WHAT IS A COAT OF ARMS?

Well, a reliable and succinct definition comes from The Heraldry Society:

Although the essential and most important element, the shield is but one part of a coat arms. A full Achievement of Arms can (but not always will) consist of supporters, mantling, a compartment, a motto, a helmet, a wreath, a crest, a badge, a banner, a flag – and more. It can be reproduced in all manner of materials and today the art and craft of heraldry is still a thriving discipline in its own right.

But naturally I would direct your to THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF HERALDRY for an American perspective. In the meantime, for a few decades now I have commissioned dozens of international heraldic artists (those whose work I can reasonably afford, and whose style appeals, of course) to emblazon my own armorial bearings, primarily to display all of them in one place to show potential armigers that it’s not the artwork that’s important (well, it is, but…) but rather the BLAZON. Obviously, as evidenced by this site, the same blazon can be rendered many different ways and still be correct.

If you would like additional information about a specific artist, click on the Heraldry link and look for the Artists page.