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Heraldic Guides

Explore our complete guide to heraldry

Heraldic

Heraldry is the study of coats of arms and heraldic symbols — a system of colors, figures, and rules that has been used since the Middle Ages to identify individuals, families, and institutions.

Originally, heraldry emerged in the 12th and 13th centuries in connection with tournaments and battlefields.
When knights were covered in armor, the colors and symbols on their shields made it possible to recognize them from a distance.

Over time, heraldry evolved into much more than a practical tool for identification.
It became a discipline of its own, with a distinct language, established traditions, and artistic principles.
Every shield, every color, and every symbol found its place within a structured system that is still used today.

Today, heraldry is both a historical field of study, an art form, and a living family tradition.
Coats of arms are no longer used in battle — but they continue to exist as symbols of identity, values, and history that can be passed down through generations.

On this page, we have gathered a series of guides to help you understand the elements of heraldry and make the right choices if you are considering creating your own family coat of arms.

Here, you can learn about:

  • The meaning of colors
  • Symbols and figures in the shield
  • Mottoes and their significance
  • Shield shapes and heraldic structure
  • The many details that together form a personal coat of arms

Learn Heraldry – Step by Step

If you are considering creating a personal coat of arms — or simply want to better understand the world of heraldry — the guides below will help you get started.

We walk you through the most important elements of a coat of arms, from colors and symbols to mottoes, shield shapes, and crests.

Each guide explains both the traditional foundations of heraldry and provides inspiration for how modern families can create a coat of arms that feels meaningful and authentic to them.

Whether you are just curious about heraldry or already working on your own family coat of arms — you can begin here.

Guide to Heraldic Symbols and the Structure of a Coat of Arms

Explore the rich history and meaning behind heraldic symbols and the structure of a coat of arms.
Learn how different symbols (charges) originated, what they represent, and how they reflect a family's values and identity.

This guide gives you a clear introduction to heraldry and helps you understand how each element contributes to the story your coat of arms tells.



The Complete Guide to Heraldic Colours

In heraldry, colours are far more than decoration — they follow established rules, carry deep historical roots, and convey symbolic meaning.

In this guide, we explore the traditional heraldic tinctures, their origins in the medieval world, and the meanings they have come to represent over time. You will also find inspiration on how to combine colours in a way that honours heraldic tradition while expressing your family's unique story.

Guide to Heraldic Supporters

Supporters are the figures placed beside a coat of arms, holding or framing the shield. In heraldry, they may take the form of animals, humans, or mythological creatures, and are used to expand the narrative of the arms.

In this guide, we explore the history and symbolism of supporters, and how they can add strength, balance, and character to a family's coat of arms.



Guide to Heraldic Compartments

In some coats of arms, supporters do not stand directly on the ground, but on a compartment — a base that visually brings the entire composition together. The compartment may take the form of a rock, a piece of landscape, or a stylised foundation that adds balance to the design. At the same time, it offers a subtle way to suggest nature, origin, or values without occupying space within the shield itself.

Although not an essential element in heraldry, a compartment can add stability, weight, and a sense of completeness to a coat of arms.

Modern Heraldic Symbols – Tradition Adapted for Today

Modern heraldic symbols offer a unique opportunity to express personal and family values in a contemporary way.

By building on the established traditions of heraldry while incorporating modern symbolism, coats of arms can be adapted to reflect today's families and their identities.

This approach allows you to create a strong visual identity that respects heraldic principles while keeping the tradition alive and relevant across generations.



The Complete Guide to Heraldic Shield Shapes

The shield is the core of every coat of arms. It is the surface where colours, symbols, and history come together. In this guide, we explore the role of the shield in heraldry, how shield shapes have evolved over time, and how to choose a form that fits your family's coat of arms.






Guide to Heraldic Helms

In a coat of arms, the story does not end with the shield. Above it sits the helm — an element that adds height, character, and personality to the arms.

In this guide, we explore the traditions and symbolism of heraldic helms, and how they can be used to shape the overall expression of a coat of arms. We also touch on how the helm works together with elements such as the crest and mantling to form a complete heraldic composition.

Creating a Coat of Arms Together

A family coat of arms becomes strongest when the whole family is part of the process. This guide helps you explore your shared values, stories, and symbols, so the coat of arms becomes not only visually compelling, but something that truly feels right — and can carry your family's story forward through generations.

Painting Techniques for Heraldry – Find the Right Style for Your Coat of Arms

Explore our guide to heraldic painting techniques and discover the style that best fits your coat of arms or family tree.

From the subtle elegance of pencil to the sharp precision of ink, and the rich expression of watercolour and acrylic, this guide helps you understand the unique qualities of each technique.

Learn how different artistic styles can reflect your family's heritage and help you create a timeless piece that can be appreciated for generations.

Guide to Choosing a Heraldic Motto

A motto is the element of a coat of arms that gives it a voice. In this guide, we explore the history of mottos in heraldry, how they have traditionally been used, and how you can choose a motto that expresses your family's values and legacy







Guide to Heraldic Crests

The crest is the crowning element of a coat of arms. Rising above the helm, it brings character, movement, and identity to the arms.

In this guide, we explore the history, symbolism, and possibilities of the crest — and how families today can choose a figure that both respects tradition and tells their own story.





What Can You Use a Coat of Arms For?

A coat of arms is more than a symbol — it can become a meaningful part of your family's everyday life and history. In this guide, we explore how a coat of arms can be used across everything from art and home décor to jewellery, glass engraving, clothing, house signs, and memorials. We also look at how it can be adapted into different forms, including print, embroidery, engraving, and three-dimensional works in wood, bronze, or stone.

Meet Our Heraldic Artists

Our heraldic artists specialise in painting and designing coats of arms, family trees, and ancestral charts.

Each artist has their own distinctive style and artistic expression, giving you the opporHeraldic Artiststunity to find a look that truly reflects your family.

Here, you can explore examples of their work and see which languages they speak, making it easier to choose the artist who is the right fit for you.



Guide to Heraldic Symbols

Heraldic symbols — also known as charges — form the very narrative of a coat of arms. It is through these elements that a family's values, history, and identity take on visual form.

In this guide, we explore the traditional symbols of heraldry and their meanings — from animals and plants to stars, weapons, and other devices — and offer inspiration on how to choose symbols that can carry your family's story forward through generations.


Guide to Heraldic Mantling and Torses

The mantling and torse are the elements of a coat of arms that tie the whole composition together. What began as practical protection for a knight's helm against sun and blows gradually evolved into the flowing shapes and colours that bring movement and character to the arms.

In this guide, we explore the history and symbolism of mantling and torses, and how to choose them in a way that supports your family's coat of arms and creates a harmonious whole.

A coat of arms can be a unique and meaningful wedding gift.

Instead of a traditional present, a family coat of arms can symbolize the union of two families and the beginning of a new shared story. Discover how a personalized coat of arms can become an heirloom passed down through generations. 

Composing and Drawing of a personal Coat of Arms
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Coat Of Arms carved in wood