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Glass and Gold by David Regal

Created by: David Regal

Glass and Gold is a visually stunning close-up magic trick where a borrowed ring vanishes inside a tiny shot glass, only to reappear in an impossible location. This elegant and minimalist routine plays like a grand illusion on a small scale, perfect for intimate performances. The trick combines sleight of hand with clever gimmickry, creating a moment of pure astonishment. Ideal for magicians who perform close-up or parlour magic, it requires minimal setup and leaves a lasting impression.

Key features

  • Uses a borrowed ring, making it highly interactive and personal

  • Minimal props: only a tiny shot glass and a note

  • Plays big despite its small scale, perfect for close-up or parlour settings

  • Combines sleight of hand with a clever gimmick for a seamless effect

Pros

  • Highly visual and baffling

  • Easy to carry and set up

  • Works well with borrowed items, enhancing audience connection

  • Strong magical moment with a clear climax

Cons

  • Requires a specific gimmick (though inexpensive and easy to obtain)

  • May need practice to perfect the timing and misdirection

Effect

Glass and Gold is a visually striking close-up magic trick where a borrowed ring vanishes inside a tiny shot glass, only to reappear in an impossible location. The effect plays like a miniature illusion, creating a sense of wonder despite its small scale. The simplicity of the props—just a glass and a note—makes the transformation even more baffling to audiences.

Full details

The trick involves a borrowed ring, a small shot glass, and a note. The magician places the ring inside the glass, covers it, and moments later, the ring is gone. The method is clever yet practical, relying on a subtle principle rather than complex sleight of hand. David Regal refined this routine over years, ensuring it plays strongly in close-up settings. The trick is well-scripted, with clear performance notes in the book.

Who should consider the trick

Glass and Gold is ideal for magicians who perform close-up or table-hopping. It suits those who enjoy elegant, minimalistic magic with borrowed objects. Since it uses a ring, it works well for weddings, restaurants, or social gatherings. The trick is also great for performers who want a quick, impactful routine that requires minimal setup.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is not technically demanding, making it accessible to magicians of varying skill levels. The challenge lies in the presentation and timing rather than complex moves. A small, inexpensive prop is needed, but once acquired, the routine is straightforward to perform. Steve Faulkner mentioned that even though he initially bought the wrong prop, the method itself is simple to execute.

What magicians say

Steve Faulkner praised Glass and Gold as "absolutely glorious," noting how it plays like a big illusion on a tiny table. He highlighted its strong visual impact and the clever use of borrowed objects. The trick is one of many in David Regal’s book that stands out for its directness and effectiveness. Faulkner also emphasized that while the routine is well-scripted, performers can adapt it to their style. Other magicians who have tried it appreciate its deceptive simplicity and audience reactions.

What people are saying about Glass and Gold

Steve Faulkner says...

Glass and Gold is absolutely glorious—a big illusion that plays on a tiny little table. It's one of those routines that just leaves you in awe of its simplicity and power.

Review videos