Crest of Saint James

The Crest of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint James includes various insignia and symbols that reflect her identity.

At the center of the crest is a scallop shell. The shell is a symbol for baptism for Christians and more importantly it is also the symbol associated with the Apostle James. 

The shell is flanked by crowns. The crowns of a king and queen are identical to the crowns on the crest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, located in the territory of Kings and Queens Counties in New York City. The crowns are included on the crest of Saint James to indicate the parish's status as the Cathedral church of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

The crest also includes two of the insignia of a Minor Basilica: the Ombrellino (papal head covering) and the Papal Keys.