Carvings are an important part of personalizing a monument.  Various carving techniques may be used depending on the type of stone, the stone finish, and the effect desired.

Shaped Carving
Shaped carving may be accomplished in a variety of ways including the use of pneumatic chisels and sandblasting equipment with sand and high-pressure air. This gives the carving a degree of depth and realism that is not possible with flat carving.

Flat Carving
Flat carving may also be done with pneumatic tools and sandblast, but the background of the carving is not sunk. The shapes of the leaves, flowers and other details are not tapered or relieved. This is a more cost-effective carving method, but it can create a nice effect on simple carving and lettering.

Bas-Relief Carving
Bas-relief carving takes shape carving to another level. Usually approximately half the depth of the subject is sunk, which results in a very realistic, deep carving. Bas-relief carving requires many years of experience as an artist and stone sculptor.

Etching
Etchings are a relatively new method of applying carvings to stone. Typically featured on black stone because of the high contrast offered, etchings may be done by hand or processed by an automated laser etcher. The stone's polished finish is cracked by the intense heat of the laser or by a vibrating diamond tip guided by an artist. The cracked finish results in an almost white spot on the black polished stone. Artists are able to carefully create shading and very detailed images. In some cases color may be added to the image. Any colors applied to stone will fade with time.