Honor a lost loved one via a timeless tribute with a black granite custom headstone. Create grave markers worthy of your loved ones. Choose from a variety of sizes to fit the cemetery plot or space available in a memorial garden or mausoleum, and opt for custom laser engraving that can include your loved one's name, an inspirational quote, or even a picture.
For more information, please visit European Style Tombstone Granite.
Each headstone marker is designed and engraved in the United States.
Need some design inspiration? Check out our selection of templates created by our team of professional graphic designers HERE.
Check out these images submitted by our customers here
Please be sure to check your cemeteries requirements before purchasing a headstone. We are not able to accept returns on headstones that are rejected by the cemetery.
Laser Engraving
Laser Engraving is the standard option for granite. In this process, the laser strikes the surface of the stone and leaves a light gray mark. The granite has natural light flecks, which can rarely affect the quality of the engraving, especially on small type, pictures, or logos. Any pictures, art or logo will be modified to be engraved in light gray.
Mounting
For this memorial, no mounting options are included. You can upgrade to a sign stand. For any headstone that is less than 2 inches thick, the heads of the bolts will go through the front of the headstone. For further information regarding mounting please check out our Mounting Reference Page.
Placing an Order
Need assistance designing and placing an order? Check out our video tutorial for more information:
Watch Tutorial on Youtube
At PlaqueMaker.com, your order comes with a no-obligation proof. To receive your proof, fill out an order form and provide the details of your order. At the bottom of the order form, you can select either Design & View or Add to Cart.
If you are on Mobile, you will only have Add to Cart available. If you wish to design it yourself, you can complete your design on a computer.
The Design & View option will take you to our online designer, where you can arrange your text and art. If you select Add to Cart, our team of professional graphic designers will design your order for you. With both option, our graphic designers will double-check your order and we will send you a proof in a business day.
When you have your order added to the cart, you will be able to Proceed to Checkout. During this process, you can select your Delivery Method, and will be asked to enter your credit card information. A credit card is required to receive a proof, but nothing is charged until you approve the design and agree to proceed with the order. Once you receive your proof, you can make changes or cancel your order.
During the checkout process, you will have the option of utilizing PayPal. If you select to use PayPal, a hold will be placed on the funds during checkout. The funds will be released after 3 days if you cancel your order.
Once the order is placed, you will receive a proof to the you provided within a business day. The will contain a link to view your designed product, and information on how to make changes or approve your proof. If you wish to make changes, we will you a revised proof within a business day. Once your proof is approved, your order will ship 2 business days later. When your order ships from our facility, you will receive an containing tracking information if it is included in the shipping method selected.
The PlaqueMaker Guarantee
All of our Products come with a 90-Day Guarantee. If you are unhappy with your order, return it for your money back.
A headstone is a deeply personal and important tribute that celebrates a life lived. It plays an essential role in the remembrance of those who have passed and serves as a lasting representation of your loved one.
The headstone design process is tremendously rewarding, but can seem overwhelming at first. Along with selecting the memorials size, material and style, there are several personalization options to consider including which design method your family prefersheadstone engraving or headstone etching.
But what is the difference between headstone etching and headstone engraving?
Continue reading to learn more about the process, cost, and design options related to headstone engraving and headstone etching.
What Is Headstone Engraving?
Headstone engraving is the process or art of cutting designs into a hard surface, like a granite headstone. And, its the most common design method used to create the lettering and symbols on most headstones.
While hammers and chisels were traditionally used for granite engraving, sandblasting has become the preferred headstone engraving method.
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Sandblasting uses compressed air to shoot small particles of sand through a hose to erode the granite surface. The technique is considered one of the most effective methods for engraving granite headstones and creates the most visually impressive result. Sandblasting enables both light and dark colors of polished granite to be exquisitely engraved.
What Is Headstone Etching?
When a granite memorial requires a more detailed image, headstone etching is the preferred method. While headstone engraving makes a deeper v-cut shape, only hand etching produces a high contrast marking on the surface of the material. Thus, it can create fine, detailed designs.
There are two methods that can be used to etch highly detailed designs in stonehand etching and laser etching.
Hand Etching
Hand etching is a unique and difficult skill that adds incredible character and customization to a memorial. Talented hand etchers can take a scenic picture or even multiple images of a person and create a one-of-a-kind image.
Using a diamond-tipped etching tool, the image is drawn into the granite one dot at a time, creating more depth and contrast in the headstone. This type of headstone etching is deeper than laser etching and is best used on black granite.
Not only is hand etching a precise skill, but it is also a true art that requires creativity a machine cannot yet create on its own.
Laser Etching
Laser etching enables artists to produce accurate and detailed recreations of original designs and photographs in stone. This process uses a computerized laser that burns the surface of the stone.
Laser etching is a less expensive alternative to hand etching, and is especially effective when a family is able to provide a clear photo.
However, laser etching does not involve the same level of artistic creativity that hand etching requires. It does not provide the same depth of hand etching that creates contrast for lettering and designs.
How Are Headstone Engraving and Headstone Etching Similar?
While headstone engraving and headstone etching are two vastly different methods of personalizing a memorial, they do have one major similarityboth create a memorial of distinction that is unique to your loved one.
Each of these methods is a unique and highly specialized practice that adds incredible character and customization to a memorial. No matter which method you choose, you will leave with a customized headstone fit for your loved one.
How Does Headstone Engraving and Headstone Etching Affect Price?
The cost of a memorial can vary based on which method is used and its important to keep in mind that pricing and quality may vary by provider. Standard engraved letters and symbols are typically included in the price of a headstone. Different lettering techniques and custom designs, however, may be an additional engraving cost.
Below are estimates of our headstone etching prices at Milano Monuments.
Single portrait etching:
- 8-inch laser etching starts at $595
- 8-inch hand etching starts at $1,095
Double portrait etching:
- 8-inch laser etching starts at $1,150
- 8-inch hand etching starts at $2,190
For other images, such as scenery, pets and symbols, pricing will depend on the pictures complexity.
>>> Download our Memorial Cost Guide to better understand the costs and recognize the value of your headstone design.
Design Options For Headstone Engraving and Headstone Etching
Over the years, our certified memorial specialists at Milano Monuments have engraved and etched headstone designs. Check out a few of our projects below.
To view more memorial designs, visit our cemetery memorial gallery page.
Take the First Step in Designing a Memorial of Distinction
Now that you better understand the similarities and differences between headstone engraving and headstone etching, you can start determining what design elements you want to incorporate into your loved one's headstonelike a memorial quote. Download our ultimate guide to memorial quotes for inspiration as you get started.
The company is the world’s best classic white marble cherub and tombstone services supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
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