Ordering a custom-engraved headstone can be a new thing for most people, and it can be easy to get confused with the terminology. Here is a look at some of the terms you will need to know when you order a new headstone. 

Beveled 

A beveled edge is one that has a slight slant, and a beveled headstone is just the same. The beveled slant is ideal if you want the headstone to be a bit more visible when looking at it from a forward-facing position, which is where most people stand when visiting a gravesite. The degree of the slant can vary, but you can determine how much slant a headstone has by looking at the measurements of the back of the stone compared to the front. 

Frosted 

A frosted headstone is going to have an almost "frosted" appearance. Instead of having the typically smooth, polished surface with a lot of shine, the frosted area can appear as though it is covered with a thin layer of frost. The purpose of this is to give the marker a more unique finish, but this can work really well on light stone colors to add some variation before the engraving process is done. 

Headstone Die 

The die of a headstone is the top piece, which usually sits on a base and is the part of the stone that gets engraved. When ordering a custom-engraved headstone, it is a good idea to know what the die is because the term may be used to explain where certain attributes will be or the measurements of certain pieces. 

Flat-Carved Surface 

A flat-carved headstone surface has usually been sandblasted or otherwise been treated to create some kind of texture on the face of the stone. Often, custom-engraved headstones will have a section of the die face that has been flat-carved, which makes the engraved portion of the stone stand out like it is sort-of framed. On darker stones, the flat-carving process can be really important because it helps make the engravings more visible. 

Gothic-Style 

The Gothic-style headstone is one of the more unique headstone shapes. It has an almost heart-shaped top with two rounded curves and a peak in the center. The Gothic-style stone is popular for double monuments; each individual gets one side of the stone with an arch over the top where a symbol or picture can be placed. 

Contact a company like Memorial  Art Monument to learn more.