"Consumer abuse in the death-care industry is running rampant in the United States."
--Carolyn Jacobi, Monument Builders Association of North America
Consumer abuse can easily occur during the headstone or monument selection process. Silver Diamond, LLC, a local family-owned company, offers the following tips and suggestions when shopping for a monument:
Don't Feel Pressured
When planning a funeral service, understand that the monument is not a necessary or required part of the service. As such, you should not feel any pressure to purchase a monument at that time. Most families have enough to deal with, and making a monument decision at the same time only adds to the burden.
Remember, the monument is the final, permanent tribute to the person. Much thought and consideration should be given to this decision. Wait until a less hectic and emotional time to consider your options.
You may end up paying less when purchasing directly from a monument company, versus buying a monument as part of a "package deal" from a funeral home or cemetery.
Consider Various Types of Monuments
When you are ready to consider the monument, observe local cemeteries to see what is available and what you personally like. There are six basic styles of granite monuments, with some variations:
- Grass Marker - Flush with the grass
- Bevel Marker - Six inches above the grass, with a slight slope
- Slant Marker - Sits about 16 inches high and has a sloped face
- Die/Tablet With Base - A vertical monument that sits on a granite base
- Bench - Just as it sounds
- Mausoleum - Serves as a monument and houses the casket(s)
Understand Various Granite Options
Traditionally, monuments are made of granite, with many different colors of granite available. Gray granite has been the most popular, as it is the most affordable and tends to require less maintenance than colored granite. The cemetery's water quality is an important factor in this decision. While mineral deposits will ultimately discolor all granite, gray will show deposits much less than other colors.
Silver Diamond, LLC recommends that families shop around and ask questions before ordering. A big issue in the monument industry today is the importing of Chinese granite. The customer needs to inquire if the granite they are considering is from China. The wholesale cost of Chinese granite is considerably less than American granite, and the price for a monument made from Chinese gray granite should reflect that.
Regarding quality, the verdict is still out regarding the longevity of Chinese granites when exposed to the elements here in the United States.
Silver Diamond, LLC is a local, family-owned business where you can be assured of receiving personal service and quality work.
Natural-Shaped Stone Monuments
Some cemeteries will allow natural-shaped stones as a monument, provided it is prepared correctly. Normally a face should be cut on the stone for the carving. At the very least, any loose material should be tooled off the stone prior to carving, ensuring a quality and long-lasting monument.
Natural-shaped stones have also been a popular option for cremations. Often, family members have no place to go and pay their respects, so they will create a memorial garden on their property that includes a natural-shaped stone monument.
Monument Settings
There are two basic ways that monuments are set in the ground:
- Wet Set - The concrete is mixed on site and the monument is set in it.
- Dry Set - Everything is precast at the monument company and then placed in the cemetery.
Most monument providers, including Silver Diamond, LLC, wet set monuments. We believe this results in a higher-quality and more accurate setting. It conforms to the ground, while the dry set can leave voids under the concrete, a perfect home for mice and other rodents.
Advance Planning
People who are arranging their affairs for their later years may want to include a monument in their planning. This will allow them to make an educated decision and eliminate a lot of potential stress for family members later on.
Silver Diamond, LLC is here to help you with this important decision. If you have questions about any of the above considerations, please give us a call at 208-454-2232.
"Thank you. What you did was a blessing from God. I appreciate it so very much."
- Kat