Lorgnette Lorgnettes, glass and gold, c 1920s-c 1930s. A lorgnette is a style of glasses where the lenses must be held in front of the eyes by a handle rather than worn on the face. This lorgnette has a spring mechanism for easy storage in a pocket. Lorgnettes were classically worn by those of a higher class, especially whilst watching an opera! Unknown c. 1920-1930s 2003/77.10