Appearing above the helm, or shield, a crest signifies the bearer's family heritage. Often the helm takes the form of an animal's head, usually a predator or threatening species. Lions with their tongues sticking out can be found, as well as dragon heads and other fantastical creatures' faces. Not all coat of arms have a crest, but as heraldry became more common throughout history, more elements added to the decorative nature of coats of arms.
Shields are classic symbols of heraldry, used for decoration as well as protection. Coats of arms are almost always displayed on a shield, or illustrated as one. The elements of heraldry that are displayed on the shield have significance, but so does the shield itself. Shields came in various shapes, which indicated which region the bearer hailed from. Throughout time, coats of arms' shields changed in size and shape, but their symbolism remained significant.
Symbols used in heraldry come in many forms such as animals, plants and objects that represent specific concepts within the culture they were created in. Horns and horned animals often indicated strength. More passive animals such as deer represented valor, patience and peacefulness. Plants like flowers indicated traits associated with them, such as hope and joy. Images of swords and helmets usually represented strength in battle. Crosses indicated religious belief, faith in God and glory.
Tinctures are the materials, metals and colors that a coat of arms is made from. Specific tinctures represented the heraldry of different groups, making each one unique. Furs represented dignity and strength, regardless of the animal they are from. Metals such as gold, silver and bronze sometimes indicated a family's class and rank in society. Colors used in heraldry represented specific concepts; gold, for example, represented generosity, while red represented military strength. Purple indicated royalty and justice.