Inside the Factory – A Visit to Northern Italy

In November, we traveled to northern Italy to visit one of the factories where some of our Vasuma frames are brought to life. With a camera in hand and a deep respect for craftsmanship, we captured the essence of how eyewear is made – by hand, with heart, and with heritage. Stefano, from one of the factories we work with, shared insights into the process and passion behind each frame. Step into the world behind every pair of Vasuma glasses.

More than a Factory – It's a Workshop of Tradition

Tucked away in the industrial outskirts of northern Italy, the factory doesn’t look flashy from the outside. But step through its doors and you enter a world where precision meets passion. Here, skilled artisans work not just with machines, but with intuition. Every movement speaks of experience.

“True craftsmanship in eyewear lies in the meticulous care and attention to detail that only a few highly skilled artisans can bring,” Stefano tells us.

This is not mass production. It’s a craft.

A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

Hours of Precision and Skill

Each frame begins with raw material – high-quality, hypoallergenic metals like titanium or medical-grade stainless steel.

“Metal frames are much more labor-intensive than acetate ones,” Stefano explains. “If we had to estimate, producing a handcrafted metal frame takes about four hours.”

Those four hours include every step: cutting, forming, polishing, soldering, galvanizing, and finishing – often by hand.

“Soldering and galvanic coloring are among the most intricate steps. They have to ensure durability and a perfect finish over time.”

"Anyone can shape a frame – but it’s the finish that sets great craftsmanship apart."

Crafting in Acetate

Acetate frames go through a different – but equally detailed – process.

“While working with acetate is less time-consuming than metal, it still requires deep craftsmanship,” Stefano explains.

“Each piece is cut from large sheets of cotton-based acetate, then milled, tumbled, and hand-polished.”

Unlike metal, acetate starts out matte and flat. It’s the polishing process that gives it its signature high-gloss finish and reveals the richness of the material’s colors and textures. Frames are typically tumbled in wooden barrels with different grades of abrasives for several days, then hand-buffed to perfection.

“Polishing is everything,” Stefano says.

“That’s what brings out the depth and warmth in the material. It’s what gives acetate frames their unique character – both in look and feel.”

Beyond the finish, hand-polishing also smooths out the edges and surfaces, ensuring the frame feels as good as it looks. The result is a piece that’s not only beautiful but comfortable to wear and built to last.

Material Matters

Creating eyewear that lasts – and feels good to wear – starts with the right materials.

“Titanium, medical-grade stainless steel, Monel, Alpaca... the more hypoallergenic the metal, the better the quality,” Stefano says. “But even more important is the Nickel-Free galvanic treatment – because that’s what actually touches the skin.”

It’s not just what the frame is made from, but how it's treated that defines its quality.

“It’s the surface treatment that makes all the difference – that’s what truly defines quality for the wearer.”

Balancing Innovation and Tradition

While the soul of the frame is handcrafted, technology plays a role in optimizing certain steps – like ring-wrapping, protective coating, and galvanic treatments.

“Innovative systems help us reduce production time and cost where it makes sense,” Stefano explains, “but the real essence of the frame still comes from the hands that shape it.”

At Vasuma, that’s exactly the balance we look for – staying true to tradition, while embracing thoughtful innovation.

Why VASUMA Choose to Work This Way

Working with skilled producers like this one in northern Italy is not a shortcut – it’s a commitment. A commitment to making frames that are not only visually distinct but built to last.

“Mass production just doesn’t offer the same care or appeal. Want a comparison? Think Ferrari,” Stefano smiles.

For us at Vasuma, that mindset aligns perfectly with our values. We believe in eyewear that carries meaning – not just a logo.

Want to know more about our view on craftsmanship and why it’s at the heart of Vasuma? Read the Vasuma Story.