Engraved Portrait on Granite – Gravestone Photo, Black Granite
A portrait of your loved one that outlasts any memory kept on paper — hand-engraved into polished black granite of the highest grade.
Description
📝 TL;DR — The key facts
– Sizes: four to choose from, from 21 × 16 cm to 35 × 25 cm. Each one keeps the natural framing of the portrait and the sharpness of the facial features.
– Technique: a portrait engraved on granite using the diamond engraving method, corrected by hand at every stage.
– Material: polished black granite (Swedish) — a mirror-like gloss that emphasises the contrast of the image.
– Durability: the image is engraved into the structure of the stone and withstands frost, sun and rain for decades.
| 📊 Craftsmanship specification #86 | |
|---|---|
| Sizes and prices | 21 × 16 cm — 320 PLN 25 × 18 cm — 350 PLN 30 × 20 cm — 390 PLN 35 × 25 cm — 450 PLN Gross prices (VAT included). You choose the size on the product page. |
| Material | Polished black granite (high-gloss, Swedish) |
| Technique | Diamond engraving (percussion method) |
| Finish | Hand-finished correction with the diamond stylus |
| Mounting | Stonemason's silicone or mounting tapes (not included) |
| Lead time | 5-10 working days (depending on complexity) from approval of the design |
🖤 An everlasting memory set in stone
An engraved portrait on granite is the most lasting way of commemorating a loved one that gravestone masonry has to offer. Unlike a photograph that is printed or stuck on, the image here is created by physically working the structure of the stone — a diamond stylus removes microscopic layers of granite, building the picture from thousands of precise dots and lines. The same mechanism means the engraving does not chip, does not fade in the sun and needs no maintenance for decades.
Choose the size of your portrait
The portrait comes in four sizes. The process and the black granite are the same; only the format of the plate changes, and with it the amount of detail that can be shown.
- 21 × 16 cm — the smallest format. A good fit for an existing gravestone where there is little space. It shows one person's face in a close-up.
- 25 × 18 cm — a portrait of a person from the shoulders up, with room for a clear rendering of the features. A sensible starting point if you are not sure which size to choose.
- 30 × 20 cm — more room for the framing. It works well when the photo should show the background or part of the figure.
- 35 × 25 cm — the largest format. It renders fine details well and lets you place two people side by side on the plate.
All four sizes have the same lead time and the same scope of service. The price includes photo retouching, a design for your approval, hand correction of the engraving and safe packaging for transport.
Engraved portrait vs. porcelain photo — what is the difference?
This is the question we hear most often when customers choose a way to place a face on a gravestone. A porcelain photo (photo ceramics) is a separate plaque that is attached or glued to the gravestone — colourful and realistic, but prone to breaking and coming loose after years of exposure to frost and moisture. Diamond engraving works differently: the image is created directly in the granite plate, in greyscale, as a lasting mark in the stone. There is no glass or enamel that could crack. The price you pay is the lack of colour — the gain is a form that truly lasts forever. If you want a colour photo, have a look at the porcelain photo for a gravestone as an alternative.
How much does engraving a portrait on granite cost?
The price depends on the size. You will find the current price list in the specification above, and choosing a size on the product page shows the amount to pay straight away. Every variant includes the complete service: photo retouching, preparation of the design for your approval, hand correction of the engraving and safe packaging for transport. There are no hidden extra charges for preparing the photo or for corrections before work on the granite begins. The customer receives a visualisation of the design before it is made and can report comments before the diamond stylus touches the stone.
Which photo to choose
A photo with good light on the face, without harsh shadows and without blur works best. The quality of the source photograph has a direct impact on how legible the engraving is. Blurred, overexposed or very small photos are harder to turn into a precise greyscale image, which is why we always ask for the best version available, even an old and yellowed one, as long as it is sharp. We retouch damaged photographs before engraving and show you the design for approval.
Mounting the portrait plaque on a gravestone
The finished plate with the portrait needs no drilling in the gravestone and no interference with the existing monument. It is fixed to the surface of the main slab using stonemason's silicone or mounting tapes — neither is included in the set, so it is worth ordering them together with the portrait. For plaques set at an angle (for example on gravestones with a sloped surface) we additionally recommend a granite support base with a slot, which stabilises the plaque and stops it from slipping.
🛠️ Step-by-step mounting instructions
- Surface preparation: clean and degrease the mounting spot on the gravestone — dust and moisture weaken adhesion.
- Applying the adhesive: spread stonemason's silicone evenly over the whole back surface of the plaque, or use mounting tapes along both edges.
- Positioning: press the portrait into the chosen spot, checking that it is level before you set it in place for good.
- Curing: wait at least 24 hours before the plaque is exposed to rain.
Who is this portrait best suited for?
An engraved portrait as a separate plate is a good addition to an existing, finished gravestone that has no room for a large-format image. The family can add the face of a loved one without interfering with the whole composition of the monument. The portrait also goes well with additional inscription plaques and works as a separate, distinct memorial element.
See also
- All products engraved on stone
- Clear mounting silicone
- Granite support base with a slot
- Guide: how to choose a large gravestone portrait
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between diamond engraving and photo ceramics?
Diamond engraving is cut directly into the structure of the granite, so there is no glass or enamel that could crack or come loose after years. Photo ceramics is a separate, colour porcelain plaque attached to the surface of the gravestone.
Does diamond engraving fade over time?
No. It is the mechanical removal of a layer of stone, not paint or a print. The durability of the image equals the durability of the granite itself.
Which portrait size should I choose?
The smallest, 21×16 cm, suits a close-up portrait of one person. The 25×18 and 30×20 cm sizes give more room for framing from the shoulders up, and the largest, 35×25 cm, leaves space for the background or for two people side by side. The price depends on the size and is given in the specification.
Can a portrait be made from a small or old photo?
Yes, as long as the face is legible. Our graphic designers can reconstruct even badly damaged, yellowed photographs, and we always send the visualisation of the design for approval before engraving begins. It is better to send a weak photo in advance for assessment.
Is the portrait in colour?
No. Diamond engraving produces a greyscale image. If colour matters to you, choose a porcelain photo.
Is photo retouching included in the price?
Yes. Basic retouching, meaning improved contrast, background removal and minor corrections, is always part of the portrait engraving service.
How long does it take to make a portrait?
The standard lead time is 5-10 working days (depending on complexity) from approval of the design. Around All Saints' Day this time may be longer.
How do I mount an engraved portrait on a gravestone?
We recommend stonemason's silicone or mounting tapes, with no drilling. The surface of the gravestone must be clean and dry, and the plaque should cure for at least 24 hours without contact with rain. Neither silicone nor tapes are included in the set.
Can I change the size after placing the order?
You choose the size when ordering, and the design is prepared for that format. If you want to change something, write to us as soon as possible, before you approve the design.
Do you have a question about the look of the portrait before ordering? Contact us — we will answer and advise you on how to prepare the photo.
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