The Pen of the Year 2011 uses Russian jade, or nephrite. The emerald-coloured stones are delicately mottled; their deep green exhibits some unusually appealing shadings. Numerous processing steps are required before a piece of jade can be inserted into the Pen of the Year. From the first slice of the raw stone to the final polish, the craftsman must recognize its unique nuances and bring out jade’s natural gleam. Only very experienced jewellers can achieve that. Only a genuine artist can master the cuts typical of jade. Piece by piece, he chisels an ornament from the stone. Platinum-plated surrounds grip the individual pieces of jade perfectly and turn the pen into a very special piece of jewellery. The elaborate faceting of the stone on the end of the cap is the crowning glory of the Pen of the Year.
The 18-carat bicolour gold nib is available in line widths F, M, and B, each one ‘run in’ by hand.
