17th & 18th
Century
Grave Symbols  

Yes. The symbols shown in this colonial gravestone library are based on motifs found on real early New England grave markers. They reflect the visual language of 17th and early 18th century burial grounds rather than later Victorian cemetery design.

Compared to Victorian gravestone symbols, New England gravestone carving was generally more severe, symbolic, and religious in tone. Earlier stones often emphasized mortality, judgment, and the brevity of life, which gives many colonial motifs a plainer and more haunting character than the softer, more sentimental imagery seen in later cemeteries.

Yes. Elegy & Ivy can recreate colonial-era gravestone motifs for custom gravestone projects.  using historically grounded reference material. The goal is to capture the feel of authentic period carving, not just apply generic “old” decoration.

To get started, fill out this custom gravestone quote form, or send me an email at ElegyAndIvy@gmail.com.  

Yep! This library is only a curated selection of colonial gravestone motifs. Additional symbols, carving styles, border treatments, and regional variations may also be available for custom gravestone work. If you have something in mind, just fill out this custom gravestone quote form, or send me an email at ElegyAndIvy@gmail.com.   

Absolutely. If you are looking for a particular colonial carving style or a motif inspired by a historic grave, Elegy & Ivy may be able to create something in that spirit for a custom project.

This is useful for historically styled displays, film work, and graveyard props that need a more convincing period look. 

Historically accurate gravestone symbols tend to look more convincing because they reflect the shapes, motifs, and visual language found on real memorials.

Even when viewers cannot identify a symbol by name, they usually recognize when a stone feels authentic. That difference can make a cemetery display, prop, or set piece look far more believable. 

To get started, fill out this custom gravestone quote form, or send me an email at ElegyAndIvy@gmail.com.