VJ Memorials

A memorial is a permanent tribute to your loved one representing a unique historical record of who they were as an individual and in their community.  Large or small, each memorial can tell a story that will precede time itself. 

When you are ready to select an upright monument or flat grave marker, it is important that you follow the cemeteries rules and regulations.  Each cemetery has their own set of regulations for headstones.  It is important to ask the cemetery for their rules and regulations before ordering a headstone.  These rules pertain to the actual size, material and type of headstone allowed, such as granite or bronze material.  

Be sure to ask one of our friendly counselors to help you understand the cemetery rules and regulations.  We are always happy to work with the cemetery to ensure you purchase the right memorial for you and your family.

Once you know what type of headstone is allowed by the cemetery you are ready to choose a memorial.  

You will need to consider the following:

What type of material to use?

Granite is an igneous rock that is composed of feldspar, quartz and biotite.  It is extremely hard and is resistant to materials like sulfur dioxide (acid rain) that will erode metamorphic marble.  According to the Measure of Hardness Scale, where a diamond is 10 on the scale, granite is between 6 and 7.  Granite will hold a brilliant polish for hundreds of years; therefore it is the ideal material for creating a timeless tribute to your loved one.   Natural stones, such as granite have been used for memorials for thousands of years.  Due to its durability granite has become the most popular choice for creating cemetery memorials.  Granites usually have a medium to coarse grained texture and come in a variety of colors to choose from.  Creating a beautiful monument out of granite will stand the test of time.  

Bronze grave markers are also popular in certain cemeteries.  There are several cemeteries that only allow for bronze markers to be used in their park.  Bronze markers are made from special alloys that consist of tin and copper with trace amounts of lead and zinc.  Bronze markers are coated with a special sealant that helps slow down the oxidizing process.  A bronze marker is usually mounted to a concrete or granite foundation and set into the ground.

What size to select?

It is important to stay within the cemetery size requirements for each grave.  In some cases, you are given a general size range, not to exceed a minimum and maximum size.  As long as you are within this guideline you are fine.  Some cemeteries are stricter and only allow a specific size.  It is also important to determine if your headstone will be for an individual person or for companions.

What color granite to choose?

Granite comes in a wide variety of colors to choose from.  Selecting the granite color is an important decision to make.  The choice of colors can represent many different things.  Some choose a color of granite quarried from their native land.  While others may choose thier loved ones favorite color.  You may want to consider selecting a color that sets your marker apart from others in the cemetery.  Some cemeteries can restrict certain colors, so it is important that you check with the cemetery to make sure the color you have selected in permitted in their park.

How to select a design?

Selecting the design is the most important aspect of your memorial.  Our distinctiveness and unique personality traits make us all unique people.  It is sometimes difficult to describe a person’s character and individuality accurately, however it is most important that guiding characteristics such as perseverance, dedication, strength, humor, generosity and caring be noted.

There are many beautiful designs to choose from.  Your design can have a special religious significance or depict a favorite flower, a particular place, or even a beloved poem.  One of the best ways to personalize your memorial is with a photograph of your family member.   There are many different ways to showcase a portrait of your loved one, such as a black and white photo etch or a color ceramic photo tile.  You can further personalize your memorial by selecting the right emblem.  Our artists can transform precious items into everlasting artwork in stone.  Military medals, awards, trophies, signatures, special clubs and other unique mementos can be carved into the memorial so that they are preserved forever. 

Our goal is to help you create a lasting memorial for you and your family for generations to come.  We love seeing the reactions of our customers when they see their finished memorials.  Let one of our caring and dedicated artists help you in creating a memorial that reflects the beautiful life and personality of your loved one.

Last updated on May 19, 2020 by Support Pages