All things must emerge from somewhere. Some things ideas spread like wildfire, while other concepts die out quick like a party on a Monday night. One invention that seems like it’s here to stay is sunglasses. Shades are mostly used to keep one’s eyes safe from the sun, while others use them for style or even to protect one’s identity. So just where did these spectacular, shaded spectacles transpire?
Long ago, in ancient times, polished gems as well as panes of smoky quartzes were used as eyewear. According to health.learninginfo.org, the Roman emperor Nero was delighted by viewing gladiator fights through polished gemstones. During the twelfth century, Chinese judges wore smoky quartz glasses in order to mask their facial expressions while questioning witnesses.
Shaded lenses did not have any further ado in the spotlight until around the eighteenth century when James Ayscough experimented with tints. Ayscough believed that green or blue tinted glasses could correct certain vision issues. It wasn’t until years later when sunglasses took a popular turn.
In 1929, Sam Foster introduced an eyewear design that protected eyes from the sun. Foster sold his sunglasses in Atlantic City, New Jersey along the beaches. Eventually his sunglasses were sold at an Atlantic City Woolworth.
When sunglasses became polarized by Edward H. Land in 1936, wearing them started to become a trend. Famous musicians and movie stars were seen sporting shades with their outfits. Not only were sunglasses a way to protect against the sun’s harmful rays, they became glamorous and stylish.
Since ancient times, sunglasses have certainly come a long way! Today, sunglasses can be seen almost everywhere. They are made for all different face shapes and sizes and consist of a wide variety of style and colors. Even the lens tints vary!
Can you imagine a world without sunglasses? I know I sure couldn’t!
Do you have any questions or comments about this post? Feel free to share!
~ Charlene Marie
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