Custom Eyes

Buying several pairs is an option. "A lot of times people will buy in multiples," Krauz says. "Glasses ought to be treated like jewelry. After all, you have more than one pair of earrings."

Lens Crafters

Just as no one wants to show up at an important event in an outfit worn by another guest, most of us don't want to be caught with the same specs as someone else.

Exploring the custom route is one way to go, as is keeping an eye out for styles that are produced in limited quantities. "Sometimes we make a very few units just because the designers want to do it," Handel explains. "The designers might come up with something that's red and pink with blue splashes, and we might make 10 pairs."

The simplest level of customization is swapping bridges (the nose piece) and temples (the side pieces) from a couple of three-part frames, mixing and matching colors and styles.

Changing the lens shape is also possible. "We have as many as seven lens shapes," Handel says. "If a client doesn't like those shapes, we'll work with them to find the right shape."

Dyeing lenses is another option; a broad spectrum of colors in solids, graduated tints and even stripes is available.

It's also possible to modify existing frames. "We can dye frames, say half-red, half-green," Handel says. "They can be etched or engraved. We've drilled, soldered, cut and glued things on, including diamonds and feathers. An 18-karat gold finish is easily done -- the look is very, very luxurious."

If you have a special event coming up in six or eight months, that might be enough time to have a pair of specs designed and made from scratch.

In this multistep process, a client works with designers to develop a sketch, materials are obtained, and prototypes are sent to the L.A. Eyeworks production facility in the Italian Alps. "It can take months. ... It's an involved and costly process from the ground up," Handel says.

Handel is reluctant to talk specifics about the cost of custom work.

	L.A.Eyeworks Showdown ($325)

The price depends on what the person had in mind, she says. "Titanium is very, very costly. ... Plastic is more malleable, so it can be done more easily." And Handel doesn't flinch when asked if custom glasses could go as high as $10,000. "People see glasses as part of their wardrobe. They're a significant fashion purchase," she says.

For some, it's definitely a worthwhile investment. There are fewer items more personal than eyeglasses. Those of us who rely on them wear them during the majority of our waking hours. They enable us to see the world, and, let's hope, they flatter the face that we present to others.

"Glasses are something you marry," Krauz says. "It's a big purchase, so make your decision carefully." Even if you're not the shop-till-you-drop type, keep an open mind about trying on styles in more than one place.

So grab your digital camera and your most patient and brutally honest friend, and hit the eyewear boutiques to shop for the newest you. If you don't find exactly what you're looking for, ask if modifications are possible -- it may be time for you to sport custom eyewear as unique as your face.

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