See the light: Eyewear as investments
At auctions like Liveauctioneers.com, up for bidding alongside artworks and jewelry are eyeglasses and eyewear cases and accessories — even nose pieces.
SUNGLASSES complete any ensemble.
Photograph courtesy of Herian
As celebrities running away from paparazzi at airports can attest: sunglasses give an instant superstar effect.
Yes, lunettes de soleil (shades) can hide your eyes, but wearing one would not make you hide from the public gaze: Just like French President Emmanuel Macron, who recently went viral for his blue-tinted, palladium-framed aviator sunglasses, identified as Maison Henry Jullien Pacific, during the 2026 Davos summit last January. The eyewear was worn to cover the subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel) in his eye, but instantly sparked media attention and a surge in the demand for the “sunnies.”
HANDS shaping style with precision and care.
Photograph courtesy of Herian
At auctions like Liveauctioneers.com, up for bidding alongside artworks and jewelry are eyeglasses and eyewear cases and accessories — even nose pieces. People place their bids due to a number of reasons. First, because shades are accessories that instantly boost one’s style or outfit. Second, because those in auction are by designer labels or limited-editions from these brands, which are more accessible and less pricey than clothes and bags from the same labels.
Another reason is because the eyewear could be made of precious materials, such as Ray-Ban Clubmaster with tortoise shell frame; Chanel eyeglasses with pearl chain; and a Cartier frame made of solid gold.
FROM selecting the finest materials to perfecting the finishing touches, skilled artisans transform raw acetate, horn and metal into eyewear that carries character and personality.
Photograph courtesy of Herian
Likewise, “specs” owned by celebrities or known personalities are present at auctions, such as Prince’s Christian Dior sunglasses. Others, still, are much-coveted simply for their outrageous shapes and fun factor, such as Gucci’s rhinestone-studded Cat’s Eye Sunglasses and Green Plastic Z1167E Millionaire Sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, which literally makes you look like a million bucks.
Others are not only designer-made, limited-edition, or made of precious materials, but are also prized for their functionality, such as Chanel Polarized Ski Goggles by Karl Lagerfeld with Iridescent CC Logo.
Meanwhile, “spectacles” are antique that like old furniture, and are highly collectible for those who value history and heritage. Examples are vintage Ray-Ban Aviators, motorcycle googles, military specs and eyewear from certain eras like Victorian period and Art Deco.
