Ray-Ban Hawkeye RB 2298 Sunglasses with Gold-Toned Hardware
Sunglasses Hardware (Decorative and Functional Pins/Hinges) · Yellow Gold Finish. This is a bright, high-shine gold plating/anodizing intended to mimic the appearance of 18K yellow gold via physical vapor deposition (PVD) or similar coating techniques.
Purity: Non-precious / Gold-Plated or Anodized Finish. This item does not appear to be solid gold. It is consistent with high-grade optical-quality stainless steel or base metal alloy with a decorative gold-colored finish.
Type
Sunglasses Hardware (Decorative and Functional Pins/Hinges)
Purity
Non-precious / Gold-Plated or Anodized Finish. This item does not appear to be solid gold. It is consistent with high-grade optical-quality stainless steel or base metal alloy with a decorative gold-colored finish.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Finish. This is a bright, high-shine gold plating/anodizing intended to mimic the appearance of 18K yellow gold via physical vapor deposition (PVD) or similar coating techniques.
Weight
The gold-colored metal components likely weigh less than 1.0 gram in total, comprising only the hinge mechanism and internal temple core wire.
Description
A pair of premium Ray-Ban Hawkeye sunglasses featuring a classic black acetate frame accented by striking gold-colored metallic hardware. The interior temple reveals the structural gold-toned core wire and high-quality hinge assembly, characteristic of the brand's attention to durability and vintage-inspired luxury.
Key Features
Integrated gold-toned hinge with visible screw head; gold-toned metal core wire providing structural rigidity to the black plastic frame; crisp white/gold silkscreened model numbering on the inner temple.
Color & Finish
Glossy, high-polish yellow gold tone. The finish is consistent with contemporary luxury eyewear hardware, featuring a smooth, mirror-like surface on the hinge and a brushed-metallic look on the core wire visible through internal stamps.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No gold karating stamps (such as 14K or 750) are present. The markings visible are optical identification codes: "RB 2298 HAWKEYE 1294/M3 52[]21 145 2P". These represent the model name, color code, lens/bridge size, and temple length.
Dimensions Estimate
The visible gold-colored hinge is approximately 4mm x 6mm. The internal core wire is less than 1mm in thickness. Frame size is 52mm (lens width) and 145mm (temple length).
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The design relies on the contrast between the black acetate frames and the polished gold-colored metal.
Clasp & Closure
Standard optical 5-barrel or similar integrated metal hinge with a gold-colored screw closure.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The item features a metallic core wire embedded within an acetate (plastic) temple for structural reinforcement.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-precision assembly. The gold-toned core wire is heat-inserted into the acetate temple, and the hinge is flush-mounted for a smooth transition, reflecting high-quality industrial mass-production standards.
Authentication Indicators
The model code format 'RB 2298' and the specific hinge construction are consistent with genuine Luxottica-produced Ray-Bans. The absence of a karat stamp confirms this is decorative finish rather than solid precious metal.
Origin & Maker
Luxottica Group, Italy (manufacturer of Ray-Ban). The Ray-Ban brand is of American heritage but currently manufactured primarily in Italy or China.
Era & Period
Contemporary (2020s). The RB 2298 Hawkeye is a modern design that pays homage to 1960s retro aesthetic.
Age Estimate
Likely manufactured between 2021 and 2024 based on the Hawkeye model release cycle and current serial numbering format.
Cultural Significance
Ray-Ban hardware has become a symbol of pop-culture 'cool,' associated with film stars and musicians since the mid-20th century. The gold-on-black colorway is a timeless luxury staple in the eyewear industry.
Condition Notes
Excellent to Mint condition. The gold finish on the hinge shows no signs of 'brassing' or oxidation. The lettering is crisp and the acetate shows no white calcification or scratches. Grade: 9.5/10.
Value Estimate
The value lies in the brand and eyewear functionality rather than metal content. Retails between $160-$210 USD. The gold 'melt value' is $0.00 as it is not solid precious metal.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a microfiber cloth and specialized lens cleaner. Avoid salt water or chlorine, as this can corrode the gold plating on the hinges over time. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners on acetate frames as it can loosen the metal fasteners.
Similar Items
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Classic (often features silver-toned rivets); Persol 714 (features the 'Meflecto' system with silver hardware); high-end solid 18K gold frame glasses by Cartier (which would have distinctive hallmarking).
Interesting Facts
The 'Hawkeye' is part of Ray-Ban's style evolution, blending the bold lines of the Wayfarer with the sleeker profile of 1960s library-style frames. The gold-colored core wire is a sign of quality, as cheaper sunglasses often lack internal metal reinforcement.