The Gardiner Family Crest Rocks Glass. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.
Nicely suited for the moments that call for a proper toast. Whether it’s a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.
The origin of the name Gardiner
Gardiner is an ancient Anglo-Norman occupational surname derived from the Old French gardinier ("gardener," or keeper of manorial grounds and royal orchards). Essential to medieval feudal infrastructure, master gardiners held respected standing in noble households. The family established influential estates across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, and the Scottish Lowlands following the 1066 Norman Conquest. Codified early in feudal rolls, the name appears in the 1273 Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire.
The symbolism of the Gardiner coat of arms
Commanding and vigilant, the Gardiner coat of arms features a gold field charged with a central deep blue griffin, set beneath a black upper section (chief) bearing three argent / silver or white arrow-points (pheons). In classical heraldry, the gold field and blue griffin symbolise high intellect, heroic courage, and fierce guardianship over clan lands. The black chief and silver pheons denote wisdom, constancy, and readiness for military defense. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays a blue griffin's head. Below, the motto scroll displays Nil desperandum, translating to "Never despair." The formal recognition of this coat of arms was recorded in the 16th-century Heralds' Visitations of Oxfordshire and Dorset and catalogued in Burke's General Armory.
Historical figures
Stephen Gardiner (c. 1483–1555): English prelate, diplomat, and Lord Chancellor of England under Queen Mary I.
Lady Mary Gardiner (17th Century): English gentlewoman and benefactor recorded in county charters.
Colonel James Gardiner (1688–1745): Famed Scottish military officer who fell at the Battle of Prestonpans.
Product details
- Classic rocks glass with family crest
- Volume: 10.5 oz. (311 ml)
- Height: 3.4″ (8.64 cm)
- Diameter: 3.2″ (8.13 cm)
- High heat from the dishwasher or microwave may damage the print, so please hand-wash only.
No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order
This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.
About the artist
Each coat of arms in the Family Crests Store is an artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. All are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest available records across multiple heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and attention to detail, these artworks make meaningful gifts for family occasions.
Don’t see your family name?
I’m always happy to add new crests and products to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️
