The World’s Most Exquisite and Expensive Pens

The World’s Most Exquisite and Expensive Pens

There’s something irresistibly alluring about exquisite, eye-wateringly expensive pens – the kind most of us will never own but can happily daydream about. These aren’t just tools for jotting down grocery lists; they’re objets d’art, equal parts craftsmanship and status symbol. Whether it’s the shimmer of rare materials or the meticulous engineering of a perfectly balanced nib, these pens embody a kind of elegance that makes us wonder: do exquisite writing instruments lead to better writing? Or should we even care – what’s wrong with lusting after pens that are more priceless than practical and more bling than ballad stanza? Here’s Scribble Riddler’s list of exorbitantly exuberant, exquisite and ultimately expensive pens.

 

Montblanc Great Characters John F. Kennedy Limited Edition 1917 Fountain Pen

Only 83 of these were made, with a black precious lacquer barrel and cap accented by gold-plated trim. The clip is engraved with JFK’s initials and set with two white diamonds, while three cap rings symbolize his three brothers. A moon lander engraving decorates the handcrafted 750 gold medium nib, plated in rhodium. The pen uses a piston filling system and comes in special presentation packaging, created to honor Kennedy’s life and achievements. Channel individual liberty, self-reliance and the rule of law through this classic fountain pen.

 

Visconti Nikola Tesla Fountain Pen

Only 88 of these fountain pens exist, and it’s a stunner. The fluorescent blue resin body wraps around rose gold-plated brass coils, topped with a toroid cap and clear acrylic disc. Set it in its Tesla tower-inspired stand, switch on the light, and the lightning patterns come alive. The 18kt rose gold-plated nib comes in six sizes, filled with the Visconti Power Filler system. A screw-lock cap and solid brass trims finish the look with precision. A truly exquisite pen!

 

Montegrappa My Guardian Angel Silver Medium Point Fountain Pen

This sterling silver fountain pen blends sky-blue enamel and turquoise accents with a cloud-toned celluloid cap and barrel. Low-relief engravings show an angel with sword and shield, and the clip takes the form of angel wings. A blue dome with a sunray inlay crowns the cap. Designed as a symbolic talisman, it reflects Montegrappa’s fine craftsmanship. The medium nib delivers a 0.5 mm line, and the snap closure keeps it secure. Part of a themed limited series, it’s presented in matching packaging. A pen for life and a pen to watch over your words.

 

Caran d’Ache Year of the Tiger Fountain Pen Limited Edition

Only 888 of these exist, each with a black Chinese lacquered brass body wrapped in an orange tiger design. Gold-plated trims, clip, and button sharpen the look, while an 18kt yellow gold nib comes in your choice of sizes. It’s fitted with a piston pump and two blue cartridges for easy refills. Every cap is individually numbered, finished with a red Caran d’Ache seal, and packaged in a lacquered wooden box with a clever holder for one or two pens. A cultured and beautiful pen.

 

Montblanc Starwalker Resin Line – Blue Cap Ballpoint

This ballpoint pen pairs a black precious resin barrel with platinum-coated fittings and Montblanc’s StarWalker emblem – a translucent blue dome beneath the floating snowcap. The design echoes the view of Earth from the lunar horizon. A twist mechanism extends the refill, which can be swapped for any Montblanc ballpoint refill. The cap’s arched clip is engraved with “Montblanc,” and the size sits between the Classique and 146 models, giving it a sleek, modern presence in the brand’s lineup. It’s a stunning ballpoint pen for gifting.

 

Visconti Checkmate Limited Edition Fountain Pen Medium

Just 88 of these exist, each carrying a three-dimensional chessboard in aged bronze and enamel. Magnetic squares snap perfectly into place, and the tiny magnetic chess pieces aren’t just decorative – you can actually play a game. The barrel is engraved A – H for grid reference, and the 18kt gold nib runs on a double reservoir power filler. It comes in a wooden chessboard case with 32 bronze and silver-toned pieces, plus compartments and a stand so the pen can join the match in style. Resign yourself to this pen of dreams!

 

Cross Century II Cherry Blossom Translucent Blue Lacquer with Polished Rose Gold PVD Appointments Rollerball Pen

This Century II model features a translucent blue lacquer finish with 360-degree pink enamel cherry blossom engraving and polished rose gold PVD appointments. Designed with a wider girth than the Classic Century, it is precision-balanced for comfortable writing. The cap posts on the barrel, and the pen uses Cross rollerball refills. Supplied in a luxury gift box, it carries Cross’s lifetime mechanical warranty, combining decorative detailing with functional craftsmanship. Practical and gorgeous, this pen would make an unforgettable gift.

 

Pelikan Souveran M1000 Fountain Pen Limited Edition Raden Black Infinity

Only 400 of these pens exist, built on Pelikan’s largest Souverän chassis and finished in Japan with the Raden technique. Hand-cut green abalone rectangles shimmer over black urushi lacquer, dusted with sterling silver powder for a quiet sparkle. Each piece is signed and numbered in Maki-e. It carries an 18kt bi-color gold medium nib, a piston filling system, and gold-plated trim, and arrives in a Paulownia wood gift box with a traditional presentation that feels every bit as refined as the pen itself. It’s unforgettable craftsmanship.

 

Parker Sonnet Fountain Pen Red Lacquer with Gold Trim

This fountain pen sports a rich red lacquer finish with 23k gold-plated trim and Parker’s signature arrow clip. It’s fitted with a gold-plated stainless steel medium nib and comes with two black ink cartridges plus a converter for bottled ink. The snap-on cap posts securely, and the pen measures 133 mm closed, 145 mm posted, and weighs 27 g. Presented in a Parker gift box, it includes a two-year manufacturer warranty. It’s an ideal high school or college graduation commemorative gift.

 

Visconti Looking East Fountain Pen 18k Medium Nib

Only 188 of these were made, each with a rose gold vermeil filigree in a repeating square pattern over deep blue resin. The design starts as a hollowed silver cylinder, engraved, then coated in gold. Inside, Visconti’s double reservoir power filler pairs with an 18kt gold nib in your choice of sizes. A threaded cap keeps the metal body secure. Presented in a limited edition box, it’s part of a collection inspired by the symmetry and elegance of traditional Asian architecture. A delicious pen that exudes decadence and style.

 

Lanier Majestic Fountain Pen

This limited edition pen has a non-postable design with black titanium-plated components and a Swarovski clear crystal set into the clip. The body combines Beeswing Narra, Pyinma, and Blue Box Elder, accented with Paua abalone inlays and finished in a high-gloss polish. Custom-cast 3D rings and bands add detail, while a Schmidt German-made rhodium-plated medium nib with an iridium point delivers a smooth line. Each is individually handcrafted, presented in a premium Lanier display box, and no two are exactly alike. A delicious pen.

 

Caran d’Ache Varius Rainbow Fountain Pen

This Swiss-made fountain pen pairs a polished silver-plated barrel with rhodium-plated trim and a screw-on cap accented by a rainbow band at its base. It’s fitted with an 18kt rhodium-plated gold nib in your choice of sizes and can be filled with cartridges or the included converter. Measuring 136.3 mm capped, 123.9 mm uncapped, and 167.6 mm posted, it comes in a luxury gift box with two Chromatics Idyllic Blue cartridges and is backed by a lifetime mechanical guarantee. With this pen, your writing will literally sparkle.

 

Caran d’Ache Ecridor Ballpoint Pen

This instantly recognizable ballpoint pen has a hexagonal silver-plated, palladium-coated barrel with a detailed guilloche pattern. Its slim 1 cm profile and balanced weight make it comfortable in hand, while the Caran d’Ache Goliath medium refill delivers smooth, consistent ink flow. The quiet push-button mechanism feels precise, and the brand name is neatly etched on the knock. With its crisp lines and durable build, the Ecridor pairs distinctive style with the precision craftsmanship and design heritage Caran d’Ache is known for. It’s the perfect gift for romantic gestures or key life achievements.

 

Conklin Endura Deco Crest Fountain Pen Black

This pen pairs hand-turned black resin with a polished chrome overlay in a Deco-inspired pattern. It has a screw-cap design and takes standard international cartridges or the included converter. Fitted with a JoWo #6 stainless steel nib with an iridium tip in multiple sizes, it measures 5.34 in capped and 6.5 in posted, with a threaded post option. The look nods to Conklin’s early 20th-century Endura and Deco Crest models, giving it a touch of vintage flair without feeling dated. A timeless masterpiece.

 

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Read more about exquisite, expensive and famous pens

• Time Magazine has this fascinating long read exploring the history of fountain pens from Babylonian times to the present day.
• Did you know that Daniel Parker, the US founder of Parker Pens, started out as a teacher? Despairing at the poor quality of pens in the 1880s, he invented his own. The rest is history … and a lot of ink.
• Don’t throw it out! Before you throw a yard sale, check out any old pens you might have in closets, attics, under floorboards or lurking in strange basements. This article explores what to look for and what they might be worth.
• The most expensive pens in history – This AOL article digs deep and discusses which pens went for the most. Whoever thought writing could be so expensive?
• Where do pen lovers flock to? According to The New York Times, it’s the London Pen Show where collectors and purveyors of fine writing instruments congregate each year to swoon, lust and haggle over pens of the very highest quality.

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