A pen is a pen is a pen. But looking at the panoply of luxury pens, it crosses the mind that it may not be so. A really luxe pen could do with a grander name. Writing equipment sounds too staid for such delectable luxury. Not surprisingly, connoisseurs and collectors wait diligently for the newest arrivals in the market. Brace yourself for a glimpse of what is available in this elite market of luxury pens. Get one of them and you will not have a single excuse not to write.

Limited editions: The 'have arrived' class of the luxury pens, limited edition pens are a numbered few. Each edition has just a precise number of pens and every pen is numbered. Here are some standouts that will leave your pocket yearning for one:

Stars of Egypt from Sheaffer: As exclusive as real luxury ought to be, there are only 30 pens in this series. Made of 18k gold, this pen has a 0.25 ct brilliant cut diamond on the cap replacing the trademark white dot of Sheaffer. This sparkling diamond represents Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. The barrel has intricate engravings with blue accents. An accompanying booklet explains the inexorable link between Egyptian mythologies and stars.

Price: Rs 9,50,000. Number: 30.

"Susutake Maki-e" Limited edition from Sailor: Handcrafted from smoked bamboo with accents of solid gold and Mother of Pearl, these pens are decorated with Japanese Maki-e designs. Maki-e is a distinctive decorative technique of lacquer art specialised by Japanese artisans way back in the sixth century. The nib is of 21k gold, a Sailor's niche, giving a truly luxurious writing experience. This 'Cross Emperor' nib allows you to write in all directions and widths. Simply reverse the pen nib for fine writing. In short, this pen is good news for those who hold the pen differently.

Price: Rs 1,50, 000. Number: 50 pens.

The Da Vinci Limited edition from Aurora: Call it a dedication to the great Leonardo Da Vinci or just drool over it, the Da Vinci limited edition pens are from the traditional makers of pens Aurora from Turin, Italy. Available in gold and burgundy combination or as an all gold affair, engravings on the pen are about the flight of birds as written by the maestro. Watch out for the pen's clip which is designed to mirror the mechanics of a bird's wing. The pen features an 18k gold nib and a joint mechanism with internal lever refill. Rollers (499) are also available in this edition.

Price: Rs 71,150. Number: 1919 fountain pens.

Roaring 20s from Sheaffer: As the name suggests, this edition evokes the hallmarks of the twenties making it a 'must have' for the nostalgic collector. Made of sterling silver with patterns on the cap and the barrel, the fountain pen comes with a lifetime warranty. The nib is 18k gold. An aside on the Sheaffer nibs: they are inlaid into the barrel of the pen with a patented technology.

Price: Rs 42,000.             Number: 696 pens.

Other limited editions that you will want to see: Aurora's Nobile Limited edition (Rs. 47, 125, 999 fountain pens), Sailor's The Creatures of the Deep (Rs. 41,950, 88 fountain pens) and Mont Blanc's Alexander Von Humboldt - Patron of art series (Price on request, 4810 fountain pens).

Special editions: These editions go on a limited production for a certain period of time. The pens are not numbered but you may not see its kind after the production stops unless it crops up with dealers or on the internet. Here are some special edition pens that are worth every rupee spent:

Montblanc Historicals Anniversary edition: Part of the anniversary edition series commemorating a century of luxury, the black precious resin pen has gold fittings and Montblanc mountain engraving on the cap. This pen exudes subtle luxury that befits its vintage demeanour.

Price on request.

Apart from the editions and series, luxury pen brands reinvent constantly and innovatively. What else can explain the brand that actually celebrates the old whimsical way of writing with a quill? Rubinato from Italy make pens that imitate the old-fashioned quills. And you actually need to dip the fountain pen in ink before writing. With eye catching quills (eagle, ostrich, pheasant and peacock), these pens are dainty and gracious enough to let the quill hog the show. Also available are ball pens that seem like an extension of the quill. The prices are affordable enough for luxury of this kind.

Talking of affordability and luxury, there are some pens that combine the two and then add in some technology for good measure. The technology is high end with none other than NASA having used these pens. Well, Fisher pens are said to write on earth and beyond. With exciting names like Bullet, Astronaut and Space pens, they rule the roost in this category. The Space pen has a pressurised ink cartridge that feeds the ink to a specially developed ball. Even the ink is specially made. What can we say to such technology except that do not forget to take this pen with you when you are in a space station or underwater or on any planet (with temperatures from -300 F to + 2500 F) or are just upside down. You never know when the writing urge hits you.

And then, there are pens for every occasion, every theme and every period. Again, these pens are affordable enough to please your special ones.

For a complete spectrum of brands associated with luxury pens, take a look at William Penn's collection.
Price      courtesy: William Penn