Fine Writing - Stylus Magazine

specifications, resulting in a
remarkable technical feat.
Hand-crafted from 18karat
gold and sterling silver,
each precious metal component
passes through stages of
precision engraving, creating
an intricate pattern known as
guilloche, a painstaking process
which brings life and light to
the surface of precious metals.
The “reed and pellet” design
of the Crystal Collection
requires two separate levels of
engraving; the first forms a pinstriped
background that is then
interrupted by a second level of
circular and floral accents.
Translucent hard enamel is
ground by hand and applied
with a quill to the guilloche
surface of the silver. Each piece
is then fired in a furnace at
temperatures exceeding 1,000
degrees Farenheit, where the
enamel is fused to the silver
and formed into glass.
The glowing pieces are
removed and cooled, then
ground with a diamond file
to restore their original shape
and surface.
The final stage of firing
requires no grinding, filing
or polishing. The result is a
perfect finish
of translucent
glass enamel.
Engineered
in Heidelberg,
Germany, the
18-karat gold nib
is unsurpassed in both quality
and form. Coupled with
an ebonite feeder, each nib
is rhodium-plated and tipped
with iridium to ensure durability
in fine, medium and
broad sizes.
With his ever-expanding
collection, which ranges from
$3,700 to $4,200, Oscarson
hopes to revive the elegant art
of writing. “These pieces are
for people who want the very
best—something that can be
passed on to future generations.”
For those writing instrument
enthusiasts who will settle for
nothing but the best, David
Oscarson produces three
exclusive pieces from each edition
crafted in solid gold and
pavéd with diamonds. These
special-order pieces do not
come cheap; they carry a price
tag of $42,000.
As beautiful as they are,
Oscarson’s pens are more than
just a work of art to be
admired. “It breaks my
heart to know that
some of my pens are
not being used,” says
Oscarson. “All of my
products come with
a lifetime warranty;
all I ask is that if a pen
should break, the customer or
authorized retailer will return
it to me. I will repair or replace
it at no cost.”
In addition to fine writing
instruments, the David
Oscarson Collection includes
cuff links, shirt studs and golf
ball markers (all coordinating
with the pens), jewelry and
other luxury items, including
photo frames, paper knives
and even a contact lens case.
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s t y lu s OCTOBEr/nOvEMBEr 2003 79