We offer engraved portraits on black granite plaques. We believe that these memorial portraits are of high quality and at acceptable prices, generally observing the market. They will particularly enrich monuments that are not made of the darkest granites, providing them with a natural contrast and high visual appeal.
Digital processing
The photo you send us goes through a detailed digital editing process to bring out all the details necessary for a true and natural likeness of the person. We have extensive experience in photo editing specifically for this purpose. Numerous monument builders, masons, and photoceramic companies in the US, Canada, and the UK have been using our services for a full 17 years now, so you can rest assured that we will deliver the best possible result.
Granite Plaques
The granite plaques we currently use for portrait engraving are made from granite originating in Africa. The edges are perfectly finished, and the polish is of high quality. It is a natural black granite with just a hint of gray contours, indicating that it is a natural stone formed over millions of years. Although it is listed by our suppliers simply as a number, its color and structure most closely resemble dark Belfast granite, which also originates from South Africa.
We used to use Absolute Black India granite, which is the darkest granite available today. However, the manufacturing quality of the plaques became unacceptably poor, with inconsistent polishing and chipped edges, so we haven’t used them in years.
The dimensions of the plaques we keep in stock are 18 x 24 cm (approx. 7″ x 9.5″), rectangular, 0.5 cm (approx. 0.2″) thick, with beveled and polished edges. Over time, we realized that this shape and these dimensions are the most optimal for all monument sizes and designs, making it by far the most common choice.
It is possible to order other dimensions, but the production and delivery process can sometimes take months, so we tend to avoid those options. An oval-shaped plaque is also visually appealing, but due to the smaller surface area and the specific curve that runs tight along the head, the engraved portrait has to be much smaller than on a rectangular plaque, so we do not recommend it.
The Engraving Process
We engrave our granite plaques using a combination of modern technology and essential handcrafting. Custom-built, computer-guided impact machine engraves the image into the granite using a diamond tool—the only tool capable of penetrating such hard material. After that, if necessary, we apply hand etching to the engraved image using similar diamond tools, paying attention to the details.
We fill the finished engraving with silver bronze infill, which makes the portrait stand out on the plaque even on rainy days and protects it for many years. In this way, we ensure the quality and longevity of the engraved memorial portrait. The engraved granite plaque is secured with styrofoam packaging to prevent damage and shipped to your address.
Pricing and Availability
The total price of the engraved plaque is €155, including delivery. This price includes the complete production process, digital photo editing, the granite plaque, and shipping.
The time required for production depends on our current order volume and in-stock plaque inventory, so it can vary from 15 to 30+ days. Once you send us a photograph, we will provide you with a fairly precise turnaround period you can rely on.
Please send us your photograph and any specific instructions to info@memorialpic or contact us for further information. We will reply as soon as possible.