Authentic tortoise shell eyewear is actually specific to the vintage 50’s style, but the unethical animal-made versions first appeared on the eyewear market in the early 20’s.

If you want to go with a more subtle look that’s not full-on tortoise shell, try a semi-rimless, browline type of frames, like the Vint & York Astor (pictured above). The tortoise browline will complement your skin tone and eyes without letting the tortoise shell pattern dominate. These frames are perfect for first-time tortoise shell wearers who want to sample the style before they dive in with a more dramatic pair. What Celebrities wear tortoise shell frames? The tortoise shell glasses craze really took off in the ‘50s, thanks to the world-famous Ray Ban aviators. The practice of using real turtles for making accessories was banned in 1970. What are modern Tortoise-Shell glasses made of? Hollywood sweetheart Ryan Gosling has become a kind of icon of tortoise shell specs. He’s been seen sporting them so many times that they’ve actually become his signature look.One fact about tortoise shell glasses will keep you up at night: they used to be created out of real tortoise shells. That’s right. The tortoise-shell pattern found in retro glasses and vintage jewelry or ornaments were made out of the shell of real hawksbill turtles. And if you really want confirmation that tortoise shell is trending with men, just take a look at what the celebrities are wearing . Famous men over the years have worn and continue to wear tortoise shell frames in different styles.

Tortoise shell frames aren’t one-size fits all. Just like with any pair of glasses, you’ve got to think about your skin tone and the frames’ colors.