It is said that with a treasured fountain pen, the writer radiates style while practicing art. A pen in the hand becomes an extension of the body and soul - a script of innermost thoughts and passions. Fine handwriting with a fountain pen is a romantic link to our past that conveys a personal statement unmatched by today's sterile forms of communication. A fountain pen will stay, and forever remain, a pure means of self-expression.
Sadly, during the mid-twentieth century however, the high-tech revolution delivered a severe blow to the pen industry. People wrote less and less, diverting to personal computers as their main writing instruments. Giant brands like Parker, Waterman and Schaeffer suffered tremendous losses and were sold to big corporations like Gillette and BIC.
It was the fine craftsmen and managers of brands like Mont Blanc and Pelikan who realized that the only way to emerge from this crisis was to build an old concept and make it new. Their aim was to reclaim the pen as an eloquent means of self-expression, as well as an elegant and functional writing instrument.
In 1992, Mont Blanc created the first Limited Edition pen -- 'Lorenzo de Medici' -- and crafted 4810 pens in that series. These pens celebrated the height of the Mont Blanc Mountain of 4810 meters. The pens were an immediate success and were sold-out within a few months, at a retail price of 16 hundred US dollars. Today, collectors pay more than 10 thousand US dollars for each of these glorious pens!!
The success of the Mont Blanc pen and other specialty pens, motivated a trend in the manufacture and collection of pens as luxury items and symbols of significance. Sales of pens began to shift from the dusty shelves of stationary shops to the high-end watch and jewelry shops, and to specialized pen boutiques.
Since then, awareness about good quality fountain pens has risen. We don't tend to write often, but when we do, it is with desire for the affectionate touch of the pen. Our handwriting becomes nicer, the soft solid gold nib floats on the paper, nostalgia flourishes as the pen dips into the inkwell. The words begin to flow.........
The need of the sophisticated customer for distinctive pens, professional service, and great product knowledge has been answered by the opening of specialized pen boutiques all around the world.
Diamonds International Barbados has opened two specialized pen boutiques on the island -- One, in the Watch and Design Shop in Bridgetown -- the second in the new shop in Sunset Crest Mall, Holetown.
Here you can buy pens that emphasize artistic designs, unique materials, and incredible craftsmanship. Galleria cordially invites you to visit us and buy a pen that reflects your personality.
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