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What Makes Handmade Glasses Valuable?

A photograph of handmade construction of glasses

Handmade glasses are often considered more valuable than mass-produced eyewear for several reasons. The process of creating each pair of glasses by hand requires skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail, resulting in a product that is unique, durable, and of the highest quality. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why handmade glasses are so valuable.

Quality Materials

One of the primary reasons that handmade glasses are so valuable is the quality of the materials used. Handmade glasses are typically made with premium materials such as acetate, horn, and titanium. These materials are durable, lightweight, and resistant to wear and tear. The frames are hand-cut, polished, and assembled, resulting in a product that is built to last.

Generally speaking, it is the higher-end frame manufacturers located in Japan and Europe who create the finest products. The skill of craftspeople is vital due to the handmade nature of acetate frames. Japanese artisans are world-renowned and frames made in Japan are generally considered superior. They provide intricate attention to detail when working with acetate. Legendary producer of the material, Takiron, is known to produce a harder acetate which consequently holds its shape better-even with very thin frame designs. For this reason, Japanese acetate (zyl) is often preferred and has material longevity that is unrivaled.

However, Italian acetate, such as Mazzucchelli, has its benefits as well. The Italians are brilliant craft workers with a long history working with acetate. Mazzucchelli has a different process in how they cut and cure the material which is called “block acetate”. The result is some of the most beautiful “Havana” tortoise color acetate on the market. With the nice blending of the light and dark spots of a tortoise color. The only drawback is the material is a bit softer than its Japanese counterpart and may lose its shape more quickly over time.

Custom Fit

Handmade glasses are also valued for their custom fit. When purchasing a pair of handmade glasses, you can work with the craftsman to ensure that the frames fit your face perfectly. This level of customization is not available with mass-produced eyewear, which often comes in limited sizes and styles.

These handmade frames are customized with the user in mind. The unique designs are not solely based on the artisan's preference but are also influenced by customer feedback. You won't be carrying someone else's favorite patterns or textures, but rather the ones you personally selected. Handmade glasses are highly valued because they can be made to order.

Attention to Detail

Crafting a pair of handmade glasses requires a great deal of attention to detail. Each frame is carefully crafted to ensure that it meets the highest standards of quality. The craftsman takes the time to ensure that each component is precisely cut, polished, and assembled. The result is a pair of glasses that is not only functional but also beautiful.

Uniqueness

Handmade glasses are also valued for their uniqueness. Because each pair is crafted by hand, no two pairs are exactly alike. This uniqueness is particularly important to those who are looking for eyewear that stands out from the crowd. Handmade glasses often feature intricate details and unique color combinations that are not available with mass-produced eyewear.

Artisanal Craftsmanship

Handmade glasses are valued for the artisanal craftsmanship that goes into creating each pair. The process of creating a pair of glasses by hand requires a high level of skill and attention to detail. The craftsman must have a deep understanding of the materials used, as well as an eye for design and aesthetics. This level of craftsmanship is highly valued by those who appreciate the artistry and skill that goes into creating a truly exceptional product.

Handmade glasses are highly valued for their quality materials, custom fit, attention to detail, uniqueness, and artisanal craftsmanship. While they may be more expensive than mass-produced eyewear, the investment is well worth it for those who are looking for eyewear that is not only functional but also beautiful and unique. If you’re in the market for a new pair of glasses, consider investing in a pair of handmade glasses that will stand the test of time and make a statement every time you wear them.