How to Choose the Perfect Granite Memorial for Your Loved One
1. Know Cemetery Regulations
Cemeteries have specific rules regarding the style and size of memorials. Some may only allow lawn-level markers, while others have height restrictions or require a minimum number of plots based on the base width. Understanding your plot’s dimensions and any cemetery restrictions is crucial for selecting an appropriate memorial.
2. Select a Single, Companion, or Family Style
Decide if the memorial will be for one person, a couple, or a family. The width of the plot(s) and the base width of the memorial(s) often influence this decision. Families might choose individual stones for each member or opt for a large monument to celebrate the family unit.
3. Choose an Upright or Slant Monument or a Bevel or Flat Marker
If your cemetery permits upright monuments without height restrictions, you can choose various heights, depending on your budget and plot width. Upright memorials offer more creative possibilities. However, if height is restricted, slant and flat markers can still be personalized with images, etchings, and decorative artwork.
Upright
Slant
Bevel
Flat
4. Pick the Memorial’s Shape (If Applicable)
Upright memorials come in numerous shapes, including traditional serp tops, round tops, or custom designs. Some popular shapes are:
Serp top
French curve
Rooftop
Teardrop
Single heart
Double heart
Angel double heart
Angel single heart
5. Select Granite Color
Granite is available in dozens of colors from around the world. Choose one that resonates with your preferences or your loved one’s personality.
6. Select Finishes
There are three primary finishes for granite memorials:
- Sawn: Smooth surface resulting from the cutting process.
- Polished: Smooth, glassy finish that can shimmer in the sunlight.
- Rock-pitched: Hand-chiseled for a natural, unique appearance.
7. Select Design Elements
Fonts
There are two primary elements to consider when choosing your fonts. The first is the font style, and the second is the font finish. Here is a list of some of the most popular memorial fonts, but original fonts can be created if you want.
Font Finishes
It may be necessary to see actual examples to clearly understand the differences among the various font finishing styles. Here are a few of the most popular:
V-cut
Standard text cut into the stone.
Polished edge
The letters are carved with a standard V-cut, while the stone immediately surrounding each letter is polished to a shine. Typically there is a frosted panel surrounding the text which makes the polished edge “pop” from contrast.
Skin sunk
The letters are formed by “skinning” away the polished granite, which provides a contrasting natural stone finish. This process is also known as Frosting.
Frosted outline
The letters are formed by Frosting/Skinning the polished granite while sandblasting a V-cut outline around each letter.
Frosted edge
The letters are V-cut into the granite and then the surrounding edges of each letter are frosted against a polished background.
Polished outline
The letters remain polished granite while the surrounding stone is frosted for contrast with a V-cut outline around each letter.
Litho Tint
For enhanced contrast, letters and carvings can be tinted in silver, black, or gold.
Sand-Carved Artwork
Hundreds of artwork options can be carved into the stone, including nature scenes, hobbies, military insignia, religious symbols, and more.
Ceramic Tiles
Durable, non-fading ceramic tiles can be inset with images.
Hand or Laser Etchings
An alternative to sand-carved memorials, laser etchings on black granite allow for detailed custom images.
Epitaphs
Personalize the memorial with a favorite verse, poem stanza, song lyric, or catchphrase that captures your loved one’s essence.
This guide should help you navigate the process of selecting a granite memorial, ensuring it honors your loved one beautifully.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]