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Start with a conversation
Tell us about the person being remembered, the cemetery involved, and the type of memorial your family is considering. We help narrow the options before anything feels overwhelming.
Customization
Shape Customization
Da Vinci crafts shape customization for families throughout Morris, Bergen, Essex, Passaic, and Hudson Counties — hand-finished and built to last.
Overview
Shape Customization in Northern New Jersey.
Da Vinci crafts shape customization for families throughout Morris, Bergen, Essex, Passaic, and Hudson Counties — hand-finished and built to last.
Part of our customization collection, every piece is guided from material and inscription through cemetery approval and installation, so your family is supported at each step.
Why Choose Us
Why families choose Da Vinci
- Design proofs approved before production
- Granite, marble, and bronze finishes
- Hand-carving and laser-etched portraits
- Religious, cultural, and family symbolism
- Free design consultations
Monument Shapes We Offer in NJ
Building a meaningful tribute depends on selecting the appropriate monument shape. Our eight decades of expertise have shown us that each faith and family have particular preferences on honoring their departed loved ones.
Monument Shape Guide
| Shape | Characteristics | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Square Top | Clean, straight horizontal top edge; classic symmetrical silhouette | Timeless choice; simple maintenance over time |
| Check Top | Gently notched or stepped top surface; modest variation on square | Adds a subtle design distinction while retaining traditional dignity |
| Ogee | S-curved top profile flowing from convex to concave | Classical influence; popular among families seeking Old World elegance |
| Arc Top | Smooth single curve at the top, evoking the sky above | Soft, welcoming form that pairs well with portrait engravings |
| Arc Top with Shoulders | Arched center flanked by raised shoulders for added visual interest | Adds architectural complexity while remaining familiar |
| Arc Top with Scotia Shoulders | Arc crown combined with concave Scotia-profile shoulders | Combines elegance with refined architectural detail |
| Half-Round | Simple semicircular top; understated and graceful | Ideal for those who prefer clean curves without ornate styling |
| Half Ogee | Partial S-curve top blending modern and classic proportions | Contemporary feel with a nod to traditional form |
| Peon Top | Distinctive pointed or rounded profile that stands apart | Unique silhouette that honors heritage while standing out |
| Offset Peon Top | Asymmetric variation of the peon top for a one-of-a-kind look | Makes the monument immediately distinctive in a cemetery setting |
| Cross | Latin, Celtic, Orthodox, or decorative cross forms | Especially meaningful for Christian denominations; many variations available |
| Book | Open-book or closed-book monument shape | Popular across many faiths; particularly significant for clergy or devout scholars |
| Heart | Symmetrical heart silhouette | Communicates everlasting love and memory; a tender personal choice |
| Round | Fully circular form with a seamless continuous edge | Sleek modern look that pairs well with contemporary engraving styles |
| Carved Statue | Angel, figure, or complex religious motif carved in three dimensions | Deeply personal; conveys faith, protection, or a central life narrative |
| Animal Emblem | Beloved pet or symbolic animal carved into or as the monument form | Honors companions or reflects animals significant to the person's life story |
| Rustic / Natural | Organic, irregular edges and natural textures retained | Perfect for those who loved the outdoors or preferred a nature-connected aesthetic |
Square and Check Top Designs
With its neat, straight lines, the Square Top Headstone exudes classic grace. Likewise, our Check Top Headstone's gently tilted top surface provides a modest variance that accentuates classic dignity while yet producing a unique look.
Arc Top Monuments and Ogee
Popular among those looking for a classical influence, the Ogee Headstone boasts a beautiful S-curved top. While the Arc Top with Shoulders adds supporting components for further visual interest, our Arc Top Headstone offers a soft curved summit that represents the skies above.
Half-Round with Half Ogee Alternatives
For individuals who like understated grace, the half-round headstone provides a basic yet lovely curving top. With its unusual curving design, our Half Ogee Headstone blends modern and classic aspects.
Peon Tops and Scotia Shoulders
While our Peon Top and Offset Peon Top Headstones offer distinctive profiles that stand out while still honoring the heritage, the Arc Top with Scotia Shoulders Headstone combines elegance with architectural intricacy.
Cross and Book Monuments
Available in many forms, from Celtic to Roman crosses, these cross headstone designs especially appeal to Christian denominations. Popular across many religions, especially significant for religious experts or spiritual leaders, the Book Headstone represents the holy books.
Heart and Round Designs
While our Round Headstone presents a sleek, seamless look that fits very well with modern designs, the Heart Headstone communicates everlasting love and memory.
Carved Statues & Animal Emblems
Our headstones with carved statues show personal emblems, angels, or complex religious motifs. Animal headstones might feature beloved pets or symbolic animals significant to the faith or life narrative of the departed.
Natural & Rustic Inspired Monument Designs
Perfect for those who liked the outdoors or favored a more natural look, the rustic headstone embraces natural textures and organic forms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monument Shapes
Can any shape, including religious symbols, be created?
Indeed, we may preserve the structural integrity of almost any monument form by including suitable religious symbols within it.
How might rules on cemeteries influence the choice of shape?
Variations in height and breadth limits define different cemeteries. We will assist you in selecting a form that satisfies legal and religious criteria.
Which monument form is the most durable?
All of our forms are durable, even though simpler patterns like Square Top and Arc Top typically require less maintenance over time.
Can we mix several shaped elements?
Indeed, we can customize features from various forms specifically for you, ensuring they respect your religious traditions.
What is the relationship between the monument's cost and its shape?
We provide choices for any budget without sacrificing quality, even if more complicated forms like carved statues or intricate decorations may cost more.
Our Steps
A clear process for a lasting memorial.
Families often come to us unsure where to begin. We guide the practical details, design decisions, cemetery approvals, and installation steps so the memorial is handled with care.
Request a free consultation02
Choose the memorial direction
Review headstone, marker, bronze plaque, mausoleum, and custom design options with guidance on material, shape, inscription layout, portraits, symbols, and finish.
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Confirm cemetery requirements
Every cemetery has its own rules. We help coordinate dimensions, foundations, bronze or granite specifications, and approval details before production begins.
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Craft the monument
Once the design is approved, the memorial moves into production with careful attention to carving, lettering, polishing, bronze work, and long-term durability.
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Install and care for the site
We coordinate delivery and installation, and can help with on-site services such as cleaning, lettering, restoration, refinishing, and footstone duplication.
Explore More
More customization
Get Started
Let's create a lasting memorial together.
Tell us about the person being remembered. We'll guide the design, cemetery requirements, and installation with care — at no cost to start.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
How long does it take to make a headstone?
The typical timeline from order to installation is 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design, the material selected, and cemetery scheduling. Custom engravings, portraits, or intricate carvings may add additional time. We keep you informed throughout the process and will provide an estimated completion date at the time of your order.
What materials do you use for monuments?
We work primarily with granite and marble, the most durable and weather-resistant materials for outdoor memorials. Granite is available in a wide range of colors including gray, black, pink, red, and blue. We source from reputable quarries and can match specific color preferences or cemetery requirements. We can also work with bronze for plaques and flat markers.
Do you install the monument at the cemetery?
Yes. We handle the full installation process including foundation preparation, delivery, and setting. We coordinate directly with the cemetery to ensure all placement requirements are met. Most cemeteries have specific rules about monument size, material, and foundation type, and we are experienced in meeting the standards of cemeteries throughout Morris, Bergen, Essex, Passaic, and Hudson Counties.
Can I add a photo or custom design to the headstone?
Absolutely. We offer laser-etched photographic portraits as well as custom hand-carved designs, religious symbols, floral motifs, and personalized inscriptions. You can bring us a photograph or artwork and we will prepare a proof for your approval before any work begins on the stone. Custom designs are one of our specialties.
How much does a headstone cost?
The price of a monument depends on the size, material, and level of customization. Simple flat markers may start at a few hundred dollars, while upright granite headstones typically range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more depending on the design. Family monuments and mausoleums vary widely. We offer free consultations and no-obligation quotes so you can make an informed decision within your budget.