Crystal Collection
Crystal Collection
The world’s first Crystal Fountain Pen is the third in a series of Limited Edition writing instruments in the David OscarsonTM Collection. Produced in four color variations, each will be limited to production of 128 pieces (100 fountain / 28 roller ball).
The Crystal Collection continues in the spirit of artistic mastery and the tradition of Old World craftsmanship by incorporating Full Lead English Crystal from the country’s only remaining working Brick Cone. Established in 1788, this circular structure houses multiple furnaces where over the years some of the world’s finest crystal has been created. Each Collection piece of fine crystal is blown, cut, ground and polished - entirely by hand - to exact design specifications. A marriage of skill and creativity is then achieved by combining the centuries-old technique of Guilloché with the art and expertise of Hard Enamel.
Guilloché
Hand-crafted from 18-karat gold and .925 Sterling Silver, each precious metal component passes through multiple stages of precision engraving, creating an intricate pattern known as guilloché; a painstaking process which brings life and light to the surface of precious metals.
The “Reed and Pellet” design of the Crystal Collection requires two separate levels of engraving; the first forms a pinstriped background which is then interrupted by a second level of circular and floral accents.
Hard Enamel
Using a mortar and pestle, a composition of glass, water and metal oxides is ground for hours by hand. When settled, the water is removed, leaving the fine paste that is the basis for hard enamel. A quill is then used to apply each coat of the mixture to the surface of the metal, ensuring that the entire guilloché area is completely covered in enamel. The components are then fired in a furnace at temperatures exceeding 1,000° F, fusing the enamel to the metal and forming a layer of glass.
After cooling, the pieces are manually ground with a diamond file, restoring their proper shape and surface. This tedious process is repeated at length until the level of enamel reaches the depth required to cover the peaks and fill the valleys of each intricate guilloché pattern. When the final stages of firing are completed, the pieces are polished and buffed, revealing the velvet finish of translucent hard enamel.
Production of translucent hard enamel demands the highest levels of patience, experience and skill. A five-year apprenticeship is required to ensure that the highest levels of quality will be met in each individual Collection piece.
Filling System
The Crystal Collection’s unique filling system accommodates a cartridge, converter or roller ball refill, all of which can be masked by a Sterling Silver sleeve provided in the packaging. The Crystal Pen shows the best, however when filled traditionally and as originally designed - with the eyedropper (also included). The entire crystal chamber fills with ink, which can then be seen from the outside. A series of seals and “O” rings prevents the ink from leaving the chamber at any point.
Engineered in Heidelberg, Germany, the 18-karat gold nib is unsurpassed in quality and form. Coupled with an ebonite feeder, each nib is plated with rhodium and tipped with iridium to ensure durability in fine, medium and broad sizes.
The pens, jewelry and objets in The David Oscarson Collection are produced using the finest of materials, talents and techniques. Countless hours are dedicated to the creation of each unique design.
The Crystal Collection will be produced in 4 color variations:
Translucent Blue Enamel with Rhodium Vermeil
Translucent Green Enamel with 18-kt. Yellow Gold Vermeil
Translucent Lavender Enamel with 18-kt. Yellow Gold Vermeil
Translucent Yellow Enamel with Rhodium Vermeil
