Colors Even the colors can have special meaning in a "family crest" or coat of arms:

Color Heraldic Name Symbolism Gold or Yellow Or Generosity and elevation of the mind Silver or White Argent Peace and sincerity Red Gules Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimity Blue Azure Truth and loyalty Green Vert Hope, joy, and loyalty in love Black Sable Constancy or grief Purple Purpure Royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice Orange Tawny or Tenne Worthy ambition Maroon Sanguine or Murray Patient in battle, and yet victorious

Furs The mere fact that a shield or crest contains furs suggests a mark of dignity. Usually the fur coat of the weasel is represented.

Fur Heraldic Name Coloring Ermine White with black spots Ermines Black with white spots Erminois Gold with black spots Pean Black with gold spots Vair White and blue bell shapes

Heraldic Lines and Ordinaries Different types of dividing lines, borders, sections, etc. can all have meaning.

Element Heraldic Name Symbolism Nebuly Clouds or air Wavy Sea or water Engrailed Earth or land Invected Earth or land Indented Fire Dancette Water Raguly Difficulties that have been encountered Embattled Walls of a fortress or town (also, fire)