We offer 3 different materials, smalti (Murano glass tiles), gold tiles and natural stone.
The use of the three classic mosaic materials, Smalti (glass mosaic), gold mosaic, and natural stone mosaic is particularly challenging, and working with these materials is our specialty. In addition to these, we can, of course, work with any other mosaic materials.
If you want to utilize mosaic materials or tiles yourself, please contact us at:
Smalti (glass tiles)
These glass tiles are made of traditional hot glass paste to which various metal oxides are added, which determine the colour, tone, and opacity/transparency of the product. After the paste mixture (frit) is fired in a kiln at 1300°-1500°C, it is pressed into a “cake,” which is subsequently broken down by hand into mosaic tiles after a cooling period. Smalti were already in use centuries ago in Byzantine mosaic art. They have excellent chemical and thermal properties, and are acid and weather resistant. Our Smalti are sourced from the finest Murano glass from one of the world’s leading manufacturers of smalti and gold mosaic. In our warehouse alone, we have around 600 different colours. Glass tile colour selection:
Gold Tiles
Gold mosaic tile (gold sandwich glass) is made of glass and gold leaf. In a very complex process, gold leaf is melted between a sheet of glass (5-7 mm thick) and a layer of extremely thin glass (0.8-1mm thick). Depending on the type of gold and the colour of the glass, over 20 different shades can be produced. For flooring, gilded glass is used which has a thicker top layer. Gold mosaic, in its traditional form, is always broken by hand. For centures, it has be used extensively in Byzantine mosaic art, especially as a background field. Gold tiles grant a unique aura and were used in often dark church domes to produce a heavenly shimmer. Traditional gold mosaic is the most valuable and noble of mosaic materials. Gold tile colour selection (left)
Natural Stone
The first known mosaics were made of pebbles, and were set in place around 700 BC. Ever since, Marble and Limestone have remained popular for floor décor, and we have mosaic tiles made from natural stone sourced from all over the world and in many colours. These stones are crushed and processed by modern machinery by a family-run business of specialists in Italy and sent to us upon request.
We also carry natural stone mosaic tiles in about 100 different types in stock. Natural stone colour selection (below):
