Lorgnette Opera Glasses: What Are They?

The term lorgnette is derived from the French words lorgner, meaning to peer at, and lorgne, or to squint. The lorgnette is a pair of spectacles with a handle rather than temples, the part of eyeglasses frames that extends over the ear to be held in place. This article explains in detail what lorgnette opera glasses really are. It all started with George Adams, an Englishman who is credited for inventing these glasses. In the early 1800s, it became high fashion to use eyeglasses with a handle - especially for ladies who didn't want to wear spectacles. These glasses were used more as an accessory or piece of jewelry than for helping the user to see more clearly. The lorgnette glasses were utilized mostly for reading or to see details on stage at the opera.

It made sense to add such a handle to opera glasses for the same reason as the spectacles. One would not choose to wear or hold them up during an entire performance, so to have a pair of lorgnette glasses would enable the user to hold the glasses up to their eyes only when desiring to see more detail in the costumes or facial expressions of the actors or singers. The handle was helpful to for the user to hold the opera glasses up without having to hold their arm as high in the air to do so. Naturally, lorgnette glasses also served as a lovely accessory for the elite at the theatre.

Newer versions of these lorgnettes are available today with telescoping handles that extend the handle to the optimum length for the user. This is done by twisting, extending, and then tightening the opera glasses at the desired length. The handle can also be folded on top of the opera glasses when not in use to make the theater binoculars more compact while not in use.

Opera glasses are compact, lightweight binoculars that are usually equipped with 3x or 5x magnification. This low magnification is used to enable a broad view of the stage while reducing the amount of image shake while handling them. The lorgnette version are only one of the popular styles of available now. Some models come with a red LED light to be able to discreetly read programs without disturbing other patrons. Another popular style of comes with a chain for the user to place around their neck and are enabled to have free hands during the performance. No matter which features you choose, your opera glasses are sure to enhance your theater experience and help to make any seat the best seat.

Davin has always enjoyed a night at the theater. He currently helps run a website where they sell all kinds of opera glasses including lorgnette opera glasses.

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