Purchasing a Monument
When the time comes to commemorate the life of someone very special, or perhaps to plan ahead for yourself, many factors should be considered. You will be purchasing something that, quite literally, will last forever. The monument you create may very well serve as a source of historical data for future generations. It is a purchase that should be made unhurriedly, with great care and consideration. Your first step should be a consultation with Negus & Taylor Monuments, of the Monument Builders of North America.
Materials
The three most popular materials used in memorials are marble, granite and bronze. Marble has been used for centuries and is well known for its beauty. White is the most popular color used in monuments and typically has various degrees of gray "veining" adding to its beauty.
Granite is the most commonly used material and is available in numerous colors -- traditional grays, blacks, a variety of reds, pinks, browns, greens and near whites.
Bronze is called the "eternal metal" and is used for flat markers, statuary, and as ornamentation in combination with granite and marble.
Styles
Bevel Markers are above ground level but are low. They come in individual or companion sizes and can be personalized with symbols or inscription.
The Vertical Tablet is tall, as the name implies, and may be set on a base or directly on the foundation, in which case it's called a Monolith. Both Horizontal and Vertical Tablets present ample spave for inscriptions, carvings, and other ornamentation.
The Horizontal Tablet is wider than it is high and is usually set on a base. Added features may include side panels, called "wings", and sometimes urns or vases on one or both sides.
Flat Markers lie level with the ground. Their small size naturally restricts the decoration, although a skilled memorialist can personalize even a flat marker.
Slant Markers are midway in height between the lower bevel markers and the larger upright monuments (the horizontal and vertical tablets). They offer sufficient space for highly creative personalized design.
Ledgers are memorials that cover an entire grave. Although they are low to the ground, their size allows for extensive decoration and long inscriptions.
Garden Memorials range from benches to urns to sundials. They are specially designed decorative pieces similar to those often found in large gardens. They may be used alone or with another upright monument.
Crosses are widely used as free standing pieces. Crosses have their own styles, the most popular being the familiar Latin cross and the highly decorated Celtic cross.
