Coronet

A coronet is a small crown or crown-like ornament that signifies a person’s status in monarchy or nobility, and is also used in heraldry to denote rank. Unlike a full crown, a coronet is typically lighter and sits directly on the head as a symbol of office or title. The term derives from Latin corona and entered French as corone before spreading into English.

In heraldry, coronets appear on coats of arms to indicate the bearer’s rank. Distinctive designs are associated with different titles, such as dukes, earls or counts, viscounts, and barons, and may include arches, crosses, fleurs-de-lis, pearls, or leaves. The shapes and embellishments vary by country and historical period, and the coronet itself is a symbolic device rather than a functional ornament in most contexts.

Historically, coronets were worn during ceremonial occasions such as coronations and state processions, or held as part of royal regalia. Today, coronets remain part of ceremonial regalia in some monarchies and are often kept in royal treasuries or displayed as historical artifacts. Their use emphasizes rank and heritage rather than everyday function.

Etymology: coronet comes from Old French corone, from Latin corona, meaning crown. In heraldic descriptions, the term continues to serve as a technical reference to rank-bearing emblems, while in common language it can describe a small crown or ring-like crown ornament.

See also: crown, circlet, diadem, heraldry, regalia.