Before you shell out for a family coat of arms, check our primer and learn how you can discover if you really have heraldry in your heritage.

Debunking the myth

A key fact to keep in mind is that coats of arms are not and never have been granted to families. They're granted to individuals and belong to individuals. Arms can, however, be inherited. According to an informational brochure, "Heraldry for United States Citizens," published by the Board for Certification of Genealogists:

• Anyone whose uninterrupted male-line immigrant ancestor was entitled to use a coat of arms has the right to use this same coat of arms.
• If the uninterrupted male-line immigrant ancestor has no such right, then neither does the descendant.
• Anyone who claims the right to arms under European laws must prove the uninterrupted male-line descent.
• As an exception, United States citizens can obtain a grant or confirmation of their arms—from the College of Arms in England or other appropriate national heraldic authority in other countries—by payment of required fees.

The brochure also warns, "Commercial firms that purport to research and identify coats of arms for surnames or family names—and sell descriptions thereof under the guise of a 'family crest'—are engaged in fraudulent and deceptive marketing. The consumer's best defense is a proper knowledge of the laws of heraldry."

While the laws of heraldry differ with each country, in some parts of the world it's actually illegal to display a coat of arms or to use it on stationery or a blazer breast pocket unless you're the rightful owner. Having the same last name does not entitle you to use the arms. Here in the United States, you won't be thrown in the slammer if you've already bought and proudly displayed in your living room what you thought was your family crest.

And who knows? You could really be descended from an ancestor who rightfully inherited a coat of arms.