Did you know that, in the early days of gravestones, some were commissioned for people who were still alive as a tribute to their wealth or status?
Have you considered a gravestone or memorial bench with a stone vase? These can be a beautiful addition to the typical gravestone, as they provide a permanent space in which to place flowers or other tokens honoring the deceased.
Before choosing a headstone for your loved one, it’s important to first become familiar with any restrictions that your cemetery may have. While some cemeteries have very strict memorial requirements in place, others will let you install anything you like.
Looking for a memorial for war or other fallen heroes? We are honored to work with you to come up with the right sentiment, detail, and structure to best recognize the sacrifices made by these fallen.
Feeling sad is a normal reaction to loss, and the duration of sad feelings can vary from person to person. Most experts agree that ignoring feelings of sadness will only postpone the challenging work of eventually dealing with them.
Where gravestones today may include the name of one person or two, in times past, a single gravestone could memorialize many members of a family. Names were added over years or even decades.
Memorial markers with a statement or image incorporated into it will help future generations know who their relatives were. Grandkids who never met their grandparents for example, might be inspired to find out more about them.
Just because your loved one is gone doesn’t mean the memory of him or her is also gone. With a customized memorial, help the memory of your loved one live on forever.
If you plan to purchase a headstone from a third-party or online retailer, make sure this is allowed by the cemetery and be sure to ask about fees and charges for bringing in or installing headstones bought elsewhere.
Traditionally, headstones and grave markers are carved with the name and dates of the deceased, but that doesn't mean that's all that has to be there. You can also add something that reflects their life or interests, such as symbols or images.
The most common carvings on grave markers include the name and the date of both the birth and death of the deceased. Depending on the size of the grave marker, an epitaph might be included as well.
Today, the terms "gravestone" and "tombstone" are used interchangeably, but that wasn't always true. Historically, a tombstone was actually a coffin lid, and a gravestone was a stone wedge or slab installed over a grave.
Considering a sculpture to commemorate your loved one? There are many options to choose from, with common motifs being angels, crosses, teardrops, or other shapes.
Having trouble choosing between an upright marker or a flat one to honor a loved one? Slant markers (sometimes called mini upright markers) can be a good compromise. These are generally 16 inches wide and can have anything from avery slight upright slant to a pronounced one.
Some families choose the vengeful route when it comes to epitaphs. Famed outlaw Jesse James’s epitaph reads: "Murdered by a traitor and a coward whose name is not worthy to appear here."
Did you know that visitors to cemeteries are requested to keep their voice low or retain a respectful silence? Because cemeteries are often viewed as sacred places, any violation of the graves or buildings is considered a serious crime.
For thousands of years, people have marked the final resting place of their loved ones. We can help you find the right monument for your loved one and engrave it for you. Our works are a beautiful testimony to the life of your loved one and can customize it to uniquely immortalize your loved one.
Early gravestones were usually marked with the name of the deceased, age, and year of death. Churchyard burials evolved gradually, with large square-shaped tombstones made of slate or sandstone eventually being used. These early inscriptions were shallow but readable.
There are several steles, or grave markers, on display in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One, from 530 BC, depicts a winged figure atop a carved image of a person from the Archaic period.
Thousands of years ago, the Greeks and Romans starting using grave stones and stone monuments. They used these for two reasons. First, the stone would help keep the grave undisturbed. Secondly, and more importantly, it would serve to honor the dead.
Did you know that early memorials depicted horrible scenes with skeletons and demons to instill fear of the afterlife in the living? It wasn't until the 19th century that headstones came to depict more peaceful scenes like cherubs and angels leading the dead to heaven.
One of the most famous epitaphs by William Shakespeare states, “Good friend, for Jesus' sake forbear, to dig the dust enclosed here. Blest be the man that spares these stones, and cursed be he that moves my bones.”
The designs and styles of the monuments we create are virtually limitless. As such, we can use appropriate imagery that tastefully symbolizes the personal beliefs of your loved one who has passed away.
Many times cemeteries have regulations regarding what kind of monuments can be used. We can assist you in picking out the right kind of monument to meet the requirements of your loved one's site and individual personal preferences.
