Preciosa

Preciosa is the Dutch vintage eyewear brand. It is the main brand of Frame Holland; the last remaining glasses factory in the Netherlands.

About the makers

When Menno, Saskia and Hans Borsboom’s father had the opportunity to become co-owner of the Preciosa spectacle factory (formerly ENFA: First Dutch Manufacturer of horn, tortoiseshell and doublé frames) in the 1960s, he grabbed it with both hands. He expanded the collections and crossed borders. Hans’ children were involved in the company from an early age, which prepared them early for the takeover that would take place in 2007. Frame Holland is now the last remaining glasses factory in the Netherlands and the Preciosa collection is their showpiece.

As the current owners of the company, Hans’ children all have their own expertise. Menno designs the glasses, Hans manufactures them and Saskia ensures that they are placed on the shelves of specialized opticians. The bundling of these three forces and the internal and external employees ensure that the glasses frames are made and sold.

Production process & Sustainability 

Before the glasses end up on the customer’s nose, about eighty to one hundred and twenty actions take place. Although part of the manufacturing process has been taken over by machines, a lot of manual work is still involved. The frames are made from bioacetate – a plastic made from cotton and wood pulp – from Mazzucchelli, Italy. The acetate arrives in large slabs that are then cut into smaller ‘slices’. The base of the frame is milled from these slices. This basic frame then completes a complete route through the factory, from installing the hinges for the temples to polishing so that the glasses get a nice shine. Despite the delivery of the raw materials, everything else is done within the perimeters of their own home.