Six Reasons to Collect Eyewear

Collecting eyewear is a pursuit that blends style, practicality, and even a touch of legacy. More than just functional accessories, glasses are a form of self-expression and artistry. Whether you’re drawn to rare designs, need a variety for different daily activities, or see eyewear as a long-term investment, building a collection offers endless possibilities. Here are six reasons to start curating your own unique array of frames.

1. Unique and Limited-Edition Frames

Collecting eyewear offers the unique joy of finding rare, exclusive frames that can’t be easily found elsewhere. Limited-edition releases and collaboration frames are crafted with special details, from unique colors and materials to custom engravings. Adding these unique pieces to your collection brings a sense of exclusivity, and it also highlights the craftsmanship that goes into making frames that are truly one of a kind.

2. Frames to Suit Every Occasion

Eyewear is an extension of your style and just as you’d choose an outfit for an event, having glasses that match your look, mood, or the formality of an occasion can make all the difference. With a variety of frames in your collection, you can easily swap between styles, whether its experimenting with bold, statement-making designs or keeping it subtle and classy for formal events.

3. Eyewear as an Heirloom

Certain frames are so beautifully crafted and unique that they become cherished items worthy of being passed down through generations. High-end, exclusive frames can hold sentimental value and can tell the story of yourself or a family member. By collecting and passing down such quality pieces, you’re building a legacy to share with future generations, making eyewear a unique heirloom that speaks to the past.

4. Specialized Glasses for Every Activity

Having different eyewear options tailored to specific activities can enhance your comfort. A collection might include regular glasses, reading glasses, computer glasses, sunglasses, night-driving glasses and more. Curating eyewear for various uses can transform each experience, providing both function and style in any setting.

5. Investing and Resale Value

Like art, certain luxury eyewear brands, such as Jacques Marie Mage, have frames that increase in value over time, especially when part of a limited run. These frames are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, and can sometimes become more valueble on the resale market. Collecting luxury eyewear, therefore, can be both a passion and an investment, combining the joy of ownership with the potential for future returns.

6. For Fun

Collecting eyewear doesn’t always need a deeper purpose—it can simply be about the joy it brings. Building a collection of frames you love, just because they make you happy, is reason enough. Sometimes, the best collections are those created purely for the pleasure of owning something you truly enjoy.

Collecting eyewear is more than assembling functional accessories—it’s about curating a personal gallery that reflects your style, purpose, and passions. From frames that serve distinct uses to rare and exclusive pieces with the potential for lasting value, each addition to your collection tells a story and adds depth to your unique expression. With so many styles and purposes to choose from, building a unique collection of frames is a rewarding way to express individuality and create a lasting legacy.

About The Author:

Will Benjamin is an advocate for independent eyewear and one of the driving forces behind Project Spex. With a passion for unique, collectible, and limited-edition eyewear, Will aims to inspire people to build their own collections through Project Spex, while supporting the success of independent opticals.