Graf von Faber-Castell Pen of The Year 2014 Platinum Caneta de Tinta Permanente

After its painstaking restoration, the Agate Pavilion, which is part of the world-famous Catherine Palace in St. Petersburg, is finally revealed in all of its splendour and multi-faceted beauty. Its architecture and materials were the inspiration for the limited edition "Pen of the Year 2014" by Graf von Faber-Castell.

This magnificent building in the style of a Roman bathhouse was built by Scottish architect Charles Cameron by order of Empress Catherine the Great and completed in 1785. The Agate Rooms, which are masterly decorated with precious stones, is housed on the upper floor. These state apartments are covered with dark-red jasper, which can only be found in Russia. Its white flecks are also known as "blood agate" which is why the entire building complex is called the "Agate Rooms".

Under the direction of master craftsman Boris Igdalov, the workshop of Zarskoje Selo/Puschkin was able to complete the feat of restoring the Agate Pavilions in September 2013. Igdalov was personally involved in the creation of this year's Pen of the Year in that he expertly created an Œuvre by hand in two different, exclusive versions: Both fountain pens have red-brown, lustrous jasper in common. In order to impart the colour and character of the stone, the filigree detail is cut in the finest plates and meticulously ground. Multiple polishing reveals the desired light nuances and its noble surface gloss.

Three large, mottled jasper pieces are embedded in the lavishly embellished platinum-plated barrel. The cap of the fountain pen is adorned with a grey, shimmering, Russian quartz with a facet finish. The number of available pens is limited to 1000.

Inscribed by hand, the 18 carat gold nib is available in several sizes. A platinum-coated end-cap protects the rotary knob of the plunger mechanism. The individually-numbered fountain pens are kept in an exclusive, deep-black wooden case that can be used as a collector's case since it has space for six additional pens. It includes a certificate personally signed by Boris Igdalov attesting to the authenticity of the Russian gemstones.

In 1761, Kaspar Faber started to produce pencils in Stein, near Nuremberg. When the fourth generation,Baron Lothar von Faber, took over the company in 1839 he turned the pencil into a true quality product and the world's first branded writing instrument. Over the centuries, he and his descendants created remarkable products. The result is the Graf von Faber-Castell Collection, a range of extraordinary writing instruments and accessories. They embody "Luxury in Simplicity" by combining selected materials, functionality and superb aesthetics.

To ensure this exclusive writing instrument gives you many years of writing pleasure, Graf von Faber-Castell is pleased to offer a complimentary annual service having your Pen of the Year checked, cleaned and maintained through their specialists. You are eligible for this service after registration of your Graf von Faber-Castell Pen of the Year on their web site (www.graf-von-faber-castell.com).