FABER CASTELL PEN OF THE YEAR 2007 : CONCEPT :PETRIFIED WOOD: Millions of years of crystallisation Process.... What is Petrified Wood?...Click here to find out

The "Pen of the Year 2007" is a writing implement and piece of jewellery in one. The platinised frame encases each and every one of the eight stones and shows off its unmistakable brilliance to best effect. Thanks to the virtuoso precision cut, not the slightest unevenness can be detected at the transitions between the metal and the stones. It is fascinating to see and feel such an exciting combination of two so different materials.

The crowning glory of it all is a little plate at the end cap which is made of petrified wood: Facetted with great precision like a diamond and polished to a gleaming finish, it shows the strength and elegance of the chosen material. On the inside, the masterpiece carries the logo of the Herbert Stephan gemstone manufactury – the symbol of a diamond with the initials HS. This attests the genuineness of the fossil material.

The 18-carat bicoloured gold nib is ‘run in’ by hand and available in the widths F, M und B. The solid metal spring-loaded clip ensures that the pen sits firmly in a breast pocket. The platinum-plated end cap operates the plunger mechanism for filling.

The elaborate craftsmanship and the individual colouring of the barrel make each and every ‘Pen of the Year 2007’ a unique work of art. Each ‘Pen of the Year’ edition embraces a magnum format fountain pen and is only manufactured for a period of twelve months. Each pen is individually numbered and comes in a unique wooden case with a brochure as well as a limited edition certificate. This certificate bears the personal signature of Andreas Crummenauer, the master craftsman of the Herbert Stephan gemstone manufactury and attests both the quality of the genuine petrified wood and that the pen is of a limited edition.

ADDITIONAL FEATURE: MAKING OF THE FABER CASTELL PEN OF THE YEAR 2007

Gem cutters transform petrified wood into jewels

Fascination with wood - the core theme of the Graf von Faber-Castell Collection. For the purpose of this range, only the most precious and exotic timbers are being used: This Classic Collection embraces pernambuco wood usually used by violin makers, dark brown grenadilla wood or dark black ebony. Cedar and alder wood accentuate the precious lead pencils and desktop accessories of the Graf von Faber-Castell Collection. In addition, the extremely rare snakewood with its typical wavy grain coloration succeeded in conquering the hearts of the connoisseurs of superior writing implements: as magnum barrel of the first plunger fountain pen of the year, the 'Pen of the Year 2003".

Now the admiration for this living material reaches its climax: Subsequent to a costly and time-intensive finishing process which requires a great deal of craftsmanship, the primeval fossil is used for making the barrel of the “Pen of the Year 2007“.

Petrified wood has formed over a period of up to 360 million years by being subject to a permanent crystallisation process during which the wood has undergone a unique metamorphosis while being buried in water and mud with volcanic ash. Minerals, metals, lime or phosphorous from the mighty sedimentary layers have dissolved and gone down into the fallen trees. Gradually they have replaced the wood, while retaining part of its organic structures. In the presence of silicic acid, petrified wood may transform into a precursor of semi-precious gems such as chalcedony and agate.

All Brazilian hardwood species meet the high quality standards applicable to any wood used for manufacturing the barrel of the „Pen of the Year 2007“. Select stocks of this fossilised wood are of a very rare dark colour and hard enough to give a top-quality gemstone finish. Their individual hues vary from shades of light brown via elegant anthracite grey to deep black where the grain is almost invisible. The stones’ intense but discrete sparkle never ceases to impress.

It requires the sensitive touch of an experienced cutter to ensure that the unique nuances of the stone come to the fore, all the way from the rough cut to the final polish.

The Herbert Stephan gemstone manufactury is predestined for this demanding task. It carries on the great tradition of the Idar Oberstein gemstone workshops, founded in the 15th century and of world renown.