This was originally the object which knights used to wear attached to their helmets particularly at jousts.
The ornament on the upper part of the helmet in Heraldry placed over coats of arms, either with or without the helmet.
- The English crest is a crown surmounted by a lion statant guardant crowned, or.
- The Scottish crest is an imperial crown, surmounted by a lion sejant guardant, displaying two sceptres or.
- The Irish crest is an ancient diadem surmounted by an embattled tower, a stag courant issuing from the portal.
- The crest of Wales is a dragon passant guardant, gules.
Crests are usually displayed upon a wreath.