The Scoop About Vintage
Glasses are not made like they used to be—I should correct myself, most glasses are not made like they used to be. In our current era the majority of recognizable brands are produced in such high quantity they have lost much of the quality that they once had. The craftsmanship and structural integrity is often sacrificed for cost and volume. Many modern frames are not made to last, the manufacturers would much rather you purchase another frame sooner than later. Sadly, the brands currently creating solid, hand crafted, gorgeous pieces are ones the general public are typically unaware of. High quality frames from the past were made SO well that even after decades, they can be restored back to a beautiful, truly one of a kind frames. This form of restoration is sustainable and extremely rewarding.
The fabulous feedback from clients who are able to wear the frames their grandparents, parents or loved ones once wore is extremely fulfilling. People also stumble upon amazing, vintage frames at estate sales, antique markets and even thrift stores. Some of our favorite clients are senior military members, we have the honor of restoring their sentimental frames to their former glory. When holding a frame in your hands that was worn in battle or in service, it brings a whole new feeling to the work. We have had the pleasure of doing many commemorative pieces and each one touches our heart. We can provide a traditional restoration or do a complete revamp of what once was. That decision is always up to our clients and what their vision is for the end result. We work on ALL frames, from antique to present day. Our favorite are always the vintage though. They have a certain classic look and feel to them that speak of a different time, where things were made to last and not made to be disposable.
Replacing the lenses truly completes a proper restoration. They can be replaced with real glass when applicable, the standard material for the period, which is highly rewarding. They can also be fit with lenses that are completely different than what would have been available at the time, with all the benefits of modern lens technologies. Every frame that comes to our shop is given a thorough assessment, then the client is given the recommendations for repair/restoration and can choose what they would like performed.
Fun fact!
A misnomer in regards to vintage eyewear is the term “gold filled”. It does not mean that the frames are literally filled with gold!
Vintage frames that are “gold filled” have markings indicating such. In order to be considered “gold filled” the frame must be coated with at least 5% or 1/20 of its total weight in gold. Hence the markings that read 1/10 12K GF, etc. Gold filled frames can still have the gold wear down over time causing thinning or complete removal all together. During restorations it’s common to first high luster polish then apply a new gold plating in cases where the original gold has been worn away.
In closing , there is something to be said about multi-barrel hinges, good quality acetate and gold plated/filled metals! If you want a fashionable, well-made, unique pair of eyewear, don’t count vintage eyewear out!
