Today's solar eclipse has the world focused on eyewear. If you’re searching through your drawers for the right pair, take a second look. No, we can’t help you with UV-ray science, but we can tell you which glasses have increased in value. There’s a community that will pay hundreds for certain eyewear, even if they’ve been worn.

Along our dive into the collectible eyewear community, we stopped by the iconic Fabulous Fanny’s flagship store in New York City. Their staff gave us access to hundreds of distinct glasses, spanning opera performances, movie premieres, and fashion events. But the most valuable aspects of eyewear can be found in standard, older pairs. Here’s what to look for (or should we say, look through).

Authentic tortoiseshell glasses (h/t: Vintage Optical Shop)

The tortoise and the… buffalo horn

Before plastic was widespread, most optical glasses were made from either tortoiseshell or buffalo horns. This practice was made illegal in 1973, due to its endangerment of the species. These days, the styles are mimicked by painted acetate – but authentic, pre-1973 glasses frequently sell for thousands. 

The controversial methods of production make them a difficult find online. Per Fanny’s, clientele travel across the globe to buy, share, and sell tortoiseshell pairs. Given these styles’ popularity in the 60s, there’s always a chance an older relative could have a pair sitting around.

Steampunk items from the Victorian era are the market’s most sought-after items (via Jack Caldwell)

Steampunk is king

When it comes to any type of eyewear, steampunk is a big draw. The Victorian-era fashion trend has a steadfast following, with dedicated associations and conventions in several cities. 

Fanny’s makes a point that steampunk is “not just a style” – it’s a lifestyle. Due to the age of authentic steampunk items, most items on the market are modern replicas. So when legitimate 19th-century items are available, they can net thousands.

Reuse and resell

Unlike the DVD market we’ve covered, previously-worn eyewear often sells for comparable numbers to unworn pairs. Think about it: many collectibles aren’t necessary for everyday use, and therefore more untouched items exist. 

But if you’re buying glasses… you probably need them. Replaceable lenses can add value, and allow glasses to be worn – maybe for reading a book, or maybe for a movie shoot.

Fanny's wall of famous clientele - including Jim Gaffigan and Paul Shaffer (via Jack Caldwell)

Savvy shoppers

While much of Fanny’s business comes from film prop departments, the staff noted a passionate community surrounding eyewear.

There’s not much of a common thread holding the circle together. For Fanny’s, this feels like a perk – “eyewear people” are an eclectic group from diverse backgrounds. One customer pointed out: “My whole life, I wore glasses because I thought I had to. After coming here, I wear them because I want to.”

A monocle on display at Fanny's (via Jack Caldwell)

Monocles galore

Among the quirkier corners of the market, there’s a devout audience for monocles (yes, the thing Mr. Peanut wears). 

They aren’t generally worth much, but the Fanny’s staff can always tell the serious customers apart from the uninitiated. Monocles aren’t held in by a piece – veterans have trained specific muscles in their eyes to hold them in, and newbies can never keep them on. 

And, for the record, the staff says monocle buyers don’t “usually” look like the Monopoly man.

Vintage pair of 3D glasses via eBay

Three dimensions

Remember when 3D movies were all the rage? 3D glasses from the flicks of yesteryear are now worth hundreds. You probably saw “Avatar” in the theater, but if you picked up special edition glasses for your screening, go ahead and check eBay. They’re routinely selling for $300 - $500.

Original, red-and-blue 3D glasses are trending – a pair from the 1930s are available online for $4,000. In this case, wear and tear is evident. We’re wondering if a buyer would display them, or try to put them to use.

Think before throwing out your eclipse glasses

By 6pm ET on Monday, millions of eclipse glasses will hit trash bins across the country. But if you’ve got a pair with a story – like these from Augusta National – think about hanging onto them. There’s always room for more in the eyewear community.