Annulet (heraldry)

In heraldry, an annulet is a charge representing a small ring. It is depicted as a flat circle, similar to a ring used on a finger, but without any gemstone or ornamentation.

The annulet is considered one of the basic geometrical charges and is frequently used as a difference, most commonly to distinguish the fifth son. In this usage, it signifies that the bearer is the fifth in line and indicates a more remote claim to family inheritance.

Beyond its use as a mark of cadency, the annulet can also be used simply as a decorative charge in a coat of arms. When so used, its symbolism is open to interpretation, but it may represent faith, eternity, or strength, among other qualities.

When multiple annulets are present in a coat of arms, they are typically depicted in fess, pale, or other standard heraldic arrangements. Their number and placement will be specified in the blazon.