Ancient man probably utilized a headband, or fillet, to keep his long hair from getting into his eyes. Later on it became more specialized, religious leaders would wear a different style from fighting warriors for instance. By the time of the Pharaohs of Egypt, the first “proper” crown had arrived, the Uraeus was a golden representation of the Egyptian snake god and was a symbol of royalty.

The use of crowns and coronets in heraldry is widespread. In the early grants of arms, crowns and coronets were considered an integral part of the crest area. After 1672 the use of crowns in crests was strictly regulated, for instance, an Eastern Coronet (A five pointed crown) was thereafter only granted to someone who held high office in the British Imperial Service and served in the Indian region. (India, Pakistan, Burma)

The most commonly found crown in heraldry is the Ducal Coronet, a crown composed of five leaves of the strawberry plant. The Mural Crown is also very popular and is composed of bricks with a castellated top. The Naval Crown features sails and the sterns of ships. It is also adorned with anchors and ship’s wheels.

In Scotland and Ireland the Antique Crown (As in the arms of the surname Grant) was commonly used. Similar to the Eastern Crown, it is also to be found on the crest of the Irish name, O’Rourke, and on the arms of the Irish province of Munster.

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