Family Crest Finder
What are family crests?
Family crests date back to the days of knights in shining armour. They were a component of the heraldry emblazoned on their armour, shield and flags to identify them at jousting tournaments or on the battlefield. Over time they developed and became beautiful, symbolic artforms to represent the family name.
|
Traditional seal engraving
Our signet rings are all ‘seal engraved’ which is a very specific style of engraving whereby the image and lettering is carved very deeply and in reverse. This traditional technique means that when the ring is pressed into softened wax to form the seal the resulting impression reveals the correct image.
All our signet rings are supplied with a boxed wax impression for you to keep which shows you the mirror image of your signet ring engraving. Whilst few signet rings are used for their original purpose today, they are still worn and enjoyed by both men and women looking for something personal and meaningful to wear every day.
What should I engrave if I don't have a family crest?
The most popular alternative to a family crest is a monogram of one, two or three initials. Other options include a regimental or school badge, a personal symbol, or custom uploaded artwork. Uploaded artwork is subject to approval of feasibility; very intricate designs such as a full Coat of Arms can only be engraved on the largest head size and carry an additional charge. Hancocks also maintains a searchable Crest Finder database — many families have a heraldic crest they may not be aware of.
How much does a bespoke signet ring cost?
Plain signet rings at Hancocks start from £430 in sterling silver, rising to £1,030 in 9ct gold, £1,630 in 14ct gold, £2,380 in 18ct yellow or rose gold, and £2,630 in platinum. Hardstone set rings start from £1,135. Engraving is priced separately: initials from £160 and family crest engraving from £320. Very intricate designs may carry an additional charge.
How long does it take to make a bespoke signet ring?
Orders are completed in approximately 6–8 weeks, with the exception of hardstone signet rings and any ring in platinum, which take 12–14 weeks. Hancocks will be in touch once your ring is ready to be dispatched or collected.
Our Range
What is Heraldry?
Heraldry evolved in the Middle Ages to identify the wearer of armour in battle and flourished with the popularity of jousting tournaments. Heraldic markings started with simple colours and shapes and became more complicated over time. The descriptions of the various heraldic markings were recorded in Norman English as "Blazons"(see Glossary). The rules which developed under the presiding officers of the tournaments still form the basis of heraldic law.
In the 15th Century the presiding officers formed the College of Arms which is run by the Garter Principal King of Arms. Its members, known collectively as Officers of Arms, have historic names dating back to the origins of heraldry such as Garter, Clarenceaux and Norroy, Apart from the ceremonial duties at important state occasions the main duties of the Officers of Arms are the granting and matriculating of arms and the dealing of all matters to do with ceremony, peerage law, succession to titles, heraldry and genealogy.
Ireland had its own version in the Ulster Office but since 1948 the post of Ulster King of Arms has been combined with Norroy. Wales is represented by the Wales Herald Extraordinary. Scottish heraldic matters are managed separately by the Lyon Court in Edinburgh presided over by the Lord Lyon King of Arms who forms part of the Scottish legal system. The heraldic system used in Scotland is much more complicated than in England. A Scottish Clan badge is usually the Chiefs crest surrounded by a buckled belt bearing a motto.
What is a Coat of Arms?A coat of arms is the entire heraldic device including the mantling, a helmet, a crest, a motto and, in the case of peers and clan chiefs, a coronet and supporters. They are displayed on a shield and together they identify the owner who has been granted the right to bear arms. A son will inherit his father's arms and quarter them with his mothers and so on making some coats of arms very complicated. |
|
What is a Crest?
The crest sits on top of the coat of arms, often above the symbol of a helmet. This reflects its medieval origins as a means of identification during combat when an emblem would be attached to the top, or crest, of the combatant's helmet. Unlike a coat of arms, the crest can remain the same across generations and different branches of one family.
Sometimes a family's crest is a play on the surname (e.g. the Trotters have a trotting horse) or an emblem of its occupation or trade. A ducal coronet may be added to the crest of a Bishop while a mural coronet can signify a military distinction and a naval coronet a naval one.
However it is not unusual for branches of one family to develop different crests to distinguish themselves. If they are not accompanied by a coat of arms, crests are usually shown on top of a twisted band (a wreath), coronet or cap (called a chapeau) reflecting their historic origin. Traditionally, only crests were engraved on the family's silver in the United Kingdom as the full coat of arms was reserved for larger and more ceremonial items