The pen is a trivial word for this piece of art. Montblanc International and Van Cleef & Arpels have joined hands to create this “Mystery Masterpiece”. German supermodel Franziska Knuppe did the honors of unveiling this “writing instrument”. Both companies celebrated their centennials in 2006 and the pen is meant to showcase each company’s area of expertise. There are three variations, set either with rubies, sapphires, or emeralds and accented by diamonds. However, only nine of them will be available. Each pen has 840 diamonds and over 20 carats of gemstones set in a Van Cleef & Arpels patented “Mystery Setting” that conceals the stone settings. A grove is made on the cutlet, the bottom facet of the stone, which is then slid onto the threads of the lattice design so that the stones can be held in place side by side without any visible support. The Mystery sells for $730,000, making it the most expensive writing instrument ever created. Exclusive video after the jump…..
Truly a masterpiece of the jeweler’s art, this mixture of creativity, design and craftsmanship is apt for an Emperor to put down his signature to execute the royal powers.
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