It is no secret that the golden age of expensive pens began in the 1920’s when they became treasured status symbols as well as works of art. Despite the fact that most of us don’t carry a pen anymore, fine writing instruments are still popular – and there are still buyers who are willing to spend a lot for the most expensive pens.
The chances of obtaining one of these gems are slim, as Aguirre-Orcutt found out after spending five years in federal prison. There is still hope for your pocketbook if there is enough money: there are a few of these expensive pens listed below (in no particular order) that you can actually purchase.
In spite of most people writing on laptops, tablets, and phones today, pens remain indispensable writing instruments. Handwritten notes are something no writing app can duplicate. We compiled a list of the most expensive pens in the world.
01. Tibaldi Fulgor Nocturnus – $8M
Manufacturer: maker Tibaldi
Price: $8 million
Color: 1,888 diamonds in multiple colors
Unique features: the cap and barrel when closed are equal to the Phi ratio of 1.618
Made in country: Italy
Expensive cause: rare black diamonds
This one-of-a-kind Fulgur Nocturnus was designed by famous Italian penmaker Tibaldi. Diamonds are used in this piece as they do in all entries on this list – 945 black diamonds. With these beautiful dark gems covering the cap and barrel, the Nocturnus was named after them. Nocturnus is the most expensive pen in the world not just because of its price. As well as its intriguing design, the Golden Ratio is also known as Phi’s Divine Proportion. The Golden Ratio refers to the ratio of two parts of an object that is approximately 1.618, and is regarded as the most visually pleasing ratio. Architecture, art, and even nature use this mathematical principle. The golden ratio (1.618) can be found in any construction that divides an object’s length into two equal parts: it’s the ratio between the top portion of the pen’s cap and its bottom portion, the portion you see when the pen is capped, where the two are equal to exactly 1.618.
02. Montblanc Taj Mahal Limited Edition – $2M
Manufacturer: Swiss Richemont group
Price: $2 million
Color: yellow or champagne-tone gold
Unique features: individual-cut diamonds – about 16.78 carats – and its center is set with an engraved ruby cabochon
Made in country: German
Expensive cause: Montblanc nibs are coated with iridium, made of gold, platinum, or other rare metals, and some are even dazzled with diamonds
Using traditional jewellery techniques, but still offering lots of luxurious features, this pen sits on the rare list of pens. Only ten pieces were ever produced.
A stunning pen encrusted with diamonds, sapphires and malachite atop champagne gold is encrusted with diamonds, sapphires and malachite.
03. Montblanc Boheme Royal – $1.5M
Manufacturer: Hamburg, Germany
Price: $1,500,000
Color: covered with 1430 diamonds
Unique features: superbly crafted fountain, ballpoint and rollerball pens
Made in country: German
Expensive cause: high-quality materials that go into each pen, body beneath this layer of diamonds is pure, 18k white gold.
The Boheme Royal, part of the Boheme collection, was made of 18k white gold and studded with 1,400 diamonds of the finest quality, making it an easy pick for Montblanc on this list twice. Despite the stones’ slight coloring, comparing them with colorless diamonds won’t reveal how much they add to the aesthetic value of the pen. A Montblanc logo made with 18k white gold and 19 diamonds has been styled in style. Fountain pens have retractable nibs, which make them unique.
04. Aurora Diamante – $1.47M
Manufacturer: Aurora Pens
Price: $1.47 million
Color: clear colorless crystal
Unique features: 24 karat gold and DeBeers diamonds, The total weight of diamonds used in the pen is more than 30 karats
Made in country: ITALY
Expensive cause: The total weight of diamonds used in the pen is more than 30 karats
This list is filled with items that are made more exclusive by adding diamonds to the design. That same trend continues in the Aurora Diamante, whose name indicates that it is just as much a writing instrument as it is a jewellery piece. A total of 2,090 diamonds adorn the barrel, in honor of Aurora’s founding date, 1,919 of which are on the barrel. The nib of the pen can be customized with the owner’s initials or a family coat of arms, a feature that has been available from DeBeers Jewellers for generations. In this edition, only one unit has been produced, making it an extremely exclusive collector’s item.
05. Caran d’Ache 1010 Diamond Edition – $1M
Manufacturer: Caran d’Ache of Switzerland
Price: $1,000,000
Color: white gold
Unique features: 18k solid white gold encrusted with over 850 diamonds, with three different cutting styles: brilliant, emerald and baguette-cut
Made in country: Geneva
Expensive cause: a tribute to Swiss watchmaking tradition, There are twenty-six lines of baguette-cut diamonds mounted one by one that cascade down the hood
This pen has the name of 10 minutes past 10 due to the fact that it is regarded as the most aesthetically pleasing time of the clock hand. Swiss watches and pens combine to form the ultimate symbol of luxury. To evoke the look of a skeleton watch, the pen is enclosed in a transparent casing and wrapped in finely crafted gears. A clock hand design has been engraved into the pen clip, as does a gear design on the nib. A diamond edition is worth seven figures and features more than 800 flawless stones. Diamond, silver, and gold editions are available in the 1010 collection.
06. Heaven Gold Pen by Anita Tan – $995,000
Manufacturer: Anita Tan
Price: $995,000
Color: gold
Unique features: made with 1,888 diamonds in multiple colors that weigh 48 carats, while the crest is made of 161 brilliantly colored diamonds
Made in country: Canada
Expensive cause: 1,888 diamonds and gold
It seems relatively simple when compared to the Mystery Masterpiece, a limited-edition pen designed by legendary pen designer Anita Tan.
Added to this 18K gold pen are three diamond-encrusted charms, making it a high-end, limited-edition pen.
Heaven Gold is more discreet than some of the other pens we reviewed, but it is still extremely rare and its high price is due mainly to the quality of the diamonds that were chosen.
07. Montblanc Mystery Masterpiece – $730,000
Manufacturer: Van Cleef & Arpels
Price: $730,000
Color: 24k white gold
Unique features: The unique white star logo on the tip of each piece and accessory ensures the Montblanc name is strongly identifiable
Made in country: Hamburg, Germany
Expensive cause: high-quality materials that go into each pen
As a famous luxury brand, Montblanc partnered with another well-known luxury brand, Van Cleef & Arpels, to celebrate its 100th anniversary. With its cigar-shaped pens and snowcapped mountain logo, the brand is instantly recognizable throughout the world. This collaboration involved nearly two years of meticulous work by jewellers, designers, and craftsmen, resulting in the aptly titled Mystery Masterpiece. An 18K gold nib, more than 800 diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds make up the body of the most expensive fountain pen in the world, which was introduced in 2007.
08. Caran d’Ache Gothica – $487,000
Manufacturer: Caran d’Ache
Price: $487,000
Color: rhodium-coated sterling silver body and cap and each surface displays a gothic window of rosette and fleurs-de-lis in luminous colours
Unique features: fleur-de-lis and rosettes, with 72 rubies and 72 emeralds used in the design. It also has almost 900 diamonds encrusted in the cap and the barrel
Made in country: Swiss
Expensive cause: perceived value
In Turkish, graphite is called kara tash, which is derived from the Russian word for pencil (karandash). In addition to this expertise, Caran d’Ache produces fine tools like its 1010, La Modernista Diamonds, and Gothica that are crafted with expert craftsmanship. The cap and barrel of the bottle are encrusted with nearly 900 diamonds. Featuring 72 rubies and 72 emeralds, the Gothica pays homage to Gothic architecture.
09. Montegrappa Dragon Bruce Lee Set – $290,000
Manufacturer: Montegrappa Bruce Lee
Price: $3,995.00
Color: red, white gold
Unique features: highlighted with flawless ruby eyes
Made in country: East Italy
Expensive cause: The materials used in a writing instrument’s construction are a major determinant of its value
Featuring 18-carat gold, white diamonds, and precious Celluloid, this piece is utterly breathtaking.
Fountain, ballpoint, and crystal pots of ink are included in the set, guarded by an intricate 18-carat gold dragon.
10. La Modernista Diamond Pen – $265,000
Manufacturer: Mont blanc and Van Cleef & Arpels
Price: $730,000
Color: white gold
Unique features: Each pen has 840 diamonds and more than 20 carats of gemstones set in a Van Cleef & Arpels patented “Mystery Setting” that conceals the stone settings
Made in country: Swiss
Expensive cause: 840 diamonds and more than 20 carats of gemstones
It was released in 2001 in limited quantities, with only eight units available. This pen is limited edition, like many of our entries. A stunning piece designed and manufactured by Swiss pen maker Caran d’Ache in honor of Antonio Gaudi, it’s now worth more than 25 million dollars.
Its value is largely attributed to its 3,000 diamond-encrusted platinum barrel. A retractable 18 karat gold nib is attached to the leather pen. The handmade nature of the pen also makes it a limited-edition item, further adding to its appeal.
11. Prince Rainier III Limited Edition 81 Pen – $256,000
Manufacturer: Montblanc
Price: $260,200
Color: 18k white gold
Unique features: made of 18k white gold and is designed in a manner that each unique precious stone incorporated into the pen’s body
Made in country:
Expensive cause: tribute from Montblanc to the late Prince Rainier III of Monaco, who died at the age of 81
Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, is honored with our next pen. Grace Kelly, who lived a fairytale life of bliss, was immortalized in this intricate fountain pen created by Montblanc after the prince passed away in 2005.
With 8 carats of diamonds and rubies set in a spiral Chevron pattern in solid 18K white gold, the Prince Rainier III Limited Edition 81 pen is made in a spiral shape. As an additional tribute to the prince, the nib is engraved with rubies. This iconic writing utensil was sold by Montblanc for $256,000 due to the fine materials and symbolism behind the design.
12. Limited Edition Boheme Papillion Pen by Montblanc – $198,000
Manufacturer: Montblanc
Price: $200,000
Color: white, yellow or rose gold
Unique features: 1,400 scintillating diamonds and sapphires
Made in country:
Expensive cause: 1,400 scintillating diamonds and sapphires
In the pen world, Montblanc’s Boheme Paillion pen is the second most expensive pen after Perrier-Jout’s Anniversary pen. A masterpiece of gold and gemstone encrusted with $198,000 gold and diamonds is a well-known Montblanc product, renowned for its excellent quality yet high price point.
More than 1,000 gemstones are adorned on the Limited Edition Boheme Papillion, many of them diamonds.
A variety of colors and themes are present in each of the six varieties. Considering that these pens are limited editions, they have a higher value due to their scarcity.
13. The Dunhill Namiki Maki-e Motorities Limited Edition – $180,000
Manufacturer: Japanese lacquer
Price: $180,000
Color: gold dust and mother-of-pearl Raden
Unique features: larger in size over the Yukari series, and higher in price due to their complexity
Made in country: Japan
Expensive cause: due to their complexity
Only 25 pieces of this pen have been made, making it a rare writing tool.
A Maki-e painting can be seen on the pen itself, which is considered one of the most important forms of ancient Japanese painting. Maki-e painting is an ancient art form that is becoming harder to find today, making the pen even more valuable.
14. Perrier-Jouët Anniversary Edition Pen by OMAS – $134,700
Manufacturer: Omas
Price: $134,700
Color: precious green, gold
Unique features: 18kt-gold, 1,000 piston filling Fountain Pens and 811 Roller Balls
Made in country: Italy
Expensive cause: 811 Roller Balls
A pen commemorating the 200th anniversary of the French champagne house, Perrier-Jout Anniversary Edition by OMAS, in tenth place. There was a retail price of $134,700 for this car when it was released in 2002. A finely engraved golden pen is surrounded by an extremely smooth resin material that is reminiscent of the bottle of champagne from Perrier-Jouet, which is a green color.
PJ engravings are featured on the pen’s nib and on the barrel, also commemorating Perrier-Jout’s early years. Along the barrel, you’ll also find detailed engravings of anemone flowers that capture the essence of the champagne house’s origin.
15. Samurai Prestige Lighter and Pen Set by S.T. Dupont – $66,000
Manufacturer: S.T. Dupont
Price: $66,000
Color: solid rose gold
Unique features: solid rose gold and hundreds of white diamonds, textured black leather and silk ribbon accents
Made in country:
Expensive cause: The meticulous details, craftsmanship, materials in every lighter, cases, cigar cutters and humidors are the definition of perfection and luxury
S.T. Dupont sold this pen and lighter set for $66,000. Although the lighter is most of its value, the pen does not go on sale separately, making it an excellent choice.
A small letter knife is sheathed in a scabbard to appear as part of the Samurai Prestige pen. There’s a miniature katana included with the pen, which stands on a stand. A small diamond runs along the barrel of the pen, which is made of rose gold.
16. Stones Fortune Butterfly Sapphires & Diamonds Fountain Pen – $65,000
Manufacturer: ST Dupont
Price: $65,000
Color: gold
Unique features: fully sapphire body with accents in diamonds
Made in country:
Expensive cause: diamonds
A stunning Butterfly pen from St. Dupont is our most expensive pen.
As a metaphor for transformation, this pen symbolizes the growth of a caterpillar into a butterfly, emerging from a cocoon, and revealing its true beauty.
Six diamonds, each measuring 1 millimeter in diameter, are set into the gold-plated bronze and 14k white gold pen.
It is one of the most exceptional pens in our store, consisting of Chalcedony and Tourmaline with 85 sapphires, plus a 14k solid white gold butterfly with a weight of 23.3 grams.
17. Game of Thrones Winter is Here Solid 18k Gold Fountain Pen – $63,000
Manufacturer: Montegrappa
Price: $63,000
Color: Solidyellow gold and ice-blue apatite 18k gold nib
Unique features: 18k gold nib, Solidyellow gold and ice-blue apatite
Made in country:
Expensive cause: rarely
A pen emblazoned with the Game of Thrones logo is a must-have for any Game of Thrones fan.
Several versions are available, including sterling silver and gold. This pen’s barrel is modeled in extreme detail after the Night King, while its cap represents Viserion with its tongue emerging from his mouth.
The gold pieces are limited in numbers, while the silver ones are available in greater quantities. The dragon breaths crystal blue flames on the base of the cap, which is surrounded by semi-precious stones that represent his eyes.
18. Visconti Ripple HRH Fountain Pen Limited Edition – $57,000
Manufacturer: Anderson Pens, Inc
Price: $57,000
Color: Gold, Black Resin
Unique features: gold and jewels
Made in country: Firenze, Italy
Expensive cause: Every single Visconti pen is made with the highest quality materials and cutting-edge technology
Its 18-carat white gold finish sparkles with diamonds, and the nib is 18-carat gold. It’s difficult to imagine a better fountain pen than the Ripple HRH Limited Edition Visconti Fountain Pen if you love gold. It is worth its weight in gold at $57,000 each, making the Ripple HRH Limited Edition Visconti Fountain pen one of the best available.
19. Alchemy HRH Fountain Pen by Visconti – $57,000
Manufacturer: The Alchemy HRH
Price: $57,000
Color: red, yellow,black,whitegold
Unique features: basaltic lava and resin
Made in country: Italy
Expensive cause: dual gold nibs and reservoirs
Red candy apple pens are adorned with gold and silver vermeil dragon ornamentations. Its distinctive gold nib and ink reservoir make it a distinctive fountain pen. Ordinary folk would need magic to afford the $57,000 Alchemy HRH Fountain Pen.
20. 18k Solid Gold Fountain Pen Set – $50,000
Manufacturer: Lanxivi
Price: $50,000
Color: gold, black, rose gold, white gold
Unique features: 18K solid gold.The barrel and cap are wrapped by 24KGP butterfly net
Made in country: Romanian
Expensive cause: gold
This is a grand and exceptional pen that is capable of creating a jet stream of writing in a variety of writing styles. The pen is constructed from solid 18K gold and has a shape that resembles jewelry. In addition, the metal plating has high thickness.
It is made from interweaving connections of gold using a technique called nano fusion, which produces semi-transparent tops. It is really a special collection because the nib sizes in each of the pens can be customized to fit different writing needs, so it is really a special set.
21. CREW 60TH White Gold Fountain Pens by Tibaldi – $43,000
Manufacturer: Tibaldi
Price: $43,000
Color: white gold
Unique features: Each features a nib of 18k gold
Made in country: Itali
Expensive cause: 18k gold
A collaboration between Bentley and Italian pens maker Tibaldi led to the creation of Bentley’s own handcrafted pens. A CREW 60TH pen, in 18-carat yellow gold with rhodium and ruthenium tips, matches the dashboard exactly. Tibaldi’s signature appears on the clip, which includes a knurled cap and barrel. The transparent window lets the writer know how much ink is left, and the price is $43,000. Limited edition white gold pens are also available to those with extra-expensive tastes.
22. Visconti Forbidden City HRH Limited Edition Fountain Pen – $42,000
Manufacturer: Forbidden City
Price: $42,000
Color: Black resin with Rose Gold Vermeil (Sterling Silver plated in Rose Gold) trims
Unique features: 18kt gold and diamonds
Made in country: Itali
Expensive cause: high-quality black acrylic resin, lost-wax casting technique are in 18kt gold
It features an innovative Power Filler filling system and is crafted from 18-carat gold and diamonds.
23. The Four Seasons Pen – $36,000
Manufacturer: The Four Seasons
Price: $36,000
Color: red, white,black
Unique features: gold
Made in country: canada
Expensive cause: limited, comfortable to hold, easy to write with, and highly attractive, with tasteful accents and a subtle sparkle on the barrel
It changes color to reflect the season by changing from green in spring to red in summer, brown in fall, and gray in winter. Only 33 Four Seasons Pens were produced. Each originally cost $36,000 to purchase. The price would be higher today, if you were to find one.
24. Grayson Tighe Titanium Limited Edition Fountain Pen – $24,000
Manufacturer: Grayson Tighe Titanium
Price: $24,000
Color: multi-toned Zirconium
Unique features: ib is hand made in Germany with 18K yellow Gold
Made in country:german
Expensive cause: specially designed Acanthus leaf, tipped with Iridium, and two toned with color
There are many reasons why people buy expensive pens, but they are not exclusively fountain pens. They prove that fountain pens aren’t the only items they craft. As part of the pen’s advanced refill system, it allows you to write for an entire year on a single refill. 18 carat yellow gold is used for the nib. Two Acanthus leaves with rhodium and iridium are adorning the nib. However, if you want one, you’ll have to write a fat check. The price ranges from $22,000 to $24,000 for this pen.
25. Caran d’Ache 1010 Fountain Pen – $19,000
Manufacturer: Caran d’Ache
Price: $19,000
Color: white gold
Unique features: guillochage, engraving, manual polishing, lacquering and PVD treatment
Made in country: geneva
Expensive cause: lightfastness rating
10 minutes after 10 o’clock is the inspiration for the name of this pen. Featuring the world-renowned Swiss watchmaking industry as inspiration, this limited edition pen embodies the Swiss watchmaking tradition. This wristwatch-like clip is crafted from rhodium-plated silver and is crafted from rhodium-plated silver. As well as ticking and turning watch gears on the barrel, this pen is studded with rubies and sapphires. It costs $19,000 to purchase.
26. OMAS Limited Edition Pens – $16,500
Manufacturer: Armando Simoni
Price: $16,500
Color: black, yellow, gold
Unique features: 18kt Black Ruthenium-plated nib
Made in country: China
Expensive cause: Ruthenium
The cap of these elegant fountain pens recreates Lysicrates’ monument and the barrel features a replica of the Laocoon sculpture. Genuine diamonds are included in this limited edition pen. The price tag for this limited edition pens? A staggering $16,500. A clever clip ties into the overall motif of the monument to create a cohesive look.
27. Titanic-DNA Fountain Pens by Romain Jerome – $5,000
Manufacturer: Romain Jerome
Price: $5,000
Color:
Unique features: the cap being shaped like the vent of an ocean liner
Made in country:
Expensive cause:
Yvan Arpa, Romain-Jerome CEO, and Jean-Pierre and Benjamin Lepine worked together on Titanic-DNA Fountain Pens. There are ten pens included with materials salvaged from Titanic, including palladium, brass, gold, and stainless steel from Harland and Wolff shipyards. One $5,000 bid was placed for a Titanic-DNA pen in a recent eBay auction.
28. David Oscarson Pens – $4,900
Manufacturer: David Oscarson
Price: $4,900
Color: multi color
Unique features:
Made in country: Stockholm, Sweden
Expensive cause:
There are three levels of guilloche and five hard enamel colors in each of these designer fountain pens, but the price tag does not sound playful, as the Pierrot White Fountain pen can run up to $4,900. A rhodium vermeil background is also attached to each pen.
29. La Dona Menagerie Fountain Pen – $4,000
Manufacturer: Menagerie Collection
Price: $4,000
Color: gold, white gold
Unique features:
Made in country:
Expensive cause: handcrafted writing instruments are part of the Cartier line, inspired by 1940s Mexican cinema star Maria Felix
Maria Felix’s 1940s Mexican cinema star inspired the creation of these handcrafted writing instruments, which are part of the Cartier collection. In response to Felix’s request for a gold crocodile necklace, Cartier developed a limited line of expensive pens featuring crocodile heads crafted from a similar pattern. Only 888 La Dona Menagerie Fountain pens were ever created, which means it was a fantastic deal at $4,000 when originally released.
30. S.T. Dupont Fifth Avenue Rollerball and Fountain Pens – $2,400
Manufacturer: S.T. Dupont Fifth Avenue
Price: $2,400
Color: gold
Unique features: steel or Tungsten carbide
Made in country:
Expensive cause: particles of carbon black, a pigment substance
A rollerball and fountain pen edition of the S.T. Dupont Globe Writing Instrument are available. There is a stunning globe design and a gold and silver overlay on the fountain pen edition.
Conclusion:
Each of these pens is truly unique, and most collectors dream of owning one-of-a-kind pens.
There are few luxury pens that have the same unique design as these, which explains why they are so expensive. A Truphae store might be able to provide you with your new favorite pen if you’d like to add some of the most expensive pens to your collection but don’t have millions to spend.