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.
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At auctions like Liveauctioneers.com, up for bidding alongside artworks and jewelry are eyeglasses and eyewear cases and accessories — even nose pieces.
HANDS shaping style with precision and care.
Photograph courtesy of Herian
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
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
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
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
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.”
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.
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.
Specifically for those who give premium for heritage and craftsmanship, Filipino luxury department store chain Rustan’s recently debuted Herian, a brand of premium eyewear from Florence made entirely by hand.
The brand’s founder, Herian Boccali, flew all the way from Italy to share his philosophy: eyewear should be conceived as personal objects, shaped by character, proportion and lifestyle rather than trends alone.
Having grown up in his family’s optical shop, Boccali developed an early appreciation for precision, fit and the personal relationship between eyewear and wearer.
“Glasses are not just accessories, but an integral part of the wearer’s identity,” says Boccali of his belief that guides every step of the process, from the initial conversation to the final finishing touches.
Unlike mass-produced frames, every Herian piece begins with a personal discussion with Boccali and his team. This dedicated session allows clients to explore frame shapes, materials and finishes while discussing lifestyle needs, aesthetic preferences and bespoke details such as tinting or subtle design adjustments. As each piece is custom-made, personal ideas and requests are welcomed as part of the creative process, ensuring that the final frame feels distinctly individual.
Frames are crafted using premium acetate or buffalo horn, materials selected for their durability, natural character and timeless appeal. Each pair of Herian sunglasses and eyeglasses is handcrafted directly in the brand’s Florentine workshop, where originality and attention to detail define every stage of production. From shaping to finishing, the process prioritizes quality over speed, resulting in eyewear that carries a quiet yet unmistakable presence.
Bespoke production and delivery to the Philippines typically take approximately 60 to 90 days, allowing each piece to be completed with meticulous care. Pricing for bespoke frames begins at P40,000, with final costs determined by the level of customization. Any additional features or add-ons are discussed during the consultation and quoted separately, with full transparency and approval prior to the start of production. Prescription lenses are not included, giving clients the flexibility to have their grades applied through their preferred optical provider.
Herian’s presence at Rustan’s is intentionally intimate and time-bound, reinforcing a philosophy centered on thoughtful craftsmanship and quality over quantity. For Filipino eyewear enthusiasts, collectors and style-conscious clients, the brand presents a rare chance to access handcrafted Italian eyewear without traveling to Florence, while at the same time, establishing a personal connection to Florence’s artisanal and artistic tradition that included Renaissance masters like Sandro Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
