How Tortoiseshell Glasses Came To Be

The current eyewear trends are seeing the revival of some vintage styles and tortoiseshell glasses are one such timeless beauty.

When we talk about tortoiseshell, no two glasses are the same. You may find the same pattern on two pairs but the tone will be different.

The mottled pattern and warm colours in honey, yellow, brown and black is where these glasses get their uniqueness from. But how come these glasses became so popular? And were they always this stylish?

Hold your curiosity. We are going to reveal it all to you.

What Are Tortoiseshell Glasses?

Also known as horn-rimmed glasses, tortoise shells are eyewear frames that are inspired by the actual tortoise shell. You will recognise this style by its dual tone colour scheme in warm hues.

Compared to other frames in basic colours, tortoise shell glasses have a softer touch that accentuate your complexion. Whether on thick acetate frames or as the fine detailing on the temples of thin wired frames, tortoise shell patterns instantly lend an air of sophistication to its wearer.

Tortoise shell glasses are favoured by both the young and older generation likewise as they are the symbol of class, style and richness. These are one of the most sought-after styles in online glasses.

But, were they always made from acetate rolls? Or is there something about this classically stylish eyewear that you don’t know about? Let’s get right into it.

Story Behind Tortoise Shells

If you are an animal lover, this paragraph might not be for you. You will be horrified to know that these frames were made out of real tortoises.

The use of tortoise shells for decoration pieces goes way back in the ancient age. The ancient Greeks used the shells for their stringed musical instruments such as lyre and chelys not only to make them more audible to the audience but because they looked attractive too.

Fast forward to the 18th century and tortoise shells were started to be used in small objects for decorations. By the first half of the 1920s, eyeglasses were taking the shape of fashion accessories and designers were on the lookout to make them even more stylish.

Soon, the frames started to appear in tortoise shell patterns and Hollywood actors such as Harold Lloys were among the first ones to try this style. Eyeglasses were redefining the eyewear industry with their fashionable appeal and many people were falling for the sheer classic style of tortoiseshell frames.

The popularity of these frames took off in the 50s thanks to their amalgamation with the world-famous aviator glasses.

The british glasses designer OLiver Goldsmith took advantage of this trend up until 1970 when the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species banned the use of tortoiseshell in many parts of the world.

What Was Next For Tortoiseshell Glasses?

Even though the use of tortoiseshell was prohibited, that didn’t stop this eyeconic style from gaining much popularity. Relax, no tortoises were harmed after the prohibition. Instead, eyewear designers capitalised on plastic and acetate made tortoiseshell glasses.

This way, people were able to sport their favourite style without having to think that an animal had to die so they could wear their beloved specs.

Tortoise Shell In The 80s

The tech advances in the glasses manufacturing industry made it possible to invent tortoise shell glasses from synthetic and fabricated materials such as plastic and acetate.

Styles such as ‘Bourbon’ and ‘Havana’ took flight and glasses designers also started to experiment with tortoise shell patterns in bright colours.

The raw material acquired from the actual turtleshell was the same as synthetic plastic so trying to differentiate between the two is quite a task.

The 80s was the time when fashion frames from shells or horns were taking off be it fox fur or tortoise shell frames. While some people were making the argument that it was just an imitation, even the mimicked patterns did not sit well with many people

Are Tortoise Shell Glasses Still Relevant?

For many years, the eyewear industry seemed to be led by black frames but it was only until the colourful pattern of tortoise shell took over.

Even your most loved celebrities are jumping on the bandwagon sporting with vivid frame patterns in dual tones. This style is moulded in various prescription glasses and fake frames.

Apart from being geek chic and super stylish, tortoise shell glasses are a versatile accessory. The best thing about this style is that you can wear it on anything you want and still look your best.

Whether you are hitting a party or going for a casual look, the varied mixture of colours make them perfect to incorporate in any look. All the tortoise shell glasses at Specscart are trendy and made for a true vintage-inspired look.