Monel, the most widely used material of eyeglass frames to date, is not any particular metal, but a combination of a few of many metals. Higher quality metal eyeglass frames not only look and fit better, but are corrosion-resistant for those with a particular skin type — especially if the right kind of plating, such as palladium or other nickel-free options are applied.

Titanium is lightweight, durable, strong and corrosion-resistant. It has been used for everything from the Gemini and Apollo space capsules to medical implants such as heart valves. Titanium eyewear can be produced in a variety of colors for a clean, modern look with a hint of color. Not all titanium frames are 100 percent titanium. Some frames are made from an alloy that is a combination of titanium and other metals, such as nickel or copper. However, if the frame is stamped "Titanium", and the frame is of higher quality, then these frames should be safe for those who have had acidic reactions to metals frames in the past thus hypoallergenic.


Stainless Steel frames are light weight and strong. Most stainless steel frames are nickel-free and thus hypoallergenic. It's a combination of steel and chromium, but, depending on the manufacturer, it may also contain other elements. Most stainless steel frames contain anywhere from 10 to 30 percent chromium, which is excellent in resisting corrosion and abrasion.

Flexon® is a titanium-based metal. This popular material is produced solely by Marchon®. It truly is unique because of it's unusual ability to return to it's original shape even after twisting. Flexon® frames are lightweight, hypoallergenic and just plain look and feel great.

"Since Flexon easily goes back into the shape the dispenser originally gave it, it ultimately makes for a better frame and fit," said Dave Chure, executive vice president of Marchon. "Flexon is also about 25 percent lighter in weight than standard metals so you get much less weight on the face."

Gold, Silver, and Aluminum, as well as other precious metals are also included when frame design is considered. The cost, as well as the strength and durability of these metals must be considered in the design of the frame, so many times these metals are used ornamentally.

Plastic, otherwise known as zyl (zylonite, acetate, or propionate) is a material that affords the designer as well as the consumer with a high range of design discretions. it can be designed with single, multiple, or even layers of color. Zyl eyeglass frames are the most prominent of the plastic eyeglass frames in use today.

Nylon is used in sports and performance eyeglass frames They are very strong, flexible, and have a higher tolerance to hot and cold as well.