Spent a lot of time sourcing figurines before starting Sacred Figures, and here's the thing nobody tells you: most "religious statuary" sold online is mass-cast resin with a spray-on finish that yellows and chips within a year.

A few things I look for now, if you're shopping for one yourself:

1. Hand-finished vs. sprayed — run a finger along the robe folds. Hand-finished pieces have slight variation in the patina; sprayed pieces look uniformly flat and glossy.

2. Weight — a solid resin or stone-composite piece should feel substantial for its size. If an 8" statue feels hollow and light, it's likely low-grade.

3. Face detail — this is where cheap manufacturers cut corners first. Look closely at the eyes and hands; that's usually the tell.

4. Base stability — a lot of pieces topple easily because the base is an afterthought. Look for a wider, weighted base if it's going on a shelf with kids or pets around.

Started making these the way I wish I could've bought them the first time — figured I'd share in case it saves someone from a return.