THE OPR DIFFERENCE
Truly handcrafted eyewear is a human-driven process from beginning to end. Each piece of eyewear moves meticulously through a multi-phase process.
First, we design a sketch by hand that will soon become a prototype.
Then, the production process begins while the prototype is used to ensure consistency throughout. Each frame is cut from acetate blocks either by hand or using a CNC machine and then comes grooving (to ensure the lenses can be fitted), riveting (where solid hinges are fitted), curving and cleaning.
Wire cores are machine inserted in the temples after being heated (in our made to order collection, these are actually inserted solely by hand, which only true and very experienced artisans are able to do).
When completed, the frame goes into the tumble polishing phase. Over four days, the frames will undergo smoothing and evening, and varying degrees of polish based on the design. These are then hand polished to ensure flawlessness and spark.
Finally, the frames are assembled by hand with precision and lenses are fitted by hand. Each pair is measured and compared to the prototype down the millimeter, ensuring that any inconsistencies are identified and refined before shipping.
OUR PROMISE
Each piece of OPR eyewear is 100% handcrafted in Italy by our Master Artisans using passion and technique that have been passed down through generations. Throughout the entire production process, we handle every step "in-house", from sourcing raw materials right down to delivery at your doorstep.
Our process promises an authentic and genuinely handcrafted eyewear that demonstrates attention to detail, richness of colors and unparalleled craftsmanship that makes each pair unique in every way. Shop now
THE MASS PRODUCTION PROCESS
Mass-market frames are produced using a process called injection molding. It begins with the melting of plastic pellets, which are then shot into a mold that creates the shape of a frame. This process also widely used to make many plastic toys. Once cooled, it’s immediately assembled without any refinements, and is rarely checked to see if it’s in proper shape. In fact, most mass-produced eyewear never passes through a human hand before it reaches the shelves. What you get is a mass-produced, generic piece of eyewear with questionable durability and no attention to detail. The frames are rarely checked to ensure they are flattering to a human face before they are sent to market.
THE SO CALLED MADE IN ITALY
Today, many eyewear brands are producing overseas and use the "handmade" label while mass producing with little to no human intervention in the process. Others are producing overseas and importing unassembled eyewear to Italy for final assembly to allow the use of the handmade in Italy label...