Antique Mother-of-Pearl Opera Glasses

Opera glasses, also known as "Lorgnettes" in French, were once exclusive to royalty and nobility in European history. During the 17th to 19th centuries, entertainment options were limited, and European aristocrats frequented the opera. These opera glasses then became an essential accessory. Antique opera glasses can be broadly categorized into several types: monocular, binocular, and binocular with a handle. Those with handles were typically used by ladies, while those without were for gentlemen. Opera glasses with handles often commanded a higher price than their handle-less counterparts. The models in our collection feature brass frames handcrafted by artisans, intricately inlaid with exquisite white mother-of-pearl. Their classic and elegant design showcases the gentle luster of the mother-of-pearl, while the brass, marked by the passage of time, exudes a unique charm and character.