Design Guide

Step 1 – Selecting your preferred headstone shape and size

In selecting an appropriate headstone for your monument, there are three important things to keep in mind.

1. Its design shape and size can take many different forms ~ making it possible to create a distinctive and aesthetically appealing memorial that inherently reflects the life you are honouring.

2. Each headstone will offer a different usable space for engraving your desired inscription ~ or including additional elements such as a framed or etched photograph or graphic symbol. So, with the assistance of our design team, it is always wise to consider what you want your tribute to say and be in conjunction with deciding on a particular headstone style.

3. Give careful thought to whether your headstone will need to mark the resting place of one person only ~ or cater for the future inclusion of multiple family members.

Below, you’ll find a range of available headstone options to help with getting your thinking started. But if you’re looking to create something different again, we can certainly assist you with custom creating a bespoke solution.

BASIC HEADSTONE SHAPES

SHAPED HEADSTONES 2 PIECE HEADSTONE SHAPES 3 PIECE HEADSTONE SHAPES CROSS COMBINATION HEADSTONE SHAPES CHAPEL HEADSTONE SHAPES  

Step 2 – Choosing your preferred style of cover & front stone

In burial situations, the type of cover (or top slab) you select for a full gravestone will essentially be guided by the visual look that appeals to you most.

We offer a range of different design styles, some of our popular options are shown below:

You may prefer the sleek, symmetrical lines of our Traditional cover; the overhanging, eaves-like effect created by our Eternity design; or the ability that our Terrace gives you to create a beautiful, living flower bed ~ or perhaps fill with stone chips to add natural texture to the appearance of your monument.

PROFILE OPTIONS FOR COVER STYLES

> Traditional
> Half bullnose
> Bullnose
> Bullnose with name splay
> Tapered
> Lamb tongue

Irrespective of which of the three cover design styles you choose, you have the option of incorporating your preferred edge profile. As you can see, this can range from a subtle, tapered treatment to a full bullnose effect that rounds (and visually softens) the gravestone’s edges.

FRONT STONE DESIGN OPTIONS

All of the above profile variations for cover designs can also be applied to the front stone of your monument.

Here, however, you have one further design choice to make ~ whether you’d like a lockable space for storing accessory items or cleaning materials; or whether to have an enclosed front stone with a full surface space available for eg. a Surname inscription (if desired).

Rest assured, our consultants will be ready to assist you with making these decisions.

 

Step 3 – Deciding on which type and colour of stone to use

Marble, sandstone, bluestone and granite can all be used to beautiful effect (and in any desired combination) in the creation of cemetery memorials. But in making your choice of which to use, be aware that there are good reasons why high grade granite is far and away the stone most people prefer.

GRANITE RETAINS ITS GRACEFUL APPEARANCE BEST

Excellent for engraving and polishing to a finely honed finish, granite is an immensely durable material which is impervious to all outdoor weather conditions; and is able to withstand the harshest of climatic extremes.

Unlike marble and porous sandstone surfaces (which are prone to deteriorate and lose their lustre quickly when exposed to the elements) granite can always be relied on retain its graceful appearance year after year ~ removing the need for costly maintenance and ongoing repairs.

Settling on long lasting granite as your memorial stone also means having no end of colour options to choose from.

SELECT FROM OUR SUPERB RANGE OF GRANITES

Markovski Memorials is able to supply and produce finished stone ready for installation in almost any size; and in all the most popular colours used in monument design. Remember when selecting a high grade granite for a headstone or gravestone surface that will require engraving, it is normally best to choose a dark or black colour. This will ensure you have the strong contrast needed to make your inscription lettering legible; and any photographic etching clearly visible.

Step 4 – Creating a fitting headstone inscription

Whilst the wording of your headstone inscription is a deeply personal matter that will be guided by your heart, the reality is that its maximum length will be affected by the size and shape of the headstone you choose; the size and style of fonts you use; and whether or not space needs to be allocated for the inclusion of photographs or clipart graphic symbols.

So before you begin penning your tribute, our design team will advise you on what will physically fit in terms of word count. Our consultants will inspire you with examples of what other memorial messages have said; and the task of finding just the right words to honour your loved one won’t be nearly as daunting as may have first thought.

With our professional guidance and support, it will all come together seamlessly ~ whether your desired inscription is in English or requires accurate translation to any other language.

INCLUDING PHOTOGRAPHY

This can be achieved in several ways. Most commonly, a colour or black & white ceramic print is produced that is mounted directly onto the headstone ~ with or without a frame. Alternatively, photographs can the etched directly into the face of a dark coloured stone to produce an image similar in appearance to black & white photography. Another option is to create a monochromatic version of your photograph that can be sandblasted into the headstone and either gilded or painted.

INCORPORATING CLIPART

Virtually all clipart can be modified to suit engraving. Whilst most memorial artwork is monochromatic and is sandblasted and gilded with gold leaf, custom designs can also be etched and hand-coloured according to your wishes.ion is to create a monochromatic version of your photograph that can be sandblasted into the headstone and either gilded or painted.

 

Step 5 – Adding accessories as a extra special touch

Many families gain comfort from leaving a light burning on the grave of their loved one; adorning the site with personally chosen symbols of respectful remembrance or religious significance; or simply ensuring they have vases to display beautiful flowers.

To help you add your own special touch, Markovski Memorials has created a catalogue of tasteful accessory options that have been handpicked for their design elegance and durability.

Have our consultants walk you through our quality range. We’re confident you’ll find something that’s truly fitting.

NB: If you wish to add any accessories at a later date, just give us a call.

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  GRANITE & MARBLE ACCESSORIES
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  BRONZE LAMPS
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  BRONZE VASES
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  CRUCIFIXES & CROSSES
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  STATUES
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  FLOWER CONTAINERS
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  PICTURE FRAMES
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  RELIGIOUS ARTWORKS