Thursday, 2 January 2014

Different Styles For Gravestone Design

By Tom Tree


When making plans for one's burial, it is a common practice to have a commemorative plaque or some type of monument to place atop their interment site. Inscribed with the individual's name along with the dates on which they were born and died, and occasionally an epitaph, it is a way for one to leave their mark upon the world. There are literally thousands of design options for Graves Headstones.

Stones have been used to show burial locations throughout most of recorded time. In the beginning these were simply piles of rocks but over the years people eventually began to carve words, symbols and numbers into them as a way of personalizing the place of interment. As civilizations grew, the monuments became more elaborate and informative.
Cemetery Headstones


Placed at the head of a grave, these markers usually bare the name of the person buried there, as well as their birthday and the day of their passing. They may be one of several variations of upright stones in an endless array of shapes, or they could be a low profile slab of metal or rock. Some of the more common designs are tablets, crosses and pedestals with urns or angels on top.

Granite slabs which stand upright on their own or on top of a horizontal base are the most commonly used designed in cemeteries all over the world. Versatility means they may be of simple geometric design or given a bit of flair by shaping the tops into scrolls or domes or cutting them into the form of religious symbols. Many couples and families that are to be interred in the same plot often have each individual's information inscribed on the same stone.

Some markers, such as the flush slabs and plaques, take on a more unobtrusive profile and make for easier maintenance. Bevels are a variation on this style, being thicker and elevating the rear edge a few inches higher than the front. Slanted forms take this a step further by making the readable surface lean at 45 degrees.

In some of the world's oldest graveyards sit the inspiration for the design of Gothic tablets. Imitating the features that defined Victorian era religious architecture, they have many swirled lines, arches and intricate details such as carvings of angels. These radiate a beauty that is classic and create an intriguing facade.

Creating impressive silhouettes and resembling sleek towers, obelisks are another popular design. Inspired by structures from ancient Egyptian times, these formations are often topped with pyramids, stars, angels or eagles. There are so many grave headstones options available, making it possible to create a beautiful monument to fit most any budget.




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