In Israel, it is customary to erect a headstone within thirty days of a loved one’s passing. Headstones are most commonly crafted from Hebron stone (limestone), Turkish marble, and granite. They can be produced in a wide range of shapes, designs, and dimensions—based on the placement location. In nearly all cemeteries across Israel, families are required to follow the regulations set by the local Chevra Kadisha (burial society). For example, certain cemeteries permit portrait engravings and inscriptions in Russian. In most cemeteries, the Chevra Kadisha also constructs the concrete foundation for the headstone, for an additional fee that is not included in the headstone price.
Before ordering a headstone, it is recommended to review the requirements of the Chevra Kadisha or consult with Gabro Sela.
It is customary for a headstone to include the Hebrew initials פ״נ (Po Nikbar / Po Nitman—“Here lies”), followed by the deceased’s first and last name. In addition, the names of the deceased’s parents are engraved, along with birth and passing dates according to both the Hebrew and Gregorian calendars. Many families also choose to engrave poems, eulogies, or quotations that reflect the person’s character. The inscription typically concludes with ת.נ.צ.ב.ה. (Tehi/Tehe Nishmato/Nishmata Tzrurah B’tzror HaChayim—“May his/her soul be bound in the bond of life.”)
Three Types of Headstones
1) Standard (Classic / Economical)
These headstones have a simple appearance—straight lines, a smaller size and overall volume, and concise inscriptions. Different stones may be combined, for example: a more affordable stone for the lower base, with a premium granite top layer or stele. Gabro Sela frequently produces this style while helping families reduce overall cost.
Our designers and artists will guide you in selecting stone combinations that create a dignified, beautiful memorial.
2) Special Premium (Elite)
Premium headstones may incorporate multiple types of marble and granite, expanded engraving styles, and meaningful elements that reflect the deceased’s identity. Examples include symbols of medicine, musical notes, instruments, an artist’s palette, color engraving, Jewish symbols, a menorah, Torah motifs, books, a tallit, medals, and honors. Special headstones are priced higher than standard options, with cost determined by the scope of work and the client’s specific requirements.
3) Exclusive (Bespoke / One-of-a-Kind)
Gabro Sela is a leading company dedicated to creating exclusive, one-of-a-kind headstones. Our projects are unique works of art that enhance cemeteries in Israel and Russia.
The creation of an exclusive headstone begins with a project sketch. Our artists and designers meet with the family, and with careful consideration of their wishes and the individual’s life and character, develop the design down to the finest details. The company then provides a 3D rendering—a lifelike preview of the future headstone—so the family can see how it will look before installation.
Exclusive headstones may include artistic and sculptural elements, combinations of premium granite types, carving, relief work, mosaic, a full-color portrait, and gold leaf detailing on inscriptions or decorative elements.
Design and installation of an exclusive headstone can take significant time (from three months up to a year). Pricing depends on multiple factors, including size, volume, and the client’s individual requirements. Until the final work is completed, the company can place a temporary marker, which is later replaced by the permanent memorial.
Artistic Design & Full-Color Portrait Engraving
Artistic design is one of the most important components in headstone craftsmanship. It includes the full scope of work—from shaping the monument’s form to the finishing artistry: inscription engraving, stone carving, portrait engraving, gold leaf application, relief creation, color work, and additional decorative details that complete the memorial.
Gabro Sela offers the services of exceptionally skilled specialists—artists, sculptors, and engravers capable of executing virtually any artistic concept. A distinctive approach we offer is full-color artwork on stone. Color portraits and decorative painting create a softer, more refined appearance, adding warmth to the memorial while preserving the individual’s facial features.
Our artists can create a color portrait even from a black-and-white photograph. Producing a color portrait requires deep engraving into the stone and hand-painting with specialized mineral and acrylic pigments. To enhance durability, the portrait is coated with a protective lacquer that helps shield it from ultraviolet sunlight. Color engraving is performed exclusively by hand and requires exceptional skill and artistic talent. Portrait work typically takes three to seven days, depending on complexity.
Families often ask how long the color will last. At this time, there is no definitive answer—this is a relatively new art form. The first portraits were created in 2009, and based on our five-year monitoring results, no significant changes were observed. Clients should also know that if color ever fades, the engraved portrait remains as a standard black-and-white image. In addition, color restoration is always possible on-site after installation.
Important Notice
Many competitors unlawfully use our projects and 3D renderings in advertisements—across newspapers, flyers, and websites—and some even install copied headstones featuring ornaments and relief work created by our artists, without our consent.
Our team is flattered by other companies’ desire to reproduce our work, imitate our style, and learn from our craft of creating high-quality, beautiful memorials.