Thursday, February 27, 2014

Selecting An Appropriate Stone On A Grave

By Peggy Lithgo


Losing a loved one can be a very difficult thing for many people to deal with. In order to deal with the intense sense of loss and grief they experience, they need something to help them cope. This is one reason the right Grave Memorial is important because it not only honors the deceased but also provides a physical token for the living.

This is one reason it is so important that the perfect burial marker be chosen. It should reflect the style and personality of the individual whose life it represents as it is intended to be a monument to their life. The range of design options and material choices are simply staggering, which makes it easier to find something that is a fitting tribute.

Many types of materials can be used to create these monuments. This includes wood, concrete, limestone and marble as well as stainless steel and brass. While each of those substances have desirable qualities, granite and bronze stand above them all as the most commonly used mainly because these two are attractive and versatile, yet also durable enough to stand up to some of the worst climate conditions.

A lot of cemeteries have begun placing restrictions on the markers that will be permitted to be installed on their grounds. Some reasons for the regulations may have to do with maintenance issues or maybe an effort to obtain a more uniform look. Regardless of why the guidelines are instituted, one should be aware if their preferred facility has any and keep them in mind when designing the gravestone.

Granite is a material that provides the designer with many options. It allows one to step away from the regular grey stone and choose more vibrant hues like green, blue, red, pink, black and white if so desired. They may decide to keep the traditional matte surface texture or opt for a highly polished finish that shines like a mirror and holds an etching beautifully.

There are many ways in which one may personalize the marker. One option is to etch the individual's favorite verse, quote, passage or symbol onto the surface. A weather resistant photo frame may be built directly into the stone to house a likeness of the deceased that could last for many decades yet to come.

If one has served in the military or belonged to any special organizations, there may be a decal representing that connection that may be added to the monument. Special additions like statues, flower vases, ornamental urns and convenient seating are still more ways to create a unique grave memorial. Some providers can even incorporate solar lighting into the product so that it is always illuminated.




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