The Pen of the Year 2011 uses Russian jade. This emerald-colored nephrite is delicately mottled; its deep green exhibits some appealing shadings. The jade is found in Siberia, but the exact location has always been one of the dealers’ best-kept secrets. Even today, the hunt for jade is something of an adventure.

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 jewelers can achieve that. None but a genuine artist can master the cuts typical of jade. Piece by piece, he chisels out a masterpiece in stone. A platinum-plated frame encases the individual pieces of jade, making the pen a special piece of jewelery. The elaborate faceting of the stones on the barrel and cap is the crowning glory of the Pen of the Year. Immaculately faceted and polished, the jade is given its final and perfect form by a master craftsman of the Stephan gemstone laboratory. He is backed up by the long tradition of the Idar Oberstein workshops, that were set up in the 15th century and now enjoy a world-wide reputation.

The pens and pencils in the Graf Von Faber Castell Collection are distinguished by a high degree of craftsmanship. Since 2003 each Pen of the Year edition has re-emphasized that claim to quality. These pens are limited editions and represent elaborate settings of exclusive natural materials such as mammoth ivory, amber, or woven horsehair.

Barrel: Jade

Cap: platinum-plated with solid spring-loaded clip, rew thread

End piece: platinum-plated

Nib: 18-carat bicolour gold, widths: F (fine), M (medium), B (broad)

Filling mechanism: plunger

Weight: 80 grams approx.

Overall length: 137mm

Numbering: Each pen bears an individual sequence number on the little metal plate under the end cap.

Production: 1.761 pieces (limited edition)