After volcanic eruptions had buried the vegetation under a hail of hot ashes, or it had become flooded and covered in thick layers of sediment, a unique metamorphosis took place in the wood that was thus encased. In the course of a crystallization process that can take up to 360 million years, lime, phosphates, and other mineral salts penetrate the wood from the surrounding strata. They gradually replace the wood, but – fascinatingly – some of the natural structures remain. In a silica-rich environment, the petrified wood can develop into a preliminary stage of the semi-precious stones chalcedony and agate. The Pen of the Year 2007 shows up the aesthetic qualities of this gemstone in a unique way.
Petrified wood as the material for a fountain pen is an unusual twist to the use of valuable woods in the Graf von Faber-Castell Collection and it requires pieces of unusual quality. The only ones that fulfil the requirements are deciduous wood from Brazil. Select stocks of this petrified wood are hard enough to give a top-quality gemstone finish. The individual hues vary from shades of light brown via elegant anthracite grey to deep black where the grain is almost invisible.
The greatest challenge in producing this Pen of the Year was shaping the stones precisely to the ideal form for the purpose. This can be achieved only by precision cuts. It requires the sensitive touch of an experienced cutter to ensure that the unique nuances of the stone come to the fore, all the way from the rough cut to the final polish. The Herbert Stephan gemstone manufactury is predestined for this demanding task. It carries on the great tradition of the Idar Oberstein gemstone workshops, founded in the 15th century and of world renown. The little plate at the end cap of the barrel is the crowning glory of this masterpiece, with an artistic gemstone cute. Facetted with great precision, polished to a gleaming finish and with the logo of the Herbert Stephan gemstone manufactury on the inside: this represents the craftsman’s art in it highest form.
Each pen is individually numbered and comes in a unique wooden case with a beautiful brochure and a certificate. This bears the personal signature of Andreas Crummenauer, the master craftsman of the Herbert Stephan gemstone manufactury, attesting both the quality of the genuine petrified wood and that the pen is one of a limited edition.
Fountain Pen - Limited to 2,000 pieces.
*The 2007 Pen of the Year is no longer available.
