Engraving text (three weeks extra delivery time)

A name held in stone

Some things should not fade. Engraving a name directly into natural stone is the most permanent way to make an urn belong to one person, and to keep that sense of belonging for as long as the urn exists.

Cut into the stone, not applied to it

The lettering is engraved into the surface of the stone, not printed or adhered on top. Each character is carefully routed into the material, sitting below the surface as a permanent part of it. Once engraved, the text can be painted to improve legibility, making names and dates stand out clearly against the stone. You choose what appears: a name, a date of birth, a date of death, a short phrase, or a combination that feels right for this person.

What to expect from the process

Engraving natural stone demands precision and patience. Every letter is worked by hand into a material that does not forgive mistakes, which is why the process takes the time it does. Please allow approximately three additional weeks for delivery, counted from the point at which you have approved the final design. Before anything is engraved, you will receive a design proof to check and confirm. Nothing is cut until you have given your approval.

Because the engraving is permanent, it is worth taking care over the text you submit. Check the spelling of the name, verify the dates, and note any special characters or punctuation you need included. A few minutes of careful checking now will matter for years to come.

Please check your text carefully before confirming.

What a name adds to an urn

An urn without engraving is a considered object. An urn carrying someone's name is theirs. That distinction, between a beautiful piece and a personal one, is what engraving offers. Stone does not fade, peel or wear the way a label or sticker would. The name you choose will remain legible for as long as the urn is kept, which is exactly the reassurance you want when you are preserving something this important.

Choosing what to engrave

A name and dates are the most straightforward choice, but the decision is entirely yours. Some people prefer a single word that captures something essential. Others choose a line from a poem, a place name, or an initial. It helps to think about what you would want to read, years from now, when you hold the urn. Take your time with that question before you submit your text.

Practical details

This engraving option is available to add to a natural stone cremation urn. The additional delivery time of around three weeks applies to all engraved orders and begins once your design has been approved. The text engraving is worked directly into the stone surface and, where chosen, finished with paint for clarity. This is a personalisation option for your urn for ashes, not a separately shipped item.

If you would like help deciding on wording or have a question about what is possible, we are happy to talk it through with you before you place your order.