniversary.

A Family Heirloom

Each piece is unique, made to order to your specifications with your own coat of arms in solid silver or gold. These pieces are hallmarked here in Ireland in the Assay Office in historic Dublin Castle assuring quality. They make a beautiful gift and heirloom that can be passed down the generations.

You can learn more about old Irish Families, Genealogy and Tracing your Irish roots elsewhere on our blog and see our full range of Family Crest Jewelry here.