Guaranteeing Your Granite Purchase

"Elberton claims the title "Granite Capital of the World," annually producing more granite products than any other city in the world. The city's post-Civil War history has largely revolved around the industry, following the opening of the first commercial quarry and manufacturing plant by Dr. Nathaniel Long in 1889. As the industry grew in the early 1900s, so did Elberton's importance on the passenger and freight railroad lines, bringing many travelers and businessmen to the city and leading to its heyday." - Wikipedia

Supplying such large amounts of granite requires a skilled labor pool, expansive manufacturing plants and a system that can ensure quality control and the guarantee that granite monuments are free from any material defects including manufacturing and workmanship.

Century Granite Company Inc. guarantees that all stones manufactured in our plant will be free of defects, hidden or apparent, in the granite or the workmanship. Components of the monument, whether granite or non-granite, if any, not manufactured by Century, are separately guaranteed for a period of one year from the date of purchase. Century Granite Co., Inc. will replace or re-work, free to the purchaser, any part or parts which are found to be defective in either material or workmanship. Century hand selects the best granite available and employs highly skilled craftsmen to provide our customers with the highest quality in materials and workmanship. This guarantee is provided to protect our customers against any defects in material or fault in workmanship. 

To help further the granite monument industry, the Elberton Granite Association was formed in 1951. The E.G.A. still welcomes granite manufacturers today. As an E.G.A. member, and at the customers request, an "E.G.A. Certified Memorial" can be guaranteed against any defects in workmanship or materials by the Elberton Granite Association, Inc., of Elberton, Georgia. 

Once the certification process is requested, an independent quality-control inspector is called in to verify that the material and workmanship of the Certified Memorial meets industry standards of quality. This guarantee offers to correct or replace any certified memorial, or defective part, if the defects are due to material or workmanship of the granite.

For more information on having your granite memorial E.G.A. Certified, please contact your Century Customer Service Representative.

Granite Veteran Memorials

A veteran memorial is a building, monument, statue or sculpture to commemorate those who died or were injured in war. Throughout history, war memorials were erected to commemorate great victories. Honoring the deceased was secondary. A highly recognized example is the Arc de Triomphe in Paris which contain no individual names. By the end of the 19th century, it was common for the British Army to erect monuments to those who had died in smaller wars. However it was after the great losses of the First World War that commemoration took center stage and most communities erected a war memorial listing those men and women who had gone to war and not come home.

Today, the main intent is not to glorify war, but to honor those who have given so much for their country. They may also serve places of reflection and healing for those related to the deceased. Using modern technology, an international project is currently archiving all post-1914 Commonwealth war graves and Commonwealth War Graves Commission memorials to create a virtual online memorial.

 

Many veteran memorials take the form of a monument and serve as a meeting place for Memorial Day services. As such, they are often found near the center of town, at a local VFW or set in a park to allow easy public access. Many veteran memorials have epitaphs relating to the unit, battle or war they commemorate and often bear the military symbols for those who so bravely served. These memorials are usually designed in granite, metal, bronze or glass and are generally given public input as most are publicly or group funded.

 

Professional memorialists are challenged to satisfy the patriotism of those who spearhead these projects. Your Century Harmony salesperson can work one-on-one with you to create a one-of-a-kind and meaningful veterans memorial.

Cemetery Statues & Religious Sculpture

 

A statue is a sculpture, in the round, representing one or more people or animals normally full-length and can be close to life-size, or larger. A smaller-sized statue, usually small enough to be picked up, is called a statuette or figurine.

Many statues are commissioned to help commemorate a historical event, or the life of an influential person. Some statues are strictly intended as public art, exhibited outdoors or in public buildings. Others are religious or based upon something that was very personal to the deceased.

Religious statues are among the most popular for use in cemeteries. Be sure to check with your cemetery for any regulations concerning statuary when added to your monument. Statues are one if the easiest ways to add personalization and elegance to a family monument. Most are hand carved from marble or granite. Pricing will depend upon the sculptors skill level and previous work.

Be sure to ask your manufacturer if your statue will be hand-carved domestically in the US, or mass produced by artisans overseas.

In addition, molded statues are another option. Molded statues are copies of an original hand-sculpted piece, which allows for the reproduction of amazing sculpted details at a budget-friendly price. Do a little research before making a purchase. You'll know exactly what you are getting and you won't be disappointed.

Hand Etched & Colored Monuments

Century is one of the only granite manufacturers with full-time hand etchers on staff. Each monument is an individual piece of art created by Ken McLeskey and Troy Ayers. Ken received his BFA, with a concentration in drawing and painting, from the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia in 2006. He has a very successful career as a fine artist and his work has been sold across the country and continues to appreciate in value. Hand etched monuments will also increase in their artistic values in the future.

Our other resident artist, Troy, is a graduate from the Art Institute of Atlanta. He was the owner of the former Ayers Etching Company and has been hand etching for 17 years. Troy is an Elberton native and is currently studying for a degree in Art Education. 

Hand etching is the first step to create the artwork in the granite, giving the artist a "drawing" that can then be colored. The etching is then hand colored using lithichrome paints to ensure durability and coverage. Certain customers know what they want, while others ask our artists for help with designing the monument. It is possible to start with a scanned photo that be integrated with the final design. Coloring can match the original photo or be custom colored by request. Hand etching can be utilized on granite for the entire monument face, or in smaller areas as an accent.

All of our hand etched granite monuments are individual works of art. Please contact your Century Harmony Customer Representative to work one-on-one with our talented artists.

What is a Mausoleum?

Historically, mausoleums were large and impressive structures constructed to house the remains of the deceased. These small-scaled "buildings" were usually reserved for the wealthy and noble throughout history. However, smaller mausoleums soon became popular and the practice fell out of use entirely when Christianity became dominant. The practice of using mausoleums became popular again hundred of years later throughout Europe and are still utilized today.

A Mausoleum is usually a small building with walls, a roof and sometimes a door for additional interments or visitor access. A single mausoleum may be permanently sealed while multiple crypt mausoleums must be accessible when future burial is needed. Mausoleums can enclose one or more burial chambers, either wholly above ground or within a burial vault below. Mausoleums are usually located in cemeteries, but can also be found in churchyards or even on private land. Many churches throughout the US also house mausoleums in the lower levels of the building. They are typically smaller mausoleum-type internments, usually reserved for cremated remains.

Choosing an above ground burial is a personal choice. However, it can also be a good way to protect the casket from water intrusion or other below grade harm. Even though mausoleum doors are sealed, venting systems in the granite ensure any trapped moisture can escape, helping to keep the interior dry. 

There can be unlimited design options for mausoleums. Granite choices will usually depend on what region of the country you're ordering your mausoleum from. Be sure to personalize your mausoleum with your family name and sandblasted or etched designs to reflect and celebrate your family's life. In addition to the mausoleum, benches, crosses, religious statuary and other granite products can be utilized to create a unique "family plot" area for reflection.

Granite and Marble Crosses

The cross has always been the symbol of Christian faith. It is the emblem or attribute of Jesus Christ and is the symbol of Faith, Hope, Charity and Sacrifice. The early Christians inscribed crosses on solid monuments well before free standing crosses were sculpted. These monuments were known as cross tablets. Cross tablets generally had larger areas for inscriptions and carved artwork surrounding the cross.

Free standing granite and marble crosses are now popular choices for monuments in cemeteries world wide. The three common styles of crosses are Latin, Gothic and Celtic. Each cross differs in artwork and ornamentation, but are almost always supported on three distinct bases. These three "graded" bases represent the Trinity and the Three Christian Virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity. Usually one of the bases is large enough for a family name or an inscription.

In addition to the family name, family crests can be added to the design of the cross. Religious symbols can also be incorporated into such designs as a Celtic Knot or the True Vine. Many people also choose to inscribe sacred monograms onto the cross for example INRI - the initials representing the Latin word for Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews, which should always appear on the Crucifix when used on a monument.

Granite manufacturers will work closely with you to help make each cross a one of a kind monument. Custom carving and sandblasting, choice of granite colors and litho colors are all things you need to discuss when designing your granite or marble cross monument.

Monument Lettering Options

Granite is a rock with multiple grain patterns and color variations. Granite lettering can become hard to read depending on the font choice, size of the letters and the actual color of the granite. For this reason, many families choose to add color to the lettering to help detailed verses, family names, and birth and death dates stand out.

In general, the darker the granite color, the lighter the litho color. Therefore, it is usually recommended that as the granite colors become lighter, the litho choices become darker - as in the Feldman Monument above.

One of the most popular methods to sandblast letters is called "V-Cut", meaning the letters are cut back into the rock at angles. This process gives the typeface a more refined hand-sculpted look compared to flat sandblasting onto the surface of the rock.

Keep in mind the differences between "Polished" and "Frosted" areas, as some monuments and markers may have a combination of both.

Polishing the surface of the granite darkens the granite color; when letters are carved or sandblasted through the polish, the granite below the surface will appear lighter.

Frosted areas are sandblasted to a lighter finish and can help give contrast to lettering and artwork as in the example below. Note how the frosted bible panels are easier to read. Then notice how difficult the family name is to read. Adding a dark litho color to help highlight the family name would make this monument easier to read from a distance.

Remember:

Lettering in polish on light colored granites.

1.      Don't v-cut or frost a letter into polish.

2.      Always put a frosted panel around v-cut letters.

3.      If you need to v-cut a letter into polish use dark litho to highlight.

Lettering in polish on dark colored granites.

1.      Don't v-cut a letter into polish.

2.      Use frosted outline letters if they will fit.

3.      Use white or white hilite on letters.

In many cases, dark colored granites need two litho colors to really look their best.  (Ex. Black litho w/letters that have white hilite.)

Hand Carved Headstones

 

With the wave of European immigrants in the early 1900s, the granite industry had many talented hands that could sculpt full relief and bas relief carvings. Bas relief is defined as relief sculpture in which the figure projects slightly from the background. This process dates back to the early 1600's French sculptors.

Today's monument industry finds this talent in short supply, and many manufacturers simply aren't able to offer this service. At Century we're fortunate to have the talented hands of Mike Jones. Mike has a natural ability to sculpt stone and often works from photos without creating clay or plaster models. This reduces the time and expense to produce the finished work. His work is incredibly lifelike and creates quite an impression in the cemetery. While full relief sculpture can be expensive, bas relief as shown in the photo, is more economical - yet is very impressive.

Century Harmony also furnishes imported statues and relief carvings. The cost of imported work can be much lower, but the delivery time is much longer. You'll find more photos of Mike's work in our sculpture brochure, or you can ask your Century sales representative for quotes or to discuss your next project.

Columbaria and Cremation Gardens

Cremation gardens are amazingly beautiful and peaceful sanctuaries created for those visiting the cremated remains of loved ones. Cremation gardens can be an integral part of a church, cemetery or other public memorial park. For those who choose not to scatter remains, a small "room", or niche, can be purchased to house the cremation urn or box. These niches are sold as burial property, much like purchasing a grave or burial site. 

Niches are housed in a larger structure, called a columbarium. These can range in sizes from a 2 niche columbarium to a 96 (or larger) niche columbarium. The smaller versions are for personal use, such as a 2 niche for a husband and wife, or a larger 4 niche for an entire family.

The largest columbaria serve multiple individuals and families. These are utilized to create spaces throughout the garden. Together, they work to create a peaceful place to reflect and pay respect to lost loved ones. These large columbaria can range in size from 10 to 96 niches (or larger), and by combining several different pieces, can house hundreds of cremation containers. Cremation gardens are usually professionally designed by architects or landscape architects to make effective use of the space allotted, while incorporating lush landscape features such as fountains and seating areas. These gardens are timeless memorials for those choosing to purchase a cremation niche and are tranquil places for visitors.

Cremation Benches

 

Cremation rates have been on the rise for the past few years. In 2010, the cremation rate in the United States was up to 40.62%. It is predicted that by the year 2015, the U.S. cremation rate will be 46.57%. (Source: Cremation Association of North America) 

Once cremation has been chosen over standard ground burial, an important decision becomes "what to do with the cremains"? Many people choose to hold cremains in a decorative urn, or scatter cremation ashes in a ceremony to honor their loved one. But a growing number of families are also considering a resting place for the cremains, where family members can go to pay their respects.

There are many ways that families can memorialize cremains. One of the most popular memorials is a cremation bench. Benches of all different sizes can be designed to hold anywhere from one to four cremain containers, allowing a bench to become a memorial for the entire family.

Sandblasting and carving can be used to add the family name and artwork and emblems. When considering a veteran bronze marker from the VA, benches offer ample room for the VA marker as well as a companion bronze marker, as shown on the Century Veteran's Bench above. Carving, lettering, and bronze markers allow for custom designs for any cremation memorial bench.

Basic Granite Monument Types

  

Upright Monuments

• Designed to stand straight up perpendicular to level ground.
• The engraved marker portion is known as a "die." Most are usually 6" or 8" thick, but can be produced up to 1’ thick and sometimes more depending on the stone and the quarry it comes from.
• The horizontal portion is known as the base and is usually required. When there is no base to the monument, it is known as a monolith.
• The larger size allows for more personalized expression and room for engraving.
• Scenic designs and the family name are popular additions on the back.

  

Slant Monuments

• Upright slant shape. The thickness identified during ordering is the thickness of the base.
• The top is usually 2 inches thick.
• The top can be flat, oval, or serpentine shaped.
• A standard 2 inch to 4 inch nosing is recommended. This protects the polished etched surface.
• A base is optional and usually not required.
• May be used for individual or companion.

Flat Markers

• Designed to lie flat at lawn level.
• All are a minimum of 4 inches thick.
• Provides burial information for a single individual.
• May be used for individual or ordered double width for a companion.
• Perfect application for adding bronze, some cemetery restrictions may require
bronze on granite. 

  

Bevel Markers

• Often called a Pillow Marker or Hickey.
• Slight bevel slant from back to front of marker.
• The back is 2" thicker than the front to provide this bevel effect
• May be used for individual or companion.
• Usually 6" or 8" thick, however, thicker markers are available. 

Ledgers

• Designed to lie flat at lawn level.
• All are a minimum of 4 inches thick.
• Covers the entire length of the buried.
• The larger size allows for more personalized expression and room for engraving.

Laser Etched Monuments

Laser etched memorials are popular for their ability to recreate a person place or scene with incredible detail and realism.  Personal photos can be scanned and etched directly onto the stone.  There are also hundreds of existing scenes and components to choose from. Graphic artists can even integrate scenes with personal photos to create a truly unique and personal memorial. You can always preview designs in an etching catalog or an artist can work with you to develop a truly unique piece of laser etched art for your monument.

A laser etching machine is used to transfer the computer generated artwork to the granite, creating a crisp and extremely detailed etching. The amount of detail in a laser etched monument is unparalleled; allowing families to memorialize their loved ones in stone.

Dark granites are best for laser etching. Jet Black is the most popular, however other granite colors may be chosen. If the contrast of the etching is not high enough to provide the amount of detail needed, the etching may be colored with litho to provide more contrast with the granite.

Memorial Symbolism and Components

You are more than likely going to know what the family name will be on your monument. You'll need to decide what typeface to use (but we'll go over that in a later post). And if you have a favorite scripture or poem, you're likely to add that to your memorial too. Your also thinking of all the things that mean something to you and your loved ones. You want your monument to reflect special lives and what they meant to you.

Your counselor can assist with component catalogs and other artwork sources. Many of these components are symbolic and usually have deeper meaning. For example, there are over 8000 sacred and secular symbols and at least several thousand fraternal, military, collegiate and association symbols in use today. It's important to know what the component symbolizes when deciding. For example, the praying hands, in the above monument, symbolize faith and prayer while the roses symbolize love. The roses show the love in their marriage, and most likely their love of god, when combined with the praying hands.

For a more personal touch, you may want to ask your funeral home or counselor about adding something that can be scanned and incorporated into your monument design. Other families have previously utilized artwork, family trees, personal photos and favorite pets in their memorials. Most manufacturers will provide drawings for approval before monument construction begins.

Sandblasting Your Monument Design

Monument design can be very detailed and personal. If you are designing for pre-need you will be able to see your finished memorial in the cemetery. To work with draftsman and designers ahead of time allows you to fully customize the look and feel of your granite monument. If designing a monument for a loved one, you'll want to personalize both the artwork and the complete monument shape and size to reflect their life.

Part of this design process is transferring the finished artwork onto the granite. This is accomplished by sandblasting through a stencil prepared from the original monument design. Once the design is approved, a stencil is cut to replicate the outlines of the artwork and/or lettering. Once cut, the actual design is weeded out from the stencil, which allows the design to be sandblasted into the granite's surface. Meanwhile, the remaining material helps to protect areas of the monument from damage during the sandblast process.

Once the design has been sandblasted into the granite monument, the stencil is removed and the monument is sent for further manufacturing, such as polishing, cleaning, etching or painting (litho).

Flat and Shape Carving on Monuments

Once you've designed your memorial, the monument sections are put through a series of production stations to reproduce your design in solid granite. One of the first stops is sandblasting. A flat carving is created by sandblasting the outline (v-lines) of the design into the stone. This process creates a simple, two-dimensional contrast on the granite surface. The remaining smooth areas are then polished. The term simply refers to how the design is sandblasted into the stone. Flat carving is a great economical choice for many families and is also recommended on flat grass-markers.

A shape carving is created after the v-lines have been sandblasted. Next, a worker manually hand-shapes the design to give it more of a three-dimensional look. Shape carving is generally more expensive than flat carving because of this extra step and hand application. Shape carving can add hand sculpted details to an upright monument without the higher cost of an all-sculpted monument.

Personalizing Your Monument

Families have definite ideas about what they want on their memorial.  Many will take ideas from existing monuments, within the cemetery, and embellish them. Others have their own design ideas, including verbiage and artwork that represent their religion, hobbies, sports, fraternal or social affiliations, favorite scenery or family photos.

The important thing is to let your counselor know, as best as you can, what you want in a memorial piece.  Send a picture of something you may have already seen or even draw a picture.  In other words...spell it out! Be sure to include as much information as possible. The more you participate in the design process, the faster your monument can be designed. Chances are your price quote will be much more accurate too.

Now that you have compiled all of the necessary design information, there is one additional question you'll need to answer concerning your monument design:

Should you include lithochrome (litho)?  And, if so, what color?

Lithochrome is paint that is put in the carving and lettering, after the design has been sandblasted on the monument.  Adding litho allows for easier reading of the memorial by adding contrast to design elements and lettering.  When choosing colors, you need to be mindful of the finish.  Remember that finished areas will already appear lighter when compared to polished surfaces.  

ie: Black litho will not show up in the polish of a black granite, however, it looks wonderful on frosted panels.

Litho is not required, in fact some cemeteries prohibit it’s use, so be sure to check with your cemetery prior to ordering your memorial stone.