FROM DESIGn TO FABRICATION, TO FINISHING TOUCHES and INSTALLATION...
AND TO NEVER FORGETTING YOU, LONG AFTER YOUR MONUMENT IS SET;
WE ARE PROFESSIONALS DEDICATED TO OUR CRAFT.
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INITIAL DESIGN THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER
1. Size and Shape
The specific dimensions of your stone will depend on where you have purchased your cemetery plot. Size restrictions vary by cemetery, and oftentimes even by section within a given cemetery. It is important for you to provide us with the name and location of your chosen cemetery, along with the specific section of the plot.
We will also help you decide on a finish that reflects the personality, or vision, of you and your loved ones. Does your vision include a flat, rounded, or serpentine top? Do you picture the base of your stone to be sawn or rock-pitched? Are you drawn by the shine of polished edges, or prefer a subdued steeled finish? These are questions we can help you answer as we learn more about the legacy of your loved one, and the needs of your family.
We will also help you decide on a finish that reflects the personality, or vision, of you and your loved ones. Does your vision include a flat, rounded, or serpentine top? Do you picture the base of your stone to be sawn or rock-pitched? Are you drawn by the shine of polished edges, or prefer a subdued steeled finish? These are questions we can help you answer as we learn more about the legacy of your loved one, and the needs of your family.
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~ Any Custom Shape You Can Envision Can Be Made ~
2. Color
We offer a wide range of granite colors for your loved one's memorial. Our most popular and prominent domestic color is quarried in the granite heartland of America - Barre, Vermont. We carry a line of granite colors only from quarry sources and origins that uphold the most stringent standards of quality control.
While many monument dealers offer inexpensive granite choices from China that resemble colors of more reliable locations, The Saracino Monument Co. believes that quality and precision are first and foremost in an everlasting timepiece. Due to many known issues and inconsistencies, we do not supply any grey or black granites from China as a substitute for the real deal.
When choosing a granite color for your cemetery stone, consider multiple factors, including personality, cost, and most importantly, design ideas. Darker colors are preferred for designs where contrast is important, especially if you choose to etch a portrait image onto the stone.
While many monument dealers offer inexpensive granite choices from China that resemble colors of more reliable locations, The Saracino Monument Co. believes that quality and precision are first and foremost in an everlasting timepiece. Due to many known issues and inconsistencies, we do not supply any grey or black granites from China as a substitute for the real deal.
When choosing a granite color for your cemetery stone, consider multiple factors, including personality, cost, and most importantly, design ideas. Darker colors are preferred for designs where contrast is important, especially if you choose to etch a portrait image onto the stone.
4. Edge Detail
As you walk through any cemetery, you may notice the side and top edges of some stones are smooth, and perhaps shiny (polished), whereas others are smooth but not shiny (sawn or steeled), and many that are chiseled (a hand-crafted look that we call "rock-pitched"). This is based on personal preference, unless the cemetery has its own requirements. Bear in mind, polished surfaces help repel rain water and other droplets, keeping the stone looking cleaner for longer.
3. Lettering and Design Components
The Saracino Monument Company is a source of artistic inspiration for your gravestone. Should you choose a stock design for your stone, or a custom, bespoke creation, our design artists can assist you in arranging your ideal masterpiece.
We work closely with our clients to help determine the most fitting look for each personality, and something to fit into every budget.
We work closely with our clients to help determine the most fitting look for each personality, and something to fit into every budget.
FAMILY SURNAME - DESIGN TYPES
For most families, the display of the surname is of utmost prominence upon a monument.
In fact, the name upon a monument is most commonly the first thing that visitors notice while in the cemetery.
There are a variety of ways to exhibit this name.
Some harmonize best on certain colors, due to each color's unique ability to showcase contrast
between the carvings and the polished area of the stone.
Below are some examples - each holding its own personality.
In fact, the name upon a monument is most commonly the first thing that visitors notice while in the cemetery.
There are a variety of ways to exhibit this name.
Some harmonize best on certain colors, due to each color's unique ability to showcase contrast
between the carvings and the polished area of the stone.
Below are some examples - each holding its own personality.
INSCRIPTION AREA
The inscription area of a monument is where an individual is honored. This should include their name, and either the years or full dates of both birth and passing. "Endearments" are also popular in this area (for example, BELOVED HUSBAND AND FATHER; or CHERISHED MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER AND SISTER... to name a few). Nicknames are also popular, and other cultural loving terms (Nonna, Abuelo, Gjyshe, Poppy, etc.).
The lettering in this part of a monument can be sandblast frosted or sandblast carved, and it can also have a 'steeled' area to make the letters appear more prominent ("steeled" being a method by which the polish is removed, and a lighter, more textured area creates the appearance of a panel within the granite).
The lettering in this part of a monument can be sandblast frosted or sandblast carved, and it can also have a 'steeled' area to make the letters appear more prominent ("steeled" being a method by which the polish is removed, and a lighter, more textured area creates the appearance of a panel within the granite).
DESIGN COMPONENTS
Design components capture the essence of your loved one, and can represent any number of things - including faith, religion, culture, hobbies, careers, passions, and more. The possibilities are truly endless.
The process of placing design components begins with an artist laying out the monument, and drawing it to-scale. The artist will create any design component of your choosing, whether it be a relatively standard image, or a completely new, freehand-drawn portrait.
The methods in which the design components are carved into the stone can vary. Each is done with the closest attention to detail and the most proven forms of granite craftsmanship. While some methods of carving are more involved, and some images may require lengthy time to draw and plan, costs will vary from project to project.
The process of placing design components begins with an artist laying out the monument, and drawing it to-scale. The artist will create any design component of your choosing, whether it be a relatively standard image, or a completely new, freehand-drawn portrait.
The methods in which the design components are carved into the stone can vary. Each is done with the closest attention to detail and the most proven forms of granite craftsmanship. While some methods of carving are more involved, and some images may require lengthy time to draw and plan, costs will vary from project to project.
FLAT SANDBLAST CARVING
SUNKEN-BACKGROUND
SANDBLAST CARVING
SANDBLAST CARVING
DIAMOND-TIP FREEHAND
ETCHINGS
ETCHINGS
HAND SCULPTED CARVINGS
AND STATUARY
AND STATUARY
CUT-THROUGH OPENINGS
Special saint taken from a mass card, above, and hand-drawn and sandblasted onto granite, below.
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OUR PROCESS
1. We welcome you to meet with us during an initial consultation, where one of our design specialists sits with you and your family to learn about the deceased. This can be done in one of our offices, in a cemetery, or in the comfort of your own home; or even over video conference. We love to hear stories, memories, and everything about your loved one who has passed. We also seek to know your own taste, style, and how you envision the everlasting granite masterpiece that will sit atop your family’s most sacred ground. During this initial consultation, we peruse idea books, and view many stones both physically (in-person) on the large screens in our showrooms. You are welcome to discuss economic constraints (budget and price range) if any, and we will give you an idea of typical time frames, which can vary from stone-to-stone and also at different seasons of the year. The design specialist will execute one or many rough hand-sketches to bring back to our design studio.
2. After the initial consultation, and typically within 2-3 weeks, our artists will use all of our notes and sketches, and propose a computer-generated rendering of your stone. We call this the actual "sketch." This rendering will be sent to you via email. At this point, you should review the rendering carefully. If it is all that you hoped for, you will sign the document confirming its accuracy (dates, spelling of names, location of inscriptions, measurements, color/stone type, etc.) and return to us with a 50% deposit for the monument, along with the full amount of any requisite cemetery fees that might be associated, depending on the cemetery. Conversely, if the rendering is not to your satisfaction, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We can revise the drawing to make any slight tweaks or fixes. Creativity is our specialty, and patience is our finest attribute.
3. Upon our receipt of a final approved sketched signed-off by you, monument payment deposit, and cemetery fee payment (if applicable), The Saracino Monument Company will submit a formal application to the cemetery.
4. Once the cemetery lets us know that the design and size is approved for your particular location, your stone goes into our production cycle. The granite slabs are ordered from the quarries; they are cut-to-size and fashioned, whether it be hand-chiseled rock-pitching, put under a polishing machine, or dressed by hand. Next, any sandblast designs and inscriptions are laser-cut into a stencil, placed in a booth, and sandblasted into your stone by a sandblast shaping artist. Hand carving, or hand-drawn artwork and diamond etching would occur next, if your stone requires such applications.
Lead times vary, based on so many factors. We determine lead times based upon each individual piece. It is important to remember that each monument we craft is an individual piece of artwork, and not a stock item off a shelf at a store or from Amazon. Monuments sometimes take several months to complete, as there are many moving parts from supply chain logistics of raw materials, to fabrication and current worklogs that impact lead times. Patience is key in this process.
5. Once the stone is complete, our billing department will issue you an invoice for final payment. Once payment is received in full, our professional stone setters will carefully set the stone at its final resting site. You will be notified once the stone is installed, and your deed will be returned along with a receipt and official certificate of perpetual guarantee on the stone.
6. We will always remember you. Each customer of ours becomes a part of our extended family.
2. After the initial consultation, and typically within 2-3 weeks, our artists will use all of our notes and sketches, and propose a computer-generated rendering of your stone. We call this the actual "sketch." This rendering will be sent to you via email. At this point, you should review the rendering carefully. If it is all that you hoped for, you will sign the document confirming its accuracy (dates, spelling of names, location of inscriptions, measurements, color/stone type, etc.) and return to us with a 50% deposit for the monument, along with the full amount of any requisite cemetery fees that might be associated, depending on the cemetery. Conversely, if the rendering is not to your satisfaction, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We can revise the drawing to make any slight tweaks or fixes. Creativity is our specialty, and patience is our finest attribute.
3. Upon our receipt of a final approved sketched signed-off by you, monument payment deposit, and cemetery fee payment (if applicable), The Saracino Monument Company will submit a formal application to the cemetery.
4. Once the cemetery lets us know that the design and size is approved for your particular location, your stone goes into our production cycle. The granite slabs are ordered from the quarries; they are cut-to-size and fashioned, whether it be hand-chiseled rock-pitching, put under a polishing machine, or dressed by hand. Next, any sandblast designs and inscriptions are laser-cut into a stencil, placed in a booth, and sandblasted into your stone by a sandblast shaping artist. Hand carving, or hand-drawn artwork and diamond etching would occur next, if your stone requires such applications.
Lead times vary, based on so many factors. We determine lead times based upon each individual piece. It is important to remember that each monument we craft is an individual piece of artwork, and not a stock item off a shelf at a store or from Amazon. Monuments sometimes take several months to complete, as there are many moving parts from supply chain logistics of raw materials, to fabrication and current worklogs that impact lead times. Patience is key in this process.
5. Once the stone is complete, our billing department will issue you an invoice for final payment. Once payment is received in full, our professional stone setters will carefully set the stone at its final resting site. You will be notified once the stone is installed, and your deed will be returned along with a receipt and official certificate of perpetual guarantee on the stone.
6. We will always remember you. Each customer of ours becomes a part of our extended family.
We guarantee our work and the setting process, so that our customers have absolutely no worries during the process, and straight through the very end.
All of our products are backed by our industry-leading Perpetual Warranty, which never expires.
We also provide up-keep services, such as cleaning, restoration, and
even seasonal gardening/landscaping and holiday decorating of your cemetery plot.
All of our products are backed by our industry-leading Perpetual Warranty, which never expires.
We also provide up-keep services, such as cleaning, restoration, and
even seasonal gardening/landscaping and holiday decorating of your cemetery plot.
