Finishing Techniques

Sand Carving

This is a time-consuming technique that requires years of training with sandblast tools. This process involves shaping the petals and leaves of flowers with a special sandblast nozzle. Shaped carving gives depth and a sense of reality to the carvings on a monument.

Etching (Laser & Hand)

Typically used on black granite, this technique cracks the surface of the granite using a diamond-tipped tool or a laser. When the granite's polished surface is etched it creates a high contrast image on the stone. This is popular for photos and portraits.

Polished (Glossy)

 Polished Finish - Abrasives are rubbed on the surface of the stone with high-speed polishing wheels to create a polished surface

Polished Margin - The surface is polished and a panel area is frosted, making a place for lettering.

Matte (Frosted)

 Sawed, Steeled, Frosted - This matte finish is created by sawing the surface.  It may also be accomplished by sandblasting the surface with steel shot, or by frosting it with sandblast sand.

Hewn (Rock Pitch)

 Shell Rock - This is a hewn surface with hewn sides.  This also referred to as Rock Pitch when seen on the sides of a monument.

Lettering

We offer many styles of lettering.  In addition to a variety of fonts, we also offer a variety of techniques for carving lettering into stone.  This involves different outline treatments as well as different processes for finishing the stone or panel area around lettering.  Here are some samples that may help you with your selection.

Sunk (V-Sunk) Sandblasted In Steeled Finish (Modified Roman)

Frosted Outline (Double Outline) Letters in Polish (Sans Serif/Optima)

Frosted Outline (Double Outline) Letters in Polish (Modified Roman)

Sunk (V-Sunk) Sandblasted In Steeled Finish (Uncial Gothic)

Square Edge Raised Letters in a Straight Line Panel (Modified Classic Roman)

Frosted Outline (Double Outline) Letters in Polish (Custom Font/Hand-Drawn)

Sunk (V-Sunk) Sandblasted In Steeled Finish (Old English)

Frosted Outline (Double Outline) Letters in Polish (Old English)

Sunk (Sandblasted) Into Polish (Vermarco)

Sunk (V-Sunk) Sandblasted In Steeled Finish (Condensed Modified Roman)

Sunk (V-Sunk) Sandblasted In Steeled Finish (Modified Roman)

Round Edge Raised Letters in Relief (Custom Lettering/Hand-Drawn)

Round Edge Raised Letters in a Straight Line Panel (Modified Classic Roman)

Carving

There are many techniques for carving stone or etching images into a stone surface.  Here are four of the most popular processes.

 Bas Relief - The entire surface of the monument is cut away, leaving the flowers in bas relief on top of the other surface.

Etching - Typically used on black granite, this technique cracks the surface of the granite using a diamond-tipped tool or a laser.  When the granite's polished surface is etched it creates a high contrast image on the stone.  This is popular for photos and portraits.

Flat Carving or Line Carving - This process involves sandblasting an image (of a flower, for example) on the stone.  There is no dimensioning or relief given to the carving.

Shaped Carving - This is a time-consuming technique that requires years of training with sandblast tools.  This process involves shaping the petals and leaves of flowers with a special sandblast nozzle.  Shaped carving gives depth and a sense of reality to the carvings on a monument.

Symbolism

While this list is not a complete list of all symbols used in memorial art, it serves as a comprehensive guide to some of the more popular symbols found in cemeteries.

Aesculapian Rod:  A serpent and staff thought by many to be the proper symbol for doctors instead of the winged Caduceus. 

Anchor:  Hope; Jesus the anchor of the soul, traditional maritime symbol 

Axe: A vow, consecration, defense 

Banner:  Triumph, victory 

Beads:  Prayer 

Bell:  Invitation, call to worship 

Birds:  Human souls 

Bishop's Staff:  Pastoral authority 

Book:  The Bible, Divine authorship, knowledge, scripture 

Broken Column:  Death 

Butterfly:  The Resurrection 

Caduceus:  Symbol of the medical profession (There are many variations depending upon the area of specialty.) 

Candle:  Jesus Christ the Light of the World, also the symbol of devotion 

Candlesticks (two):  Jesus’ qualities as both God and man 

Candlesticks (three) or Three-Branched Candelabrum:  The Holy Trinity 

Candlesticks (five) or Five-Branched Candelabrum:  The five wounds of Christ 

Candlesticks (six) or Six-Branched Candelabrum:  The six days of creation or the six hours spent by Jesus on the cross 

Candlesticks (seven) or Seven-Branched Candelabrum:  The Church, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, or the Seven Sacraments 

Circle:  Eternity, completeness, perfection 

Crossed Keys:  St. Peter, Gates of Heaven 

Crown:  Rank, sovereignty, royalty 

Crown of Thorns:  The Suffering Savior,  a Passion symbol 

Cross:  Christ and His atoning death, Christ’s redemption of fallen humanity 

Dove:  Peace, purity, meekness, modesty, humility, the Holy Ghost, divine inspiration, innocence 

Eagle:  Christ, Holy Baptism, St. John 

Festoon:  Memory 

Fire:  Martyrdom, zeal, inspiration, youthful fervor, hell, purgatory, sacrifice, purification 

Fish:  Jesus 

Fish/Three:  The Trinity 

Five-Pointed Star:  The wounds of Christ, the Star of Jacob, Divine guidance and protection 

Flaming Sword:  Expulsion from Eden, with shield: St. Michael 

Grapes:  The Eucharist,  twelve bunches: the Apostles, clusters of grapes on a running vine: Jesus and His followers,  the Church, unity 

Hand:  Issuing from clouds:  the Father 

Harp:  Joy, music, symbol of St. Cecilia patron saint of musicians, associated with David and worship, worship in heaven 

Heart:  Christian charity, surmounted by a flame: intense zeal or devotion 

Lamb:  Innocence, purity, sacrifice, Christ 

Lamp:  Knowledge, truth, enlightenment, Word of God, good works, Divine inspiration 

Pastoral Staff:  Authority 

Pierced Heart:  With a lance or spear, a Passion symbol 

Plenty, Horn of:  The Lord's bounty, Thanksgiving 

Pomegranate:  The Resurrection, immortality, royalty, fertility, The Church 

Pyramid:  Light, strength 

Rainbow:  Promise 

Ram:  Sacrifice 

Rod:  Official power, also a Passion symbol 

Rope:  A Passion symbol, Judas' death 

Rosary:  Prayer 

Rose:  Love, Christ, The Nativity. 

Rosette:  An ornament in the form of a conventional rose or other design of circular form, used as a decoration 

Scallop Shell:  Baptism, the Baptism of Christ, Christian pilgrimage, and marine affairs 

Scythe:  Death 

Serpent:  Death, wisdom 

Seven Golden Candlesticks:  The Seven Churches of Asia Minor 

Seven-Branched Candlestick:  The Church, The Seven Churches of Asia Minor, The Seven Angels of the Apocalypse, The Seven Gifts of the Sheep, Christians

Twelve Sheep: The Twelve Apostles, sheep and goats:  the redeemed and the lost 

Shield:  Faith, protection 

Shells:  Christianity 

Shepherd’s Crook:  Authority, Dominion 

Staff:  Religious jurisdiction, kindness, shepherd-like qualities/responsibilities

Star:  Christ, life

Sword:  Power, justice, authority, martyrdom

Triangle:  Trinity

Trumpet:  Call to worship, call of the Holy Spirit, Judgment Day, resurrection

Urn:  Death, sorrow (draped)

Wings:  Aspiration, flight of the Gospel

Flowers -

While this list is not a complete list of all flowers, trees and other plants used in memorial art, it serves as a comprehensive guide to some of the more popular symbols found in cemeteries.

Apple:  The fall of man, sin, Eve, discord, Virgin Mary 

Apple Blossom:  Fame 

Azalea:  Temperance 

Calla Lily:  Sympathy, zeal 

Clover:  Industry 

Cornucopia/Horn of Plenty:  Bounty, blessings, Thanksgiving 

Cultivated Rose:  Everlasting love 

Daisy:  The Christ Child's innocence, youth, righteousness, innocence 

Dogwood:  Crucifixion 

Easter Lily:  Resurrection 

Grape:  Charity 

Grape Vine:  The Eucharist, The Church, unity, Christ and his followers 

Holly:  Christmas 

Iris:  God-like qualities, eloquence, a message, protection 

Ivy:  Memory, remembrance, faithfulness, friendship, (often seen with oak) 

Laurel Wreath:  Triumph, victory, distinction, reward, good report 

Lily:  Easter, resurrection, the Virgin Mary, purity 

Lily of the Valley:  The Virgin Mary, humility, purity, return of happiness 

Morning Glory:  Resurrection, youth, promise, bonds of love and affection 

Oak:  Strength, virtue, character, eternity, endurance, forgiveness, independence (often seen with ivy) 

Olive Branch:  Peace, victory 

Orange Blossom:  Matrimony, chastity, purity 

Palm:  Victory, eternal peace, heavenly reward, success, righteousness, martyrdom, victory over sin and death 

Papyrus:  Love 

Passion Flower:  Crucifixion, Passion of Christ 

Pine:  Eternity, everlasting life 

Pineapple:  Friendship, hospitality 

Pine Cone:  Fertility, regeneration, healing 

Poinsettia:  Christmas, birth of Hope 

Pomegranate:  Resurrection, immortality, royalty, eternity, The Church 

Poppy:  Sleep, consolation, rest 

Rose:  Love, Christ, Nativity, joy, martyrdom 

Rosette:  Decorative form of rose in a circle 

Sunflower:  Adoration, glory, the soul turning to Christ 

Thistle:  Independence, austerity, sin, the fall of man 

Tulip:  Love, charity, declaration of love, ardent affection 

Violets:  Modesty, humility, graciousness, affection, faithfulness, sweetness, loyalty 

Wheat:  Riches, thanksgiving, life, bread of life, Body of Christ 

Wheat/Broken:  Death 

Wheat/Bundle:  Harvest, bounty 

Wild Rose:  Love, Christ, Messianic promise