Sure, it’s time-efficient and practical to text and type emails, but there is something incredibly personal in writing someone a note or a card for a special occasion. And if you are the type of person who likes to keep a journal, then writing is a daily occurrence for you.
A beautiful pen, hand-crafted with the finest materials, definitely adds to the pleasure of handwriting, and, thankfully, there are heritage companies such as Montblanc and Graf von Fabel-Castell that bring centuries-worth of expertise and craftsmanship to producing writing instruments.
If you are an old soul, opt for a classic fountain pen with a luxury upgrade—a gold-plated nib. Similar to fountain pens, rollerball pens use water-based ink, which is not as thick and sticky as oil-based ink. Some companies produce limited edition pens that are like works of art—they feature gold and silver-plated cases, delicate engravings, and even Swarovski crystals.
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Here, we rounded up the best fountain, ballpoint, and rollerball pens that will make writing and signing your name a luxury experience.
Montblanc Meisterstück Classique Platinum-plated and Resin Fountain Pen
This stylish fountain pen is definitely living up to its name, Masterpiece. It’s handmade in Germany from black resin and features a gold-plated nib as well as the company’s signature emblem—a white star.
To buy: $605, mrporter.com
Caran d’Ache Ecridor Retro Palladium-coated Fountain Pen
This Swiss-made fountain pen dons a vintage-inspired palladium-coated case engraved with intersecting lines called “lozenge guilloche”, a pattern first used by the company back in 1947.
To buy: $270, mrporter.com
Montblanc Heritage Collection Rouge et Noir Special Edition Coral Rollerball Pen
This beautiful coral-hued pen is actually an updated version of Montblanc’s original model, created over a hundred years ago. The modern version is slimmer and has a handcrafted snake-shaped clip.
To buy: $595, nordstrom.com
Dunhill Sentryman Modernist Ballpoint Pen
Dunhill’s ballpoint pen features a shiny palladium and brass case engraved with geometric shapes inspired by the company’s Rollagas lighter.
To buy: $750, nordstrom.com
Smythson Viceroy Rollerball Pen
The classic silver case with vertical engravings makes this English-made pen the perfect gift for both men and women.
To buy: $725, smythson.com
Peerless 125 23KT Gold Plated Ballpoint Pen
Make writing a more pleasurable experience with this gold-plated wide-bodied pen that features a brilliant-cutSwarovskii crystal at the top.
To buy: $330, cross.com
Christys’ Conway Stewart Churchill Rollerball Pen
The bold red coating of this sophisticated rollerball pen is complemented by elegant gold detailing in honor of the brand’s long-established heritage.
To buy: $790, libertylondon.com
Graf von Fabel-Castell Samurai Black Edition Fountain Pen
Japan’s greatest samurai, Miyamoto Musashi, has inspired the design behind Graf von Fabel-Castell’s limited edition 2019 Pen of the Year. Crafted from black lacquered metal, the barrel features a geometric pattern with 24- carat gold plating. The cap sports an engraved quote by Musashi (“Cultivate both—your spirit and wisdom”) and a wave-like pattern.
To buy: $5,400, graf-von-faber-castell.us
Montegrappa Fortuna Mosaico Pen
Mosaic fragments inspire the design for the resin and steel case of the Fortuna Mosaico pen. It comes in three patterns—the multicolored Moscow; the red, green, and navy Aurora Borealis, and Marrakech in shades of blue.
To buy: $181, montegrappa.com
