Are all frames the same?

Here is another common question we get quite a bit: When I am choosing my frames, they are all the same right? I mean, glasses are glasses?  The short answer is no.  Below is the long answer:

1)      Frames vary greatly in the material used.  Let’s look first at metal frames.  They can be made from nickel, steel, stainless steel, flex metal, aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium and various mixes.  Each metal has its own properties that relate to the overall quality of the frame.  Even frames made from the same metal can vary in their quality.  For example, some frames are made of a single layer stainless steel while others can be made from multiple layers which will add strength and durability to the frame without increasing the weight.  Next let’s consider plastic eyewear.  There are numerous plastics used for eyewear that incorporate different compounds to give them their properties.  The most basic plastics are lighter in weight and can become brittle as they age.  Higher end plastics start incorporating compounds like cotton that add weight, durability and forgiveness to the frame.  

2)      There are different manufacturing processes.  Some frames are massed produced using industrial machinery compared to others that are completely handmade by a craftsman or artisan (or a combination of the two).  The more time spent in the hands of the craftsman will equal more attention to detail and quality for each frame produced.  Frames are also made all over the world.  They can be made in China where their manufacturing guidelines are more lax and the workforce is poorly compensated or they can be made in a country like Germany that has a highly skilled workforce with stricter manufacturing standards. The latter will provide a higher quality product that you can count on being made correctly.

3)      Frame design can employ varying amounts of advanced engineering.  Frames can have a basic screw hinge for the temples (sides) or they can incorporate an advanced screwless design that will not loosen over time.  Advanced engineered frames can include a grooved design for lens placement that will hold a lens more securely than a traditional beveled pop in and out design.  Some frames will also incorporate engineering that allows the temples to fold in different directions to make them less likely to break. 

4)      There are different levels of style incorporated into frames.  A frame can be your basic shape and size you have seen for the past 30 years or it can be styled by a big name in the fashion industry such as Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang or Fendi.  This will provide a trendier and more fashion forward eyewear design.

All four of these traits will play a major factor in how durable, fashionable, pricey and of course how much you will enjoy your new eyewear.  Stop in and check out our collection of frames and our knowledgeable and well trained staff will be glad to show you the differences and answer any questions you may have.