Custom Hand Engravings
Hand engraving is the age-old art of carving letters or designs into precious metals with a hardened, shaped, and sharpened piece of steel, called a graver. Our engravers have spent decades perfecting their artistic talents and are considered masters. Each and every detail is hand engraved to perfection, creating the perfect custom jewelry. Church and Company hand engraves Family Coat of arms, Corporate or School logos, Initials, Monograms, Tribute rings, cuff links, and pendents. With hand engraving the possibilities are endless. A Die struck Signet and Hand Engraving make the perfect gift to celebrate any occasion.
The History of the Coat of Arms
Since time began, man has used symbols for communication. Early man used cave drawings, and Chinese used chops. Often these symbols were used for identification of an individual or a tribe. Over time, the style and design of these symbols was refined to become the “Coat of Arms” as we know it today.
The development of the Coat of Arms dates back many centuries. In the Middle Ages, when a warrior or knight went to war or jousted in tournaments, his identity was often concealed by armor. In those times, a knight’s shield and weapons were his most important possessions. In order that each knight be identified from his fellow warriors, he would decorate his helmet, shield and breast plate with patterns, signs and emblems. The cloak or coat worn over his suit of armor was also decorated in the same manner, giving way to the name “Coat Of Arms” These decorations, or Coat of Arms, became a traditional part of a family’s identity and were passed on with pride to each succeeding generation. The Coat of Arms was also used to identify family belongings. A seal, made from a stamp of wood or metal with the Coat of Arms on it, was attached to correspondence and documents identifying the sender.
As time passed, warfare changed and warriors shed their armor in favor of more suitable clothing, however, the tradition of bearing the “Coat of Arms” continues to this day with the use of seals on certain types of correspondence. Today, State Seals consist of “Coat of Arms” indicating a mark of high office. Whether you prefer a traditional Coat of Arms engraving, an engraving of your profession or favorite past time, or just a simple monogram engraving… you will appreciate the fine quality of Church & Company signets rings. Each piece is Hand Engraved in the time honored tradition of excellence to provide you with fine jewelry destined to be an heirloom piece.
Church & Company signets are die struck, not cast. This means they are forged by precise steel dies, compressing the gold to its exact shape, and then finished by hand. This process, used by only the finest jewelers, creates a stronger piece that enables the engraver to produce a sharp, clear image.
The Elements of a Coat of Arms
CREST- The symbol or figure affixed to the top of the helmet. This shows the wearers family and served as a
gathering point for his followers during battle.
SUPPORTERS- The human or animal figures that hold up the shield of the Coat of Arms are known as supporters.
(Not shown)
HELM- the helmet on which the crest rests is known as the Helm. This varies according to the rank of the wearer.
Caps, called CHAPEUX, were used for non-military social rank men, such as churchmen.
SHIELD- The shield is the heart of the Coat of Arms which portrays the individual. It must abide by the rules of
heraldry and show, through several divisions, the close family of the wearer.
MANTLE-Mantle or Mantling is the cloak worn to protect against the sun. Artists often show the mantle with many
slashes in it, which displays that the wearer, had fought in many battles.
MOTTO-The motto is usually in a ribbon at the bottom, which is used by the entire family. (Not all Coats Of Arms
have a motto)
|
