Discover the Materials Used in Making Old Glasses | History of Eyewear

The invention of eyeglasses dates back to the 13th century. Since then, eyewear has come a long way. The materials used in making old glasses vary from one era to another. In this article, we will explore the history of eyewear and discover the materials used in making old glasses.

History of Eyewear

The history of eyewear began in the 13th century when lenses were first used to correct vision. The first eyeglasses were made in Italy and consisted of two magnifying glasses held together by a frame. These glasses were not wearable, but they marked the beginning of the eyewear industry.

During the 17th century, eyewear became fashionable. Eyeglasses were made with gold, silver, and tortoiseshell frames. The lenses were made of glass, and they were cut and shaped by hand.

By the 18th century, eyeglasses were widely used in Europe. The frames were made of steel, brass, and copper. The lenses were still made of glass, but they were now produced in larger quantities using machines.

In the 19th century, eyewear became more affordable. The frames were made of cellulose, a material derived from plants. The lenses were still made of glass, but they were now thinner and lighter.

In the 20th century, eyewear became even more popular. The frames were made of new materials such as plastic, aluminum, and titanium. The lenses were made of plastic, and they were now available in different colors and shapes.

Materials Used in Making Old Glasses

Old glasses were made of various materials depending on the era in which they were produced. Here are some of the materials used in making old glasses:

13th Century

• Glass: The lenses were made of glass, which was blown, cut, and polished by hand.

17th Century

• Gold: The frames were made of gold and adorned with precious stones.
• Silver: The frames were made of silver and decorated with engravings.
• Tortoiseshell: The frames were made of tortoiseshell, which was imported from the West Indies.
• Glass: The lenses were made of glass, which was cut and shaped by hand.

18th Century

• Steel: The frames were made of steel, which was strong and durable.
• Brass: The frames were made of brass, which was affordable and easy to work with.
• Copper: The frames were made of copper, which was malleable and corrosion-resistant.
• Glass: The lenses were made of glass, which was produced in larger quantities using machines.

19th Century

• Cellulose: The frames were made of cellulose, a material derived from plants.
• Glass: The lenses were still made of glass, but they were now thinner and lighter.

In conclusion, old glasses were made of various materials depending on the era in which they were produced. The frames and lenses were made of gold, silver, tortoiseshell, steel, brass, copper, cellulose, and glass. The materials used in making old glasses have evolved over time, but the purpose of eyewear remains the same: to correct vision and protect the eyes.