Beloved stones began after the loss of our father, father-in-law and grandfather. During that time, we experienced for ourselves how precious photos, voices and stories become when someone is no longer with us.
When our father died, we were busy gathering photos, videos and music for his funeral. With little time, we searched for images that would show his life and personality as fully as possible. Even years later, we came across photos and thought: we wish we could have shown these then. Memories scattered across different phones, computers and old folders.
We realised how valuable it would be to keep all those photos, stories, music and that familiar voice together in one personal place.
Mark came up with a way to connect memories to a small stone. Something tangible that fits in your hand and can help you feel close to someone you miss.
What began as a personal idea grew into Beloved stones: a new ritual for preserving and sharing photos, videos, music, voices and stories.
A stone you can hold, carry with you and pass on. A tangible memory for the moments when you want to feel close to someone.
Together with our daughters Julia and Guusje, we developed the idea further. We thought about the shape of the stones, the packaging, the personal memorial page and the way families could preserve and share their memories.
We develop everything ourselves, and each of us plays a part. Nienke takes care of the design, photography and videos. Mark builds the tool used to create the memorial pages. Guusje makes the stones and creates content. Julia answers enquiries and looks after our social media. Anna looks after legal matters and privacy.
Together, we make sure every part feels just as we would want to receive it ourselves: personal, warm and made with care.
Small handmade stones to share with family and friends during or after the farewell ceremony.
A larger stone to keep close at home, or to give to someone who misses the same loved one.
A handmade urn for a small amount of ashes.
Your collection of memories does not have to be complete all at once.
A funeral often comes sooner than you would wish. At a time filled with grief, there are so many decisions to make and memories to gather.
We believe there should be time for this later, too. Perhaps you find a special photo months or years after saying goodbye. Perhaps someone shares a video you have never seen. Or perhaps it takes time before you can put a memory or a feeling into words.
With Beloved stones, a life story never has to be finished. You can keep adding to the memorial page whenever it feels right for you.
We make our stones by hand in a vaulted cellar in the historic fortified town of Grave, together with Frank and Barbara. That makes every stone slightly different. No two have exactly the same shape, texture or shade.
We cast, finish, check and package every stone ourselves. We pay attention to the smallest details because we know how much a little stone can mean.
Each stone is a personal keepsake, made with care rather than mass-produced.
Beloved stones grew out of love for the people we miss. It is that same love that inspires us to make tangible memories for other families.
Do you have a question, or would you like help choosing the right Beloved stones for your situation? Please get in touch. We are happy to offer personal advice.
Beloved stones ®