Kinda Sorta Medieval Glasses. But Not.

 

A brief disclaimer: For some, eyeglasses are merely fashion accessories, while for many, they are a necessity, prescribed by their doctor and custom-made to meet the specific needs of their eyes. Medical devices should always be off the table when it comes to scrutinizing medieval “appropriateness.” Always. A person’s eyeglasses are not a part of their garb, unless they choose to make them so. One’s choice of glasses and what is available (or not available) to them is nobody’s business but their own and their doctor's.

The Ill-matched Lovers by Jacob Cornelisz
van Oostsanen c,c, 1510 - 1519, 
(oil on panel) - public domain

I was employed for many years as a certified optician (ABOC). Although I left that line of work to pursue other endeavors, I spent a significant portion of my adult life in a hospital-based clinical setting, where I made lenses, analyzed issues, collaborated with Ophthalmologists and Optometrists on specialty lenses and devices, taught opticians, and lectured on various lens-related subjects. I also spent a fair amount of time poring over fashion magazines, selecting frames from high-end collections for our retail sites, helping to plan trunk shows, and other uniquely fashion-oriented elements related to an otherwise utilitarian medical device. It makes sense, since people wear glasses over their faces, that they have continuously evolved into the seemingly endless choices available today.  

My newcomer status in the SCA cannot last forever, and I have begun giving thought to my path in the Society and how I can “up my game.” This journey involves several elements, which I will likely write about at some point. One element that led me to today’s musing was identifying and improving upon glaringly modern things that are necessities (if you ask me), that I take to events that other people see while I am in persona.

While I do not wear prescription glasses, I have reached the point in life where I cannot leave the house without a pair of reading glasses, also known as “cheaters.” My go-to pair is a very modern clear frame, and I thought about replacing them with something medieval. In looking at frames, of course, I found reproduction pince-nez frames and others that could be fitted with ribbon or strings to stay on the face. They varied in cost, but most of them would still require lenses to be inserted into them to be functional. Quick and easy retail locations would likely say that they cannot do that (for fear of breaking the horn or wooden frames), so they would likely need to go to a practice with more lab autonomy and a much higher price tag. The cost, the constant fear of having them fall off my face and being damaged, losing them (like I do my readers), and the thought of fiddling with them during hands-on A&S classes didn’t sell me on the idea of fully authentic frames. Thankfully, I found an inexpensive model that is reminiscent of pince-nez frames… they are also reminiscent of the glasses Jeffrey Combs’ character, “Francisco,” wore in the 1991 film version of "The Pit and the Pendulum". They are not medieval, but they are medievalloid.   

That got the former optician in me thinking about what I would suggest to people who wanted a more medieval look to their next pair of modern prescription glasses. As I mentioned in the disclaimer, your choice of glasses is yours. The only right pair of glasses is the one that helps you see, fits comfortably, and looks good to you. I am presenting this information to you at your own discretion. If you are looking for a more medieval-adjacent style for your next frames, or if you are in the market for a second pair (it is never a bad idea to have a backup pair if you can afford to do so), here are some shopping suggestions for garb-friendly frames.

I am not affiliated with Zenni, nor am I popular enough on any electronic format to be monetized by anybody. The closest I ever came was making a funny comment on Instagram that received over 40,000 reactions, and even that wasn't my best work. It didn't earn me anything, except for an irritating number of notifications. I chose frames from Zenni to illustrate my suggestions because they are widely accessible, affordable, and offer a large selection of options. If you are more comfortable being fitted for glasses in person and working with an optician, you can use these suggestions anywhere..

Neutral frames that have a minimal presence in colors that blend into or complement your skin tone are an option that lets you and your garb take center stage. Some recommendations for choosing neutral frames are: 

• simple shapes like round or oval
• soft, rounded edges 
• thin "low profile" metals or plastics
• minimal designs free of large logos or decorations 
• natural, complementary metal tones (gold, silver, bronze, pewter, gunmetal) 
• matte or semi-matte finishes 
• flesh-tone colors or muted, complementary colors in metals or transparent plastics
• semi-rimless frames (frame goes only partway around the lens) 
• drill-mount (fully rimless, lenses are drilled and fitted with special temples and bridge) 
• when choosing lenses, anti-reflective/anti-glare coatings can help soften the "glassy" appearance of lenses 

Pink Oval Glasses #463319 from Zenni
these semi-rimless frames feature thin metal
frames and have a semi-matte blush pink finish
complementary to some skin tones. Look for pinks,
peaches, tans, taupes, medium and light browns to 
complement your skin tone

Gold Rimless Glasses #1302914 from Zenni
these drill-mount frames feature a high arched bridge, round lenses, and warm gold titanium
temples and bridge. Though not a medieval
style, they have an historic feel while still
maintaining a minimal presence.

Clear Oval #7833523 from Zenni
these oblong frames have a transparent
plastic frame front and understated
gold temples

Buff Round Glasses #7818615 from Zenni
these rounded plastic frames are featured in 
a transparent medium-brown buff color
with a fine band or tortoiseshell and metal
temples

Gold Round Glasses #414414 from Zenni
(also available in silver and black)
these might as well be called "the reenactor's special"
simple, thin metal frame, free of ornamentation
and a metal saddle-style bridge that sits directly on 
the bridge of the wearer's nose. Unobtrusive
and lacking in visible plastic elements 

Medievaloid modern frames are a bolder option that is obtainable, wearable, and easy to fit with modern prescription lenses. Not meant to be passed off as documentable medieval replica frames, these are contemporary styles that can complement your look with colors, shapes, and materials evocative of medieval spectacles. Some things to look for: 

• shapes that resemble historic frames 
• simple lines
• uncomplicated designs
• plastics in colors and finishes resembling ivory, wood, tortoiseshell, horn, or polished ebony
• circular lenses 
• substantial frames
• heavy frame front with subdued temples 
• substantial temples on a substantial frame 

  

  Black Round Glasses #4410321 from Zenni
  bold black round front with metal bridge and
  brown temples make a bold frame that 
  harkens to medieval spectacles

Honey Round Glasses #4467222 from Zenni
these honey-toned plastic frames have a 
unique bridge shape and warm golden color
that almost makes them look like they were
carved from horn. This model is also available
in a lovely tortoiseshell color

Gold Round Glasses #157814 from Zenni
semi-rimless frame with opening at top
instead of bottom in gold. Reminiscent of 
early open-framed pince-nez frames

Tortoiseshell Browline Glasses #7821925 from Zenni
For a bold and unusual choice, these gold metal 
frames are capped with faux pearl-studded 
tortoiseshell

Brown Round Glasses #126915 from Zenni
these circular frames offer a modern take 
on a familiar shape with plastic in a 
warm brown gradient evocative of horn

In closing, I offer a gentle reminder to anyone seeking to have lenses placed into an antique frame or a reproduction frame (especially of fragile materials). Whether or not the optical shop will fit lenses into your frame is entirely at their discretion. Many 21st-century opticians have never been taught how to make or insert lenses into wooden, ivory, or faux ivory frames. Many modern practices do not even cut lenses on-site; instead, they are shipped to a commercial or corporate lab for fabrication and then returned to the opticians for dispensing. Those with on-site labs may encounter issues with computerized tracers not understanding your frame, or it's possible that the frame was designed in such a way that it simply does not cooperate with modern machinery. It is also possible that they do not want to take the risk of potentially damaging your rare or unusual frame. Optical shops have contracts with their frame manufacturers that cover their products in the event of a defect or an issue in the lab. They do not have a contract with the Etsy seller from whom you bought your handmade ebony pince-nez frames. I can guarantee from my experience that the last thing people in optical labs want to do is call you and tell you they broke your frame. Even in high-output labs, they take the greatest of care to avoid issues. It is fair to expect that they might require you to sign a waiver releasing their business from responsibility for the frame, and you may still be responsible for certain lab-related costs even if the glasses cannot be completed. I was always happy to take on a special request when I was an optician, but never at the risk of my practice. Please be courteous when making these unusual requests and respect their policies, even if you wish the answer were different. And if they decline the job, be thankful that they were honest with you instead of taking a potentially costly risk. 

Whether you are looking to make your modern eyeglass choices better fit in with your medieval persona or want to bring some medieval flair into your modern attire, I hope this guide has given you some ideas to find the perfect pair. 

+pax et bonum+
Brother Valentine