Frequently Asked Questions
Can you engrave a stone I already own?
I am supplying the stone, why is the quote not cheaper?
So how is the quote calculated? How long does the process take?
*I can use your stone, but it will not take me any less hours, supplies, or work to do so. In fact, it is often more work and time because the stone has been in a yard collecting growth or too much moisture, making it more easily broken. It is also often more time and fuel to come get the stone from you than using one I have on site.
*I generally do not purchase the stones I use. If I do, I do not pay more than $20-$30 for them. I don't even factor this into my quotes because I don't need to turn a profit on cheap/free/traded stones. You are not being sold a rock; you are being sold custom art and craftsmanship. So, even if I cut you a $20 break on your stone, your quote will almost be identical to a new stone, because it is the same work. Many times, that extra $20 is needed to purchase supplies and put in additional time to clean up a stone that has been laying in a yard/field neglected.
*The base price of the stones listed on my site is my average calculation of time and materials it is going to take just to prepare a stone for engraving. Each stone takes approximately 4-10 hours, sometimes more, to prepare for engraving. These are actual working hours. Then, stones are given a mock up stencil, which generally takes an average of 1-3 hours depending on complexity. Once approved, stones are engraved. Depending on what is going on the stone, this is an additional 1-3+ hours. Stones are then hand sanded and prepped for paint for 1/2 to 1 hour. Paint then takes anywhere from 2-6 hours depending on the layers of paint needed (specifically for images). Once the paint is dry, an additional 1/2 hour clean up commences, and stones are then sealed. I do not do stone work full time, and have a full time job, so these stone hours have to be worked in around my full time job which makes turn around time 1-4 weeks depending on the volume of orders I have when your order is placed. It is always my goal to get you your stone as quickly as possible, and I do my best to work with dates for special occasions and gifts.