Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does it take to have my family monument lettering completed?
Most grave lettering is completed within in six to eight weeks, from the time of ordering to installation in the cemetery. With a state of the art drafting system, we can expedite the process. Cemetery work schedules, weather and ground conditions may be a deciding factor for completion.
When I visit the cemetery, why are some of the stones tipping or falling over?
Most often a poor foundation is to blame. A properly installed foundation must be square, level, and deep enough to withstand a deep winter frost and ground settling after a burial.
Why is the concrete foundation so important?
The foundation must support the weight of the memorial and withstand the extremes of weather and temperature. An average monument can weigh almost 2000 pounds; some stones can even weigh well over a ton.
Do you remove the stone to add a name or date to it?
No. In most cases our skilled engravers complete the inscription in the cemetery without moving the monument or disturbing the grave.
Can arrangements be made over the phone or must we come to your showroom?
Arrangements can now be made for engraving a monument online using this state of the art website http://www.monumentlettering.com however arrangements can be made at our showroom, but some are made over the phone. When a family visits our showroom, having many monuments of all shapes, colors and sizes is very helpful in making a decision.
Are all monuments allowed in all cemeteries?
Not any longer. Most cemeteries have rules and regulations. These differ from cemetery to cemetery, as well as within different sections of a cemetery. Please contact a member of our staff, and we will be happy to inform you as to what kind of stone is permissible for your loved one.
Are all types of Lettering allowed in all cemeteries?
Not any Longer. Unfortunately cemeteries now have strict rules and regulations’ regarding what type of lettering is allowed on monuments. Rest assured you will be allowed to match the existing lettering that is already on your monument.
What cemeteries do you serve?
We service the entire tri-state area. Our parent company Supreme Memorials, Inc. can even ship a monument worldwide. If your cemetery is not listed on our order form you can type in the name of the cemetery with the city or town and the state (New York or New Jersey only at this time) and we will be able to assist you.
Do you do repairs to existing stones?
Yes. Let us take a look. We will give you a free estimate. Sometimes it is a simple restoration, or it may be more economical to replace the monument.
How much will engraving my existing monument cost?
Price depends upon the amount of lettering and the cemetery charges for the permit. Prices start @ $525.00 for up to 20 letters (and or numbers) extra engraving cost $7.00 per character. Hand carved lettering or hand drawn lettering will have additional charges this is priced specific to the job, if any additional charges will apply we will let you know. Cemetery Charges are not included in the pricing we give you. You will be responsible to pay the cemetery charges with a personal check or money order.
Why does the cemetery charge me to add a name to a stone?
Cemeteries charge a fee to allow the monument carver and Monument Company to perform work at your grave site. Cemetery charges help offset the cemetery overhead because the application is carefully reviewed by a staff member of the respected cemetery. Even after the job is completed a cemetery official double checks the final product protecting you from any mistakes that might have been made. We at Supreme Memorials, Inc and MonumentLettering.com advise you to check the work once it is completed for accuracy.
We just received a letter in reference that the application to the cemetery is rejected what do we do?
Most of the time the rejection is nothing major, We send you a copy of the cemetery letter and instructions how to correct the situation. Any additional information you might need will be specific to your order so we advise you to call our office or send us an email.
I need my Mothers/Fathers/Husbands/Wife’s ect. Stone engraved by a specific date can you do it?
It depends on many factors. How soon do you need the monument engraved? Tomorrow? Unfortunately we cannot do it or we will not promise on anything we cannot deliver. Generally Speaking adding an inscription on a gravestone can take six (6) weeks to sixteen (16) weeks. We do find however it normally takes 8-10 weeks in general from the time the order is placed to the time the work is completed. In this age of mass production and cheap workmanship, it is refreshing to know that we still use old world techniques hand made by trained craftsmen. We can duplicate any carving that has been created in any monument shop but it takes time.
Are all monuments and other stone products the same, regardless of where they are purchased?
No! Factors such as stone quality and carving quality are important. Granite and other stone material come out of the earth in varying quality grades. These grades are determined by the stone’s overall appearance, color, pattern consistency, mineral content, and density. At Supreme Memorials, we only use granite. Time has proven that granite is the most durable material for monuments. In addition, we use only the highest quality grades. Because we have direct buying relationships with our suppliers, we know who quarried the stone and we know its quality. Lastly, whether your monument is carved directly by the manufacturer in Vermont, or carved locally, you can rest assured that we will have only the most skilled craftsmen with many years of experience creating your monument. When you purchase your memorial from Supreme Memorials, you can do so with confidence that it is made of the finest material available in the market and crafted by the best.
With all the brochures and letters I received, how can I be sure to do business with the right company?
The company must be knowledgeable, professional and willing to take the time to listen to your needs. Anyone who calls you just a few days after the funeral or urges you to make a hasty decision does not have your best interests in mind. We believe that only you know when the time is right. We often encourage families to postpone this decision when we find they are still grieving, so that the memorial you choose is one that you will cherish forever.
The best place to purchase your memorial is from a full service monument dealer, like Supreme Memorials, Inc. A full service monument dealer is a professional Memorialist who only deals with monuments. We can help you design a memorial to best remember your loved one. Our business is only monuments; therefore we are the experts who can best assist you with this very important choice you have to make. A "middleman" trying to sell you a stone may contact you. It is in your best interest to visit your full service monument dealer before making your decision. Remember, at Supreme Memorials, we are specialists, let us help you with what we do best.
Why choose a Rock of Ages Memorial Product?
If you feel that quality and workmanship are vital in a family memorial, you’re not alone. As an authorized Rock of Ages Memorialist, we’re proud to offer America’s finest memorials. They’re backed by the strongest perpetual warranty available. After all, what could be more important when you’re choosing a memorial? For more information about Rock of Ages Memorial Products please contact info@supremememorials.com
I’ve never purchased a monument before. How do I know I’m buying the right one?
Like other major purchases, the purchase of a monument should be a family decision. At Supreme Memorials, we sincerely want you to make an informed decision. We spend time with each family explaining the product and going over the options. We are dedicated to design a monument to fit your personal taste and budget
I own a small monument company do you service the industry on a wholesale basis?
Of Course we do. You will not be able to use this website to place a wholesale order. You must contact our office 718-788-7986 and speak to Joe.
Does your company engrave any other material besides granite?
Yes we do. We have the capabilities to engrave other mediums such as Marble, Slate, Stylestone, Quartz, Onyx and others besides granites. For this type of work we ask you contact Supreme Memorials, Inc.
Does MonumentLettering.com do architectural Lettering on buildings, parks or other large projects?
You will need to contact our parent company Supreme Memorials, Inc. Yes we do this type of work but this ordering portal for engraving gravestones in cemeteries only.
