Vintage Frames

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 often sacrificed for quantity.

Many modern frames are not made to last, manufacturers prefer you purchase another frame sooner than later.

Sadly, the brands currently creating gorgeous, hand crafted pieces are not as well known.

Frames from the past can be so high quality that even after decades, they can be restored back to beautiful, truly one of a kind frames.

This form of restoration is sustainable and extremely rewarding.

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.

Some of our favorite clients are senior military members, we have the honor of restoring their sentimental frames to their former glory.

Replacing the lenses truly completes a proper restoration.

They can be replaced with real glass when applicable, the standard material for the period, or they can also be fit with other types of lenses 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.