Our Authentication & Restoration Process

Every Frame is Verified by Optical Experts

At Retrospecced, authenticity isn't optional—it's everything. Every designer frame that enters our collection undergoes rigorous verification by qualified dispensing opticians before it ever reaches you.

Our Multi-Step Authentication Process:

Every pair of frames goes through a multi-point verification process before being listed for sale. 

What We Check

  1. Visual Inspection by Qualified Opticians – We examine frame markings, hinges, materials, and manufacturer codes with expert precision
  2. Brand-Specific Verification – Each designer has unique authenticity markers:
    • Prada: Notched 'R' trademark and serial numbers
    • Ray-Ban: Engraved RB codes and lens etchings
    • Gucci: Serial numbers and interlocking GG details
    • Chanel: Precise logo placement and quilted temple details
    • Dior: Signature hinge construction and branding
  3. Material & Construction Analysis – We verify acetate quality, metal composition, and manufacturing techniques that counterfeiters can't replicate
  4. Reference Authentication – Cross-checking against manufacturer databases and brand-specific documentation where available

Red Flags That Lead to Rejection:

  • Mismatched or missing serial numbers
  • Poor quality materials or incorrect acetate composition
  • Wrong construction methods for the brand
  • Inconsistent logo placement or engraving quality

Our Promise: If we can't verify authenticity, we don't sell it. Period.

All frames are verified by qualified dispensing opticians with extensive experience in luxury eyewear authentication.

How We Bring Vintage Frames Back to Life

Refurbishment is an art. Each frame be it designer or vintage goes through our professional restoration process to ensure it meets our exacting standards.

Our 5-Step Restoration Workflow:

  1. Initial Assessment – Comprehensive inspection for cracks, loose screws, worn nose pads, lens compatibility, and structural integrity
  2. Professional Cleaning – Ultrasonic cleaning to remove dirt buildup, followed by careful acetate polishing to restore original lustre
  3. Component Replacement – Installation of new nose pads, tightening of screws, hinge repair or replacement, and temple adjustments as needed
  4. Quality Control Testing – Flex testing for durability, alignment checks, optical centre verification, and frame measurements
  5. New Lenses - We replace lenses in our sunglasses to ensure they have 100% UV protection and no scratches.
  6. Final Grading – Each frame receives an honest condition rating:
    • Excellent: Minimal to no signs of wear, like-new appearance
    • Very Good: Light wear consistent with age, fully functional and beautiful
    • Good: Moderate vintage wear with character, structurally sound

New Old Stock (NOS)

Some of our most special pieces are New Old Stock— frames that have never been worn. These are time capsules of eyewear design, requiring only authentication and quality verification.

Our Promise: Only Frames We'd Wear Ourselves

Not every frame makes the cut. We're selective because your satisfaction depends on it.

What Makes a Frame 'Refurbishment-Worthy'?

  • Structural Integrity: No cracks in critical stress points, hinges must be repairable or replaceable
  • Lens Compatibility: Frame must accept prescription lenses with proper measurements and depth
  • Aesthetic Quality: Scratches and wear must be minimal or repairable through professional polishing
  • Brand Value: Designer provenance and timeless style that will be cherished for years

Frames We Reject:

  • Cracked or warped frames that compromise fit or safety
  • Frames with irreparable hinge damage
  • Heavily scratched acetate that can't be restored
  • Frames that can't accommodate modern prescription lenses
  • Any frame we cannot authenticate with confidence

When needed, we send frames to specialist optical workshops for professional repairs, re-enamelling, or component sourcing to ensure the highest quality restoration.

Meet Your Optical Experts

Retrospecced was founded on a passion for sustainable luxury and exceptional eyewear. Our team includes qualified dispensing opticians with years of experience in the optical industry, combining technical expertise with a deep appreciation for design.

Why We Started Retrospecced

We believe beautiful designer frames shouldn't end up in landfills. The eyewear industry produces millions of frames annually, yet vintage Gucci, Prada, and Dior pieces from past decades often have better craftsmanship than today's mass-produced alternatives. By rescuing, authenticating, and restoring these frames, we're offering you access to genuine designer eyewear at accessible prices—while keeping luxury items in circulation and out of waste streams.

Every frame has a story. We're here to give it a second chapter.

Shop with Confidence

Our Guarantees to You:

✓ Authenticity Guarantee
Every designer frame is guaranteed genuine or your money back. We stand behind our authentication process with complete confidence.

✓ Quality Guarantee
Frames are accurately described, photographed, and graded. What you see is what you get—we believe in radical transparency.

✓ Expert Verification
All frames verified by qualified optical professionals with specialist knowledge in luxury eyewear authentication.

✓ Hassle-Free Returns
If you're not completely satisfied, our return policy ensures you can shop with peace of mind. See our Returns Policy for details.

Need Authentication Documentation?
We're happy to provide additional authentication details for any frame in our collection. Simply contact us and we'll walk you through the specific markers we verified for your piece.

Questions about our process? Get in touch—we love talking about vintage eyewear authentication and restoration.