Frequently Asked Questions

What type of silver is the coin, bezel, and chain made from?

  • Sterling Silver - Sterling silver is 92.5% (.925) pure silver metal. This standard is used to assure consistent quality among sterling products. Silver that is not described as "sterling" or ".925" usually has less pure silver content and will often be darker in color and less shiny. Sterling is 92.5% pure instead of 100% pure in order to achieve the requisite hardness and stability to resist wear and tear and hold its shape.

What is the gold chain made from?

  • The chain is gold-filled which contains significantly more gold alloy than gold plated. It is considered a higher quality jewelry than those that are plated.

What are the gold colored pendants made from?

  • The Pendant is electroplated with 0.5 microns of 18k gold. Gold plated brass is a durable material, but it can still scratch or wear through. Prolonged surface wear can rub off the finish. To prevent damage, we recommend storing your item in a soft cloth pouch away from other products, and avoiding exposure to household chemicals and cleaning products.

What is the gold colored coin made from?

  • For centuries, coins have been made from gold, silver, and copper. Copper was most often augmented with tin (bronze). We chose another copper alloy in brass in order to achieve more of an antique gold look in a cost effective way.

What is the gold colored bezel made from?

  • 18k gold plated brass. We chose the gold plated to demonstrate the subtle difference between the bezel and the new “antique” coin. We think it highlights the old world look of the coin. The Bezel is electroplated with 0.5 microns of 18k gold. Gold plated brass is a durable material, but it can still scratch or wear through. Prolonged surface wear can rub off the finish. To prevent damage, we recommend storing your item in a soft cloth pouch away from other products, and avoiding exposure to household chemicals and cleaning products.

Who is the artist?

  • Lisa Mikler (https://www.lisamikler.com/) loves to bring beauty into her work and joy to the viewers. Her commissions have taken her into homes, businesses, communities, schools, and even a houseboat. She has painted on walls inside and out, ceilings, canvases, book illustrations, furniture, and even done tromp l’oeil on a few floors, and now jewelry! Knowing the care God took to bring beauty to even the smallest design details of His temple, she deeply appreciates craftsmanship and artistry brought into expressions of Christian faith, life and worship. It is her hope that this jewelry line plays a small part in the tradition of art in the Church as well as being a conversation starter in which the joy of Christ can be shared.

How did you choose the name Sistine Basement?

  • Our name is a humble nod to the masters throughout Christian history who told the story of the Gospel through art, craftsmanship and design. The Sistine Chapel is perhaps the best known example of Christian art in the world and has faithfully proclaimed the Bible's story to viewers regardless of language, literacy, or faith. Our desire is for Sistine Basement to play a small part in spreading the hope and joy found in knowing Christ and to honor the masters who came before us. 

How do I contact you if I have any questions about my order?