FAQ's

Regarding the genealogy and family crests; you are doing the right thing by asking your partners family if they know what it might be. Very often family stories are passed down through the generation that they were related to some eminent or titled person. Many people claim relation to someone of the same surname who was indeed granted a coat of arms many centuries ago and the many websites you find on the internet normally pick the oldest recorded coat of arms for that name. Some of these date back to Norman times. Many of these are ultimately derived from books such as Burkes General Armory but many are frankly bogus and cannot be relied on. To do the ‘right thing’ I suppose one should trace ones family back to a forebear who was granted a coat of arms. Sometimes this might be through the female line and another surname altogether but the most important thing in my mind is that whatever you choose it has some personal family significance.

For example; in my own case, we have no grants of arms as far as I am aware linked to Pritchard or Barrett but I have only traced our family tree back to 1830. On my grandmothers side a genealogist traced the family tree back to d’oyley which did have a grant of arms so that is the one our family might use in recognition of a tiny bit of the gene pool relating to the titled aristocracy. I am sure many families can also trace back similar connections if you go back far enough.

On saying that there is no jurisdication about wearing a family crest on a signet ring. Regulation only applies to a full coat of arms which is regulated by the College of Arms or the Lords Lyon in Scotland. A crest which is part of a coat of arms (being the Heraldic device on top of the Helmet) always was a more personal thing and historically they were used for personal seals and were semi unofficially adapted within families. This is the heritage behind the whole signet ring thing which really gained popularity in Georgian and Victorian times.

You can apply to the College of Arms for a coat of arms if you have the inclination and a few thousand pounds to spend on it. Of course this is entirely suitable for many eminent people who have had successful careers in all walks of life. The heralds then design the coat of arms in consultation with the recipient and normally use a crest and emblems which relate to career, achievements and interests. http://college-of-arms.gov.uk.

In summary of my feelings on the issue of finding a family crest or deciding what to engrave on your signet ring is as follows:

1. If you want to be serious about doing ‘the right thing’ then check the genealogical line back to a forebear who was genuinely granted a Caot of Arms. This may involve employing a genealogist or maybe some in the family has done this already or has good reason to know the family tree. Usually there are items that have been handed down through the generations that may indicate there was a connection to a family crest. These are usually old book plates, or engravings on cutlery.

2. Clan Badges. The Scottish and Irish Clan system has a different take on this and seems more open to allowing the use of a clan badge on the basis of being of the same surname.

3. However it is still important to do the genealogical research as there are various clans. (For example there are various MacDonald Clans – Clan ranald, Glencoe, Sleat for example).

4. If you are unsure of any genealogical connection and do not have the time to check, you can assume a vague connection to the family crest of someone of the same name but please be aware that this is extremely tenuous and some of the websites provide crests that are frankly bogus. However the use of crests is unregulated and no one will stop you using anything as a crest on your own signet ring. It is only your own sense of heritage and need to be true that is to be considered.

5. Talk to us and we can steer you in the right direction using the more genuine reference books we have : Fairbairns Book Of Crests (all editions), Burkes Peerage, Burkes General Armory, Reitstaps Armorial General (for European derivations).

6. Do not use or assume a connection to a coat of arms from something you find on the internet as Coats of Arms are regulated for official purposes by the College of Arms and The Lords Lyon.

7. Consider a Monogram or Cypher. These are unique and can be designed with great effect. These can also be Seal engraved.

8. Engrave an emblem of personal significance in lieu of crest. For example we can engrave any variation of animal. We have done Kingfishers for Bird Watchers, Dogs for dog lovers. A flower for gardeners. We can advise if any item would make a good engraving. We have many good resource books to help. This approach is more like a family emblem or logo and can look great.

9. Some people think that the wearing of a signet ring with a crest is a bit archaic but the wonderful thing we keep seeing is the great pleasure they give in providing a sense of belonging to a family. Whatever you choose the most important thing in our minds is that they create a connection in the present – to someone you love and to the past – your family heritage.

10. Ultimately It is your decision and do whatever you feel comfortable with. There is no right or wrong way to do things.

11. There is great flexibility with Crests as they are individual and unregulated – but please respect that un regulated Coats of Arms should never be used for official purposes.