Cyclops Gold Tile

It is with a small degree of pride that I introduce these 22-carat gold mosaic tiles. It has been a long time since I started a conversation with an extremely knowlegable glass factory representative to discuss the composition of the perfect glass tile for use by mosaic artists. I couldn't be more pleased with the results. I hadn't imagined how difficult it would to photograph these animate tiles as every movement causes the light to reflect off of a different facet or plane giving the tiles their characteristic sparkle. I don't believe it's possible to accurately depict these tiles photographically. I've done the best that I can do for the moment and here I present the likeness of the three different textures or patterns of gold tile. If the quality of the tiles you use is something that interests you, I have reserved a good part of this page to describe the production method used to create these tiles, my own test of their relationship with the jaws of various types of tile nippers, and some Tips and Testimonials.

3/4" Gold pattern # 3 (item # G-20-03)	3/4" Gold pattern # 2 (item # G-20-02)	3/4" Gold pattern # 1 (item # G-20-01)

I also have a limited number of 1" square tiles in the number 2 pattern shown above. It is item "# G-25-02".

Prices

Pricing is a topic that is almost never discussed in the context of a product description however I wanted to share my intent here because I have decided to step outside of my zone of comfort to bring these to the market at a price that is far below my customary markup as well as being the lowest priced gold tiles that I have seen anywhere. The only way this sales model will work is if I can sell these in greater volume and more rapidly than I expect to sell my other tiles. It has never been my goal to be known as the discount king of the mosaic tile market and that is not my intent with these low prices. I believe that artists want to use the best materials that they can afford and I try to provide quality tiles at a reasonable price. My sincere hope is that artists who have had to limit the amount of gold they use in a mosaic may be now able to see the golden part of their vision come to life with less constraint or compromise. In light of this pricing structure I cannot offer any discount other than the quantity discounts shown in the following table.

Style	1 to 99 tiles	100 to 499 tiles	500 to 1000 tiles	1001 and over tiles
G20-01(3/4")	$0.67 per tile	$0.63 per tile	$0.58 per tile	$0.52 per tile
G20-02 (3/4")	Sold Out	Sold Out	Sold Out	Sold Out
G20-03(3/4")	$0.67 per tile	$0.63 per tile	$0.58 per tile	$0.52 per tile
G25-02 (1")	$0.86 per tile	$0.80 per tile	$0.74 per tile	$0.68 per tile

Sample sets consisting of 9 tiles (3 of each of the 3/4" tile patterns) are available for $7.25. For samples order "Gold Sample Set"

How these tiles are made

The manufacturing process begins by cutting sheets of clear textured 3/16" "float" glass into 3/4" or 1" tiles and then spraying the textured side (the back) with a binding agent or adhesive. This is followed by the application of thin layer of 22 carat gold. The exact mechanism of how this is achieved seems to be a secret part of the process (my guess is that it is similar to other powder coating processes and involves charging the glass negatively and the gold particles positively). The tiles are then heated just to their melting point (about 800 degrees F.) at which temperature the binding agent burns away, leaving only the gold particles which fuse into the surface of the glass. This method makes it possible to apply the gold in a permanent layer that is as thin as one or two molecules, greatly reducing the cost of the finished tiles. Gold is one of the few elements that can be applied in such a thin layer while remaining impervious to deterioration by forces that would destroy other metals. The gold is just as scratch, moisture, chemical, pH, and temperature resistant as the glass is.

Cutting Quality Testing

Whenever I get new tiles I always test them for their "cut-ability". I attempt to cut a 3/4" tile into 16 equal triangles starting with a corner to corner cut and then halving the resulting triangle and halving those results and so on. My first attempt was with double-wheeled nippers which preformed flawlessly the first attempt. I then did the same with a pair of 5-1/2" starretts with similar results. A diamond point glasscutter yielded the same results however I had to use breaking pliers to break the last two triangles apart. All of these tests resulted in triangles that were exactly the same size and shape. I had the worst results with normal old-fashioned tile nippers that crushed the first tile and didn't cut the second tile straight. This last result may have been due my lack of recent use of these nippers or because the tile nippers were made to cut ceramic tiles rather than glass. In any case I achieved satisfactory results (not perfect) on my third tile. There was never an instance of the gold flaking or chipping away from the glass and all the cuts were vertical or right angle without under cutting or sharp edges. The only drawback that I have been able to find was my reluctance to stop cutting golden triangles to get back to cutting the other colors that I needed.

Tips and Testimonials

I first shared an order of these gold tiles with renowned mosaic artist Laurel Skye about 5 years ago and if I recall correctly, she bought the last 2 sheets I had of it a few months after I first introduced it. She had a few words to say when I told her that I was busy trying to write a web page to describe this latest batch of tiles. I'll do my best to take her most favorable comments out of context and quote them here, From Laurel: "As for advertising the gold, there are two points I would stress, in how 'your gold' differs (in thickness) from other golds, such as Orsoni's and Mexican gold smaltis.... (as for other) types of mosaic methods where stained glass, mini ceramics and or vitreous glass are used, your new gold's thickness is far more compatible and fits well into many designs." and: "Because of the unique way in which it is fused, couple with it's perfect thickness, cutting is unbelievably easy and clean, even when cutting through the larger 1" square size, diagonals are no problem. Be sure to use the right tool when cutting this beautiful gold. You will want double wheeled glass cutters..." (which Laurel sells out of her studio for $17.99...)(hint, hint!)

Both the 3/4" and the 1" gold tiles are 3/16th of an inch or 4mm thick which is comparable in the thickness to opaque stained glass and both 3/4" vitreous and 3/8" mini tiles as well as the new 5/8" and 3/4" pressed iridescent and "smalto" tiles being produced.

Engage this link to order Cyclops Gold Mosaic Tile!

Created on ... May 08, 2007