We understand that selecting a suitable memorial for a loved one involves some very important decisions that can be both emotional and sentimental. With the many options available, the process can become both overwhelming and confusing. We are here to guide and assist you with your choices in a compassionate and patient manner. From the initial meeting to the final delivery and placement of the memorial, the Parise family will personally guide you through the memorial selection process, while at the same time holding true to our motto that The Highest Quality Doesn't Have to Come at the Highest Price.
When selecting a memorial there are several important decisions that must be made. They include:
SELECTING THE TYPE AND SIZE OF THE MEMORIAL
SELECTING THE MATERIALS, SHAPE AND TEXTURE
APPROVING THE FINAL PRODUCT, DELIVERY AND SETTING OF THE MEMORIAL
SELECTING THE TYPE AND SIZE OF THE MEMORIAL
Depending on your preference and the regulations of the cemetery, the type and size of the memorial will be the first choice. Memorial types include upright monuments, slant markers, flat markers, benches and mausoleums. All types could be used for one or more persons. Duplicates of existing memorials can be produced or a custom made memorial of your specific taste can be designed.
|
|
 Marker Sample |
 Flat Marker Sample |
 Granite Bench Sample |
 Mausoleum Sample |
SELECTING THE MATERIALS, SHAPE AND TEXTURE
Material choices include the type and color of granite to be used in the construction of a memorial. Our memorials are constructed from the highest quality domestic and imported granites. Domestic granite colors include Barre Grey, Mountain Rose, Misty Black and Mahogany. Imported granite colors available are India Black, Impala Black, Imperial Pink, Paradisio, India Red, Tropical Green, Eden Green, Imperial Green, Bahama Blue, Blue Pearl, Tropical White and Cats Eye Brown. Many other colors exist. Bronze markers set in granite are also another option.
A memorial can be cut into any desired shape. Shapes can include heart, double heart, angel, tear drop, shamrock, diamond, wave, dolphin, sun flower, motorcycle and many others. The texture of a memorial can consist of polished, steeled, sawed, honed, rock pitched and scalloped.
SELECTING THE LETTERING STYLE
Lettering style is a very important factor in selecting a memorial. The lettering should be easily read and be of the appropriate size and design for the memorial. We offer many different types of lettering styles. Some of the more popular ones include Times Roman, Vermarco, Old English, Script, Gothic, Zaph Chancery, Irish Text and many more. Also available are a large selection of panels which are used to carve names. Some examples are scroll, ribbon, book and heart.
 Old English Text Sample |
 Script Text Sample |
 Irish Text Sample |
 Zaph Chancery Text Sample |
SELECTING THE CONTENT
The content of your memorial can include carvings, etchings, quotes from the bible and epitaphs. These items provide a memorial with originality and uniqueness.
Carvings are used to enhance the appearance and personalize your memorial. We offer a wide selection of carvings which can include flowers, religious artifacts, saints, outdoor scenery and symbols reflecting occupations, hobbies, personal accomplishments and veterans' service. There are three types of carvings, which include flat, shaped and sculptured. Flat carvings are the least expensive and show very little detail. Shaped carvings are cut much deeper into the surface of the memorial allowing for more detail of an object to be exposed. Sculptured carvings are hand carved by artisans and provide the most detail.
|
|
|
Over the years, etchings have gained popularity due to their life like appearance and their ability to allow for the ultimate in personalization of a memorial. Etchings can either be white or colored. Our artists can etch portraits of individuals, animals, landscapes, religious artifacts, saints and many other items directly into the surface of the granite.
|
|
 Colored Etching Sample (Click to enlarge) |
SELECTING ACCESSORIES
Accessory items compliment your memorial and provide distinction. They include vases, statuary, gold and silver leaf accents, picture frames, bronze accents, vigil and peace lights.
- Vases are constructed of granite allowing for year round use. Vases can be made into any desired shape. Some examples are heart, shamrock, western boot and golf bag.
 Polished Turned Vase |
 Heart Vase with Etching |
 Cross Vase with Etching |
 Traditional Vase with Etching |
- Marble or granite statuary provides uniqueness and can be permanently adhered to a memorial.
 Marble Statuary Sample |
 Granite Statuary Sample |
- Gold and silver leaf accents are used to highlight inscriptions and carvings. Pure gold and silver leaf is not paint or a substitute and will not wear away or tarnish over time.
 Gold Leaf Sample |
 Silver Leaf Sample |
- Picture frames provide additional personalization to a memorial. Pictures of individuals, couples or groups can be placed in a weatherproof plastic frame or copied to porcelain and are permanently adhered to a memorial.
Plastic and Porcelain Picture Frames
- Bronze accents, letters and portraits can be used in place of or in combination with carvings, etchings or engraved letters. They are drilled into a memorial and permanently adhered with adhesive compound. Many types of bronze accents exist, such as flowers, crosses, saints and symbols.
|
|
|
- Vigil and peace lights allow families the option to provide a light on the grave at night. Peace lights are solar powered and do not require to be lit as vigil candles.
 Peace Light Samples |
 Vigil Candle Sample |
APPROVING THE FINAL PRODUCT, DELIVERY AND SETTING OF THE MEMORIAL
Once an order is placed for a memorial, the family will receive a computer or artist drawn full size draft of their selections for approval. Any necessary changes can be made at this time and once the draft had been approved, production will commence. The completed memorial will be delivered to our facility and we will personally set it at the desired location.
