Dutch designer and technologist Rein van der Mast wanted to change luxury writing instruments are perceived, and came up with this one-of-a-kind fountain pen. Called Spica Virginis, after the brightest star in the constellation Virgo, this luxurious pen is a world first, crafted with the help of 3D printing technology, with intricate details made from 18k solid gold.
Resembling an ear of wheat, this spectacular creation has an “open frame”. This is only possible by constructing the pen using a 3D printer. Extra unique to the pen is the 3D nib, completely printed as well. The nib is printed in titanium with the slit included: it is the first time that a fountain pen nib is created in this way. 3D printing allows for the creation of very complex ink channels and can precisely affect the way the nib interacts with the paper. The pen case is extraordinary. Its structure is very complex and called a ‘lattice’, printed in nylon.
If you fancy titanium more than gold, since a lot lighter, with less than 1/3 of the density of gold, the Spica Virginis can be also ordered in a titanium plated version with a thick layer of 24K gold and a tiny amount of cobalt to stand the test of time even better.
Only 100 pieces of the pen will be manufactured. Each pen will have its serial number included in the 3D print of the barrel. The pen uses standard international cartridges or a converter.
The 18l yellow or white gold versions of the pen are priced at al €14,320, while a titanium version plated with a wear resistant layer of 24K gold will set you back as much as €4,960. The simple titanium version could be yours for just €2,490.