When you decide to buy a pair of Vintage Eye Glasses or Sunglasses, you will most likely come across many that are made of metal. I'm going to explain the different metals to better inform you. With this knowledge, you will have learned the following advantages and disadvantages of vintage (and current)  metal eyewear ~

• You will now know which metals are the higher quality, which will help you decide if the price is right.

• If you will be having your own lenses put in, this guide will teach you which metals adjust better and which don't.

• Which metals are more corrosion resistant

• The strongest and weakest metal

• You will learn which metal is the most commonly used

• Which type of metal is the rarest

• Which type of metal is more resistant to abrasions and scratches

Aluminum

Aluminum frames have a high strength-to-weight ratio, making them STRONG and yet LIGHT. These frames hold their adjustment but offer no flexibility or give

Ruthenium

Strong, durable and non-corrosive, ruthenium is a member of the platinum family. This metal is a deep gray color. The surface is hard and highly resistant to scratching and abrasions. This is one of the most EXPENSIVE metals used for eyeglass frames.

Memory Metal **

These frames are made of a special titanium and nickel alloy that has a built-in memory. These frames are able to return to their original shape even after accidental bending or twisting. Memory Metal frames tend to HOLD their adjustments LONGER than more conventional metals

Nickel (pure)

STRONG and MALLEABLE, Nickel is a popular frame material that RESISTS CORROSION. Pure nickel frames are easy to adjust. These frames usually cost 50 - 100% more than nickel silver frames, which is their primary drawback

Nickel Silver (German Silver or Alpaca)

This type of metal holds its shape the BEST of any metal combination. Not as malleable as some other materials, it is often used for standard men's AVIATOR and PILOT frames. Nickel Silver is the MOST POPULAR METAL for eyeglass frames.

Beryllium

Developed by NASA for the space program, frames that are made from this type of metal are particularly resilient, light and strong.  When making frames with this material, it is often used in combination with other metals, such as copper, due to the high cost of the material.

Titanium

Titanium frames are expensive, but are easy to adjust, and are extremely light in weight. Being a rare earth metal, this material has  HIGH TENSILE STRENGTH, ultra light weight and impressive corrosion-resistance.

Monel

Monel is one of the MOST used metals for frames. It's corrosion resistant, so it works well with colors. Monel eyewires are difficult to shape for lenses, so it is mostly used for temples, bridges and fronts and less commonly for eyewires. The most important featuree of these frames are strong solder joints and finish that DOES NOT wear off.

Stainless Steel

Made primarily of iron and chrome, stainless steel combines FLEXIBILITY with STRENGTH and DURABILITY. This material has excellent corrosion-resistant properties and can be made extremely thin. The metal has a springy effect that makes it especially useful when used for temples.

Cobalt

Cobalt frames are expensive, but not as expensive as titanium frames. This material is ductile amd makes DURABLE frames that are very thin, light in weight and flexible. This metal is non corrosive as well and possesses a lustrous finish.

** memory metal is used ONLY in those areas most subject to stress. This includes bridges,top bars and temples. Stiff conventional metals are used for the endpieces,eyewires, and pad arms where the rigidity is required. Temple tips are pliable and retain their shapes following adjustment.

Now you are ready to start shopping for the perfect pair of VINTAGE METAL EYEGLASS FRAMES!!

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