Best of 2000: Best Headstones

Conti and Son Monument Company
3871 Imperial Avenue,
Mountain View
(619) 264-2480

"We have to sell what they tell us is allowed," says the saleswoman at Conti and Son Monument Company. "All of them charge an installation fee, at least $125 for someplace like Mt. Hope." A no-frills headstone for an adult grave costs about $325 for a gray granite stone with lettering and an engraved design; $800 will buy an upright monument, and larger markers can push the memorial cost past $1000. Granite colors include Georgia gray, colonial rose, black, and imperial blue and, most expensive, blue pearl ("It has lots of sparkle"). Engraved graphics can be customized for clients with their own designs or pictures. Stock designs include musical instruments, golf clubs, flowers, crosses, rosaries, a fishing boat, and a cowboy hat.