A method of creating a pigmented image on a monument stone substrate includes positioning the stone relative to a laser engraving apparatus, masking the stone substrate in an image area in which the image is to be created with a first mask layer, operating the laser engraving apparatus in a pattern over the masked area at a sufficient power level to burn through the mask and pit the stone substrate with a first set of pits, applying a first layer of pigment over the image area to any remaining first mask layer in the image area and to the first set of pits, curing the first layer of pigment and removing any remaining first mask layer. Additional colors or pigment layers can be added by repeating the masking, burning and applying steps, and the final such step can be a dithered image, followed by an edge defining cutting step in which the border of the image is defined. All pigment layers are rooted in the stone. The final pigmented image is preserved with protective coatings.