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Types Of Stone

Responsibly sourced British and European stone

Types of Stone Used for Headstones

Here at Artisan Memorials, we’re passionate about making the perfect headstones for families across the country, which is why we’re very particular about the different types of stone that we choose to work with. We always use high-quality, responsibly sourced British or European stone, ensuring that the end result is always something that has a premium look and feel.

Here are the different types of stone that we commonly work with:

Nabresina limestone, a pale, white or greyish hard limestone quarried in Italy
Portland limestone, a creamy limestone quarried in Dorset
Yorkshire sandstone, a durable and hard-wearing sandstone quarried in Yorkshire
Slate, of several different shades quarried in North Wales and Cumbria
Purbeck Stone, a beige, grey stone incorporating interesting flint markings and bluish patterning
Irish Blue Limestone, a beautiful stone with a blue hue, quarried in Kilkenny, Ireland

What is the best type of stone for a headstone memorial?

When it comes to choosing the best type of stone for a particular memorial, it really comes down to preference. We make sure that all of the stones that we work with are able to withstand even the most extreme of British climates for long periods of time, so you can be sure that longevity isn’t an issue.

So, when choosing the stone that you would like for your memorial, go for something that you think will help achieve the aesthetic that you are looking for. Slate is always a popular choice, this enduring stone is perfect if you prefer darker grey, blues, greens and purples. If you want something warmer then, then Irish Blue, Yorkshire sandstone or Purbeck Stone offer a natural mid-toned alternative. Nabresina limestone is a perfect choice if you want a paler stone, this interesting and robust stone from the Trieste region of Italy is perfect for the UK climate and is often speckled with tiny shells and fossils.

If you would like to learn more about the different headstones, gravestones, memorials, plaques and kerb sets that we craft for customers nationwide, please contact us.

Our Gallery

Consultation

Collaborate

Detail

Once you call or email us your initial requirements, we will be in touch with you to set up a time to discuss your needs in detail. We have many years of experience in the creation of top quality headstones, gravestones and memorial plaques, and will be more than happy to talk you through the best options for honouring your loved one. All of our memorials are bespoke, so feel free to make any request, no matter how unique! We can advise you on practical matters such as stone types, wording and the design of your memorial. Our years of experience mean we have a catalogue of our previous work, so there will always be examples to illustrate your different options.

Design

Sketching

Choices

Following your consultation, we will create a series of sketches to give you a look at your options. It is one thing to discuss certain materials or lettering types, and another thing to see what they look like in sketch form. That is why we will give you several options to choose from as a starting point for your design. We will develop your chosen design, consulting with you all the way, until we reach the final choice. You will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and alter your gravestone design. We want to make sure you are completely happy with your design before proceeding to the next stage.

Creation

Local Materials

V-Carve

Once we have worked together to reach a final design, we order the stone direct from the quarry and begin work on your memorial. Where possible, we choose stone from the United Kingdom, minimising the environmental impact of our work and ensuring the materials are suited to the British climate. In most instances we V-carve our lettering rather than sandblasting them, giving our memorials a timelessly elegant, professional finish. With Artisan Memorials, you know you are getting an excellent service throughout each and every step of the process. We take the hassle out of the process by making sure the memorial fits all of the requirements of the cemetery or churchyard it is destined for. We can handle all of the associated paperwork.

Installation

Qualified Technicians

Professional

Our qualified technicians can install our headstones anywhere in the UK. They work according to the National Association of Memorial Masons’ Code of Working Practice and British Standards for Memorial Fixing, giving you the peace of mind that they are laid professionally and safely. We are members of the National Association of Memorial Masons. Our service includes design, memorial production, applications for permits and installation of the headstone. If you are interested in collaborating with us on a memorial creation project, please contact us today.

We work all over the UK, offering the complete service, from design to installation

Fine Quality Memorial Makers

Get in touch

HAVE A LOOK THROUGH OUR EXTENSIVE GALLERY TO FIND THE PERFECT MEMORIAL FOR YOUR LOVED ONE

Our Gallery

Kate - London

From start to finish, Mark provided an outstanding service in order to create a beautiful, thoughtful and lasting memorial. The care and attention to detail has made the experience so much easier. We did not want an "out of the catalogue" type memorial, and especially not a modern shiny/granite type stone. I was breath taken to see the timeless and loving memorial Mark created. We cannot thank you enough, you are extremely talented!

Frank - St.Albans

Working with David from Artisan Memorials was an absolute pleasure, the process was easy and the final stone was absolutely beautiful, exactly the result we wanted to remember our much loved Mum, I can’t recommend them enough, the quality of the workmanship was outstanding!

Linda - London

My bother, sister and I are so pleased with the headstone for my mum and dad that David and Mark crafted. We went to them with ideas, but we did know that we didn’t want a run-of-the-mill headstone. They dedicated time and brought to bear their expertise to marry their craftsmanship to our ideas. I know my mum and dad would love the headstone that marks their last resting place. Thanks Mark and David.

Elise - Milton Keynes

I have no hesitation in recommending Artisan Memorials - David and Mark were a pleasure to work with the headstone they created for my parents and grandparents were beautiful works of art. They went out of their way to help and support us and the results were perfect. Thank you!

James - Canterbury

Excellent service and quality of workmanship. Mark’s attention to detail was fantastic and he handled the whole process with a kindness and humour mum would have loved. Highly recommended.

Lawrence - Hertfordshire

We looked for ages but all we could find were mass produced headstones with basic lettering. We wanted something more individual and in keeping with mother’s memory. It was such a relief to find Mark. Our headstone is beautiful. Very highly recommended.

Edward - St.Albans

We had Mum’s headstone made using nabresina by Artisan Memorials and it is a truly wonderful work of art. Mark is an absolutely masterful craftsman. We have since had our house name carved into Welsh slate as we were so pleased. We cannot praise Mark enough and wouldn’t hesitate recommending him to anyone wanting beautifully engraved stone and who appreciates friendly and professional service.

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