Adding a Second Inscription: A New Chapter in Memorials

The Process for a Second Inscription

Measuring and Planning

Our team visits the cemetery to measure the available space and make sure the new inscription matches the existing one. The size and spacing of the new inscription depend on what is already on the stone and how much space is left.

Designing with You in Mind

Families can choose from our design gallery or bring their own ideas. Founder Lateline Nofo'akifolau personally ensures each design reflects the personality of the loved one.

There are no limits on mixing fonts—families can use different fonts for different parts of the inscription. For example, one font for "In loving memory," another for the name, and a different one for the rest. If you have a specific font in mind, you can find it online, and we will do our best to match it. Popular fonts include Times New Roman (especially bold or italic) and script styles. The most requested artwork includes angels, crosses, and Bible temples.

We work closely with families to ensure they are completely satisfied with the design before we start engraving. We send drafts as PDFs or image files back and forth until families are ready to approve the final design.

Approval Process

Sandblasting the Inscription

We engrave the inscription using sandblasting inside a portable booth that captures and reuses the sand. Some stones, like those with glittery flecks, are harder to engrave, which can make the process slower and more expensive. Marble is also more expensive to engrave because it is delicate, but these stones are still popular for their unique look.

Adding Symbols and Icons

We can engrave cultural or religious symbols, but we do not engrave anything gang-related. Common requests include angels, Bibles, praying hands, church logos, and symbols like the crescent moon and star for Muslim families or a temple with the moon. Our engravers hand-draw the designs, making sure the spacing between lines is just right.

After sandblasting, we carefully apply paint or gold leaf to match cultural or family preferences. We make sure the colours work well with the existing inscription and reflect the family's wishes.

Final Touches

Working with Families

We keep families updated with photos and progress reports at every step, so you are part of the journey from start to finish.

For second inscriptions, consultations are essential, and we recommend allowing at least a month to complete everything.

This time includes cemetery visits for measurements, design work, back-and-forth approvals, engraving, and painting. The engraving itself usually takes one day, but painting can take up to two days.

Advice for Families Preparing Inscriptions

Writing an inscription can feel overwhelming, but starting with a template can help. We suggest including details like the loved one's name, birth and death dates (sometimes written as "Sunrise/Sunset"), names of close family members, a Bible verse, and a short farewell message.

Families can include as much or as little as they wish to make the inscription personal and meaningful.

Contact us to start your journey.