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Information About Our Industry

What is Granite?

Nothing compares to the unique beauty of natural stone. Granite is a natural stone that is formed together when its molten substances cool and solidify slowly in the depths of the Earth. Granite is composed of a combination of minerals, most recognizably quartz. Quartz is a mineral that is well known for its hardness and ability to resist erosion. For this reason, granite is an everlasting material that will withstand the test of time in virtually any environment. Granite comes from quarries, which are open-pit mines from which rocks or minerals are extracted. The natural stone is removed from these quarries in large sections, also known as slabs. Because of its origins in nature, granite slabs may contain color and pattern variations that make each piece of granite truly unique.

What is Bronze?

Human beings have been working with bronze for over 3,000 years in various parts of the world. Bronze is a metal alloy produced by blending copper and tin in various amounts. Additional elements such as manganese, lead, and phosphorous are added when specific properties of bronze are desired. For example, phosphorous is added to harden the bronze material while lead is included to make the bronze easier to cast.  

One of the more unique properties of bronze is the natural patina that may form. Patina may turn the bronze a dark or dull color. Patina is actively encouraged with most bronze because it provides a protective layer, preventing oxidation below the surface of the bronze. While most bronze products are often coated with a thin layer of lacquer to protect the metal, exposure to the elements over time will often lead to corrosion. If a bronze piece starts to corrode, it can be professionally treated to restore the original appearance.

History of Memorialization

Throughout time, people around the world have built monuments as a way to remember those whom they loved and respected. These monuments have also been erected in order to record the history of an individual or group. The word monument comes from the Latin term “monere,” meaning “to remind.” Memorial art began as little more than stones stacked over a grave for protection. Early monuments were made of local materials such as wood, bone and native stones. The truly enduring monuments were made from rock. As monument builders perfected their art, the results of their efforts became larger and more elaborate. Thus, a craft was born.

The term mausoleum was eventually given to all above ground tombs. This is most likely due to a similar structure that was constructed for Mausolos, the ruler of Caria, who died in 353 BC in ancient Asia Minor. In more modern times, the Taj Mahal in India is a mausoleum built in 1648 for the wife of the Emperor.

Famous monuments are plentiful around the world and examples in the United States include the Washington Memorial and Mount Rushmore. In addition, there are countless memorials to fallen soldiers, public servants, historical figures and places.

Humanity has a need to remember and the most common way to remember is to build a monument. The monument has become a universal vehicle for commemorative expression. Monuments focus on the accomplishments and contributions of specific individuals through religious, architectural, artistic and literary standards of the time.

Cremation Memorialization

When cremation is chosen as the final method of disposition, many individuals believe that memorialization is not necessary. Most would say that since there’s no grave, there’s no need for a grave marker. Originally, grave markers were just that; a means to mark the grave. For many regions, a grave marker was simply a historical record.

As record keeping began to change over time so did the desire for how a grave marker should look. Simple historical records were gradually transformed into a monument, which in Latin translates to “to remind”. People wanted a place to go to remember a loved one or close friend. Human beings today are no different. People still want a place to go to remember a loved one or close friend. This is possible regardless of whether traditional burial or cremation has been chosen as the final method of disposition.

Grief experts and a multitude of studies have shown the importance of establishing a permanent memorial regardless of the chosen method of disposition. Psychologists agree that those left behind after the loss of a loved one or close friend need a place to visit, reflect and remember. Cremation memorials service those needs.

Traditional cremation memorials can be as simple as a plaque on the face of a cemetery niche, a flat granite or bronze marker installed on the cemetery grounds or even placing the cremated remains inside the configuration of a cemetery memorial. Non-traditional cremation memorials are functional structures not necessarily set in the cemetery. These may be a granite pillar or lantern erected at home in the family garden, a granite bench installed at a favorite golf course, or even in the form of a rustic boulder installed on a hiking trail in the park or by a river or lake.

Unique cremation memorials, whether traditional or non-traditional, can perpetuate cherished memories and fulfill all of our desires to remember the individual loss of life.

Pricing

The total cost for any memorial is generally determined by the style, size, color of material, design type, installation cost and any applicable cemetery charges. Prices can range from under $1,000 for flat markers or bevel monuments to more than $10,000 for more elaborate monuments. On the high end of the spectrum, large and impressive walk-in mausoleums can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Selecting from Our Showroom

When we were designing our new facility back in 2005, it was of utmost importance to make sure that our showroom would be as comfortable and accommodating for our customers as possible. Not only did we create the area’s largest indoor showroom, we created an atmosphere unlike any other memorial retailer.

The indoor showroom at Rudez is completely handicap accessible, spacious, and provides a diverse selection of monuments that are certain to fit all needs and budgets.

Customers who visit our facility have the ability to personally view monuments in various colors, styles, shapes, finishes and designs. Most importantly, each of the memorials in our showroom have the price for that particular memorial prominently displayed as well as pricing options for that memorial in different granite colors. Our customers appreciate the transparency of our business and feel comfortable in knowing that there are no hidden costs. In addition, our low pressure and professional approach to the memorial selection process reaffirms our commitment to a positive and educational experience.

Selecting from Home

Modern technology and our comprehensive website have allowed more and more customers the ability to select a memorial from the comforts of their own home. As you may have already noticed, this website contains a wealth of information that allows family members and friends from other areas of the country to educate themselves about memorials, the various options and the overall selection process. In conjunction with regular telephone consultations and emails, it is not uncommon for our staff to never personally meet with the client. Although this is not our preferred method of memorial design, it is a convenient option for family members that may live out of the immediate area or other areas of the country.

To select a memorial from home, simply visit our website Design Center. Here, you will find all of the options to consider when purchasing a granite memorial. In addition, many of the options covered in this section can be seen on actual monuments in our Online Gallery. Once you have examined and feel comfortable with the decisions that need to be made to create your own personalized memorial, simply fill out the Request an Estimate form and submit to our office via the website. One of our memorial counselors will then contact you within twenty-four hours to review your submission and discuss your preferences in great detail.

Cemetery Regulations

Individual cemeteries have their own set of rules and regulations regarding monuments and markers. Before you buy cemetery property, we recommend calling us directly so that you can be educated on cemetery policies within your community. For example, some cemeteries, often called memorial parks, only allow flat markers. Furthermore, many of these memorial parks only permit the use of bronze memorials. If you choose a memorial park, you will most likely never be able to place a traditional upright monument there.
Similar to the regulations of memorial parks, other cemeteries may impose restrictions on the size and type of memorial. This could severely limit your choice in memorial design. Before you purchase a cemetery lot, you should explore whether traditional upright monuments are allowed and if there are any limitations on location and size. The staff at Rudez is knowledgeable about these rules and regulations and can serve as your primary source of information. Many cemeteries charge a variety of fees for the installation of a monument including, but not limited to, foundations, perpetual care, maintenance, and other add-on services. Some cemeteries will tell a customer that the monument has to be purchased from them, that they are the only ones who can install a monument on their cemetery grounds, that installation costs are part of the lot price or that they are the only ones that guarantee the memorial purchase. This is FALSE and, in many instances, ILLEGAL. Ask questions before you buy a burial plot or contact the professionals at Rudez to be sure that you receive satisfactory answers prior to making a substantial investment in cemetery property.

Frequently Asked Questions

At Rudez, we use granite to construct all of our memorials. Granite is a product that is well known for its hardness and ability to resist erosion. For this reason, granite is an everlasting material that will withstand the test of time in virtually any environment. In essence, granite is used for monuments due to its durability, hardness and natural beauty. Bronze is the second most common material used. The decision to use bronze is most often dictated by cemetery requirements or family preference.
Yes. Our granite is quarried all over the world and comes in a wide variety of colors ranging from a brilliant white to the deepest black. Please visit our Granite Colors section to view the wide range of color options that are available at Rudez.
Granite is the second hardest substance known to man only behind a diamond. This tough, durable rock will withstand the test of time in virtually any environment. Any granite supplied by Rudez is rich in quartz and feldspar, making it more durable than other types of granite.
The length of time between the purchase of a memorial and installation usually depends upon the type of granite selected, the style and the overall scope of the project. Historically, basic flat markers could be produced in less than two weeks while larger projects, such as sculptures, could take as long as six months. The Covid-19 pandemic, which began in March of 2020, has caused unprecedented delays with the manufacturing and supply chain of both import and domestic granites. These disruptions and delays have made it very difficult for us to provide our customers the level of service on which we have built our reputation. We have also found it increasingly difficult to give accurate lead times for the completion of both import and domestic memorials. However, we are committed to working with our manufacturers and supply chain to minimize ongoing delays. As we navigate through these unchartered waters, we greatly appreciate patience and understanding. At the end of the day, all of the memorials constructed by Rudez receive the same attention to detail and superior craftsmanship.
The simple answer to this question is that a monument should be purchased whenever the customer feels comfortable. It is important to remember that purchasing a memorial is a lengthy process that should be given careful consideration. More often than not, the accumulated time between customers finalizing a purchase, the fabrication of the memorial and installation at the cemetery has allowed the grave to settle and support a structurally sound concrete foundation.
Individual cemeteries have their own set of rules and regulations regarding monuments and markers. Depending upon the location of the grave within the cemetery grounds, you may encounter restrictions on the sizes and types of memorials that can be installed. This could severely limit your choices in memorial design. Every cemetery is unique and the regulations can change at any time. We are available to help you review these policies to ensure that any memorial you may choose will conform to specific cemetery regulations.
No. Rulings of the Federal Court clearly state that it is illegal to restrict a monument company from installing a memorial in any cemetery as long as the company complies with the rules, regulations and any associated fees.
We’re sure you know our answer to this question. It is better to purchase your memorial from a monument company, specifically Rudez Granite & Bronze. Monument companies such as ours have the knowledge, understanding and resources to provide our customers with all of the tools necessary to create a meaningful tribute. In addition, our low pressure and professional approach to the memorial selection process reaffirms our commitment to a positive and educational experience. In most cases, cemeteries and funeral homes purchase their memorials from monument companies. These organizations are resellers who add an additional markup to the final price of the monument. Obviously, this leads to unnecessary, increased costs for you, the consumer.
The Monument Builders of North America (MBNA) is a consumer protection organization that promotes fair and honest business practices in the memorial industry. As part of their membership in MBNA, members are required to sign a statement of policy, The Code of Good Practice. This is reassuring to many consumers because MBNA members are required to operate under the highest industry standards. In addition, MBNA members have the protection of the organizations’ Consumer Advocate Consultant who serves to enforce any unlawful or unethical cemetery acts. When you purchase a memorial from an MBNA member, you are assured of ethical, honest business practices from a retailer who is fully committed to the memorial industry. Rudez is proud to be a participating member of the MBNA.
The Monument Builders of North America was formed in 1906.
Yes. Photographs can be included on any memorial and are usually done so with the use of etchings or porcelain photographs. Etched images are produced by either laser machines or by hand and imprinted directly into the stone. Most often, etchings are done only on black granite but, in some cases, can be completed on some darker granites. Porcelain photographs can be reproduced in black and white or color and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These can be affixed to any memorial as well as any color of granite. The use of photographs on a memorial is another way in which people choose to personalize a monument.
Creating Personalized Expressions of Remembrance, Distinction & Time
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Nationwide Service

We can design, ship and coordinate the installation of memorials & mausoleums anywhere in the Continental United States.

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Creating Personalized Expressions of Remembrance, Distinction & Time
Facebook Twitter Youtube

Nationwide Service

We can design, ship and coordinate the installation of memorials & mausoleums anywhere in the Continental United States.

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM to 1:00PM
© 2022 Rudez – All Rights Reserved

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