Scottish crest badge
An armiger who is entitled to the heraldic elements may wear a crest badge that incorporates a circlet.
[2] Crest badges, much like clan tartans, do not have a long history and owe much to Victorian era romanticism, having only been worn on the bonnet since the 19th century.
[3] The original badges used by clans are said to have been specific plants worn in bonnets or hung from a pole or spear.
It is illegal for a clan member to misappropriate the chief's crest and motto in acts such as decorating silverware or inscriptions on signet rings and jewellery.
[2] Crest badges are specifically used for people to wear, and they are made out of silver or white metal.
In consequence, many Scottish armigers, including clan chiefs, have comparatively similar crests to one another.
For example, clans associated with the Chattan Confederation share very similar crest badges bearing wild cats.
It is more common, however, for a clan chiefs to wear their own personal crest within a plain circlet inscribed with their motto or slogan (pictured left).
The chief's crest badge does not contain the strap and buckle that other clan members are permitted to wear.
Clan chiefs are also entitled to wear three eagle feathers[note 3] behind the circlet of their crest badge.
Clan chiefs that are members of the British Peerage or a feudal baron are entitled to wear the appropriate coronet or baronial chapeau above the circlet on their crest badge, though this is a matter of personal preference.
[note 4] On certain occasions real eagle feathers may be worn behind the crest badge.
If a clan chieftain is a member of the British Peerage or a feudal baron they are permitted to wear the appropriate coronet or baronial chapeau above the circlet on their crest badge.
[note 5] If an Armiger is a member of the British Peerage or a feudal baron they are permitted to wear the appropriate coronet or baronial chapeau above the circlet on their crest badge.
Some followers of Chieftains or feudal Barons also wear a crest and buckle badge.
