Mixed materials glasses, also called combination frames eyeglasses, are eyeglasses with frame composed of a variety of materials such as plastic, metal and other materials. You might say that combination frames are all mixed up. That’s because they do not use the same frame material for the whole frame. For example, the frame front might be metal while the temple use Zyl, leather, crystal or wood. For those who remember the Ronsir ZYL and Nusir Bouquet by Shuron, Ltd., you’ll recall that these styles were perhaps the most popular combination frames of the 20th century. For those who came after, you may recognize them in nearly every major motion picture set in the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. More recently, you’ve seen them on Kevin Costner in The Untouchables and JFK, Matt Damon in The Good Shepherd, and Denzel Washington in Malcolm X. These frames have a metal eyewire with a plastic overlay known as trim on the top and plastic temples that match. Believe it or not, these frames are still available from Shuron for those who want a major retro look.
Mixed material glasses help you get the best of both materials with frames that combine the sleek sophistication of metal with the colors and thickness of plastic. The cool contrast of these popular material does add visual interest. Never before has there been such a variety of frame materials to use for informed, technologically driven patients. When you choose a pair of mixed material glasses, you need to know the features and benefits of each frame material and what best meets your lifestyle requirements.
Typically, wood temples are placed on frames with precious materials such as platinum and gold and are available on higher-priced items. Carved wood and ivory temples are standard on the more exclusive brands. Precious stones like diamonds and emeralds, as well as crystals, can also adorn eyeglass frames. Moreover, the plastic and metal parts are commonly used in the construction of the mixed materials glasses. They grew to popularity in the 1950s and 60s, and in more recent years, their popularity has grown with frames and in more colors and modern styles. The styles are modern retro. The vintage details include strong cat-eye shapes, chunky structure, keyhole bridges, gold tones and jewelry accents. Colors are face-flattering, including black, rose, gray, crystal, bone, khaki and tortoise.