best luxury pens

22 Best Luxury Pens. The Ultimate Guide.

If you’re looking for a quality writing experience, you’ll want to check out the best luxury pens on the market. From Montblanc to Parker, we’ve rounded up the best of the best to help you find the perfect pen for your needs.

The average reading time is 23 minutes. The article was last updated on 7/9/2023.

When it comes to luxury pens, there is no one-size-fits-all. What works for one person may not work for another. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best luxury pens on the market to help you find the perfect one for your needs.

We’ve got something for everyone, from the budget-conscious to the discerning collector. So whether you’re looking for a gift for a special occasion or just treating yourself, we’ve got you.

Our article in numbers

Why the Best Luxury Pens Are Worth the Investment

Best luxury pens are not just Status symbols. They are finely crafted writing instruments that can last a lifetime. They will only get better with age if you take care of them.

Here are four reasons why the best luxury pens are worth the investment:

  1. They are made with high-quality materials and can be used for decades.

2. They offer a superior writing experience. You do not want to return to a simple pen if you use them once.

3. They are built to last, so you spend less in the long run, refill them with ink

4. They are collectible. Some unique and limited edition pens can be sold if they are in good condition.

The best luxury pens for writing

There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing a luxury pen, from the type of nib to the material it’s made from. But if you’re looking for a pen that’s simply beautiful to write with, here are our top picks.

Cross Townsend
The Cross Townsend is a classic fountain pen manufactured in 1930. It has a timeless design that’s perfect for those who prefer a more traditional look. The gold-plated trim and engraved cap give it a luxurious feel, while the 18-karat gold nib ensures a smooth writing experience.

best luxury pens

Pros

  • Townsend is the pen of choice of several American Presidents
  • Lifetime mechanical guarantee
  • Ten different options for design/color/quality
  • Prices can vary from $200 to $500

Cons

  • Stock is available only for the above item (in the official shop). You need to search the market for other variants.
  • No engraving option
5 rating
Cross Century II Lustrous Chrome Fountain Pen

Check it out at cross.com. This link is for the Cross Century II Lustrous Chrome pen.

Montblanc Meisterstück 149 Fountain Pen
The Montblanc Meisterstück 149 Fountain Pen is handcrafted in Germany (Hamburg) and features a piston-filler system that allows you to control the ink you use. It also has an ebonite feed system, which helps to prevent ink from drying out in the pen. The gold-plated trim and 18-karat gold nib give this pen a luxurious look and feel, while the rhodium-coated inner cap protects the ink from UV light.

It takes 35 skilled steps to craft a nib and an additional 70 steps to assemble and test a Montblanc fountain pen until it is deemed ready to become yours.
montblanc.com

best luxury pens

Pros

  • Truly a masterpiece that was introduced in 1924.
  • 18K handcrafted solid gold nib
  • Nib types: Medium and Fine
  • Free engraving option
  • Free delivery

Cons

The “El Presidente” is one of the most iconic fountain pens that are expensive because of the brand.

Is it worth it? This decision is yours only.

5 rating

Check it out at Montblanc.com


Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age Fountain Pen
The Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age Fountain Pen is made from lava stone that’s been hardened over time, making it one of the most unique pens on this list. It also features an 18-karat gold nib and has a leather case handcrafted in Italy.

best luxury pens

Pros

  • The Grail of Writing Instruments
  • Unlike the old Visconti fountain pens that use palladium nibs, this model has an 18K gold nib, which makes the difference.
  • Because of the material, the added weight in the pen doesn’t make it difficult to write even for a long time.
  • It has the best design in fountain pen history (sort of)
  • A unique item for unique people

Cons

If you start using it, you will stop writing with any other pen.

5 rating
editor's choice

Check it out at Visconti. it

The best luxury pens for drawing

The luxury pens for drawing market is flooded with options, making it hard to know where to start when looking for the best luxury pens for drawing. You can use many types of pens for pictures. Here are some of them:

  • Gel Pens. Having many colors available, they are perfect for illustrations and gel pen art.
  • Felt-Tip pens. The felt-tip pens are using watercolors that are quick-drying and can be used for smaller projects.
  • Ballpoint pens. They contain oil-based ink and are used a lot for personal or business. Not many people prefer them for drawing, except some artists use them for sketch art and illustrations.
  • Brush Pens. For a cheap solution, you can select brush pens with various colors and sizes that come in soft or hard tips.
  • Fountain Pens. These are the best choices for calligraphy, but many people use them for drawing.
  • Roller Ball pens. These pens are using water-based ink or gel but can bleed the paper. They have many colors, so they are used in detailed drawings.
  • Dip Pens. They are like fountain pens but without an ink reservoir. The problem is that the inks dry slowly, and they smudge easily.

We can not list the best luxury pens for drawing. Each pen is unique, and so is your picture. Suddenly, deciding what pen is best for your taste would be best. We can only give suggestions from other users, reviews, and expert opinions. There are so many factors to consider that we could spend writing a 500-page book to explain it fully.

Here are some of the best luxury pens for drawing:

Montblanc Meisterstück Platinum-Coated Classique

best luxury pens

Pros

  • The cap and barrel are crafted in precious black resin inlaid with a white Montblanc emblem.
  • Three platinum-coated rings with embossed Montblanc lettering
  • A platinum-coated clip with an individual serial number
  • Pen sizes available: 105.8mm, 137.1mm, 141.7mm, 147.9mm

Cons

  • It is a Montblanc masterpiece. The price is exceptionally high.
  • You can use a ballpoint pen for quick sketches, but many artists prefer Ballpoint for their art.
4.5 rating

Check it out at montblanc.com

Check out this article from jeyram.org about tips for ballpoint drawings.

Pelican Traditional M200 Souverän 800

best luxury pens

Pros

  • Fountain pen with differential piston mechanism
  • Clip and rings are 24-carat gold-plated and highly polished
  • 18-carat/750 gold nib with rhodium decor
  • Four nib widths are available: EF, F, M & B
  • With a green transparent ink window
  • The pen comes in 5 different color varieties
  • It comes with a 3-year warranty.
  • Rollerball and BaBallpointre are also available.

Cons

  • We want to have this when discussing luxury pens for writing or drawing.
  • It is one of the most expensive pens you will have for many years.
  • Pelikan is producing many limited and special editions every year, so if you want to check for availability.
5 rating

Check it out at pelikan.com

Graf Von Faber Castell Classic Macassar B

best luxury pens

Pros

  • The barrel is made of Macassar wood from Indonesia, crafted for thousands of hours to give the finest result
  • All the metal parts are from titanium, sterling silver, or from noble woods
  • 18K gold nib
  • The pen is available in 6 different nib sizes

Cons

The price is high for this lovely fountain pen, but in our opinion, it is worth every dollar.

5 rating

Check it out at graf-von-faber-castell.com

Caran d’Ache Varius Ivanhoe

best luxury pens

Pros

  • Hexagonal brass body covered in stainless steel
  • Rhodium-coated and silver-plated trims (cap, clip, writing block)
  • Available in 6 different nibs
  • Nib in 18-carat gold, rhodium-coated
  • Cartridge or converter filling system

Cons

  • Excellent quality and craftsmanship
  • One of the heaviest fountain pens we tested
  • 15 years old model but still one of the best writing instruments
4.5 rating

Check it out at carandache.com

Pilot Falcon

best luxury pens

Pros

  • An iconic pen with a 14K gold soft nib
  • The body material is made from resin, but you can find Falcons with metal bodies. They are heavier, but it is a personal decision what you like more.
  • It comes in 5 different colors.
  • Nib size can be soft extra fine, soft fine, and soft medium
  • Good price

Cons

Depending on your writing style, use a resin body or spend $100 more for a metallic body. Both options are good; you will have one of the best luxury pens.

5 rating

Check it out at gouletpens.com

Parker Duofold Centennial Fountain Pen

best luxury pens

Pros

  • Parker Duofold is a 100-year-old legend. Now, in its latest version.
  • The pen has an 18K solid gold nib.
  • It comes with a gift box of suede, leather, or wood in many colors.
  • Option for an engraved plate.

Cons

  • The Parker Duofold series has many more different models. International, Chevron, Limited edition, etc. All of them have different prices and characteristics.
  • We choose here the classic version that is not high priced, but the quality is the best.
  • Check for price fluctuations
5 rating

Check it out at purepens.co.uk

Sailor 1911S – Wicked Witch of the West

best luxury pens

Pros

  • The 1911 Sailor model was introduced by Sailor’s Foundation year.
  • The Wicked Witch of the West is inspired by the classic novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
  • The 1911S is the standard model, with many other model variations
  • All Sailor pens are produced in Hiroshima – Japan.
  • The 1911S model comes in 7 different colors
  • The nib is made from 18K gold with different sizes

Cons

  • While the Sailor 1911S is one of the finest writing instruments, the body’s and the converter’s quality is controversial.
  • It is one of our favorite luxury pens for drawing at a relatively reasonable price.
5 rating

Check it out at gouletpens.com

The best luxury pens for everyday use

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a luxury pen, such as price, nib size, barrel material, and ink type. Based on these criteria, here are some of the best luxury pens for everyday use.

Check the following factors when you buy fountain pens:

  • Nib size: The nib is the metal tip of the pen that comes into contact with the paper. Luxury pens typically have larger nibs than non-luxury pens, which provides a smoother writing experience.
  • Barrel material: The barrel is part of the pen that you hold in your hand. Luxury pens typically have barrels of metal or other high-quality materials that provide a good balance and weight distribution.
  • Ink type: Luxury pens typically use fountain pen ink, water-based ink that provides a smooth writing experience. Some luxury pens also use ballpoint or rollerball ink, which is oil-based and provides a more consistent line width.

We love fountain pens but can not ignore some ballpoints and rollerball pens included in our review.

Pilot Metropolitan

best pens

Pros

  • Excellent fountain pen for beginners and note-taking
  • The nib is from stainless steel
  • High-quality pen at a reasonable price
  • Available in many different sizes and colors

Cons

  • You can not compare it with the best luxury pens we reviewed already. It is a cheap solution if you want to try fountain pens.
  • Not the only best entry solution
4.5 rating

Check it out at jetpens.com

Lamy Safari

best pens

Pros

  • One of the most famous cheap fountain pens on the market
  • Made from ABS plastic with a steel nib
  • With an ergonomic grip that helps you write without tiring
  • A window that shows the remaining ink
  • It comes in many modern colors
  • A nice metal clip that holds the pen in your shirt or jacket pocket
  • The same introductory entry price as the Pilot Metropolitan

Cons

  • This pen is more significant than the Pilot, so choose the one that fits in your hand.
  • The ink converter is sold separately.
  • Don’t be confused. It is a basic pen with a steel nib. Nothing compared to the rest of the luxury pens for writing.
  • WATCH OUT: Many counterfeits in the market. Do not trust online shops unquestioningly, even the “famous” ones.
4 rating

Check it out at penchalet.com

Cross Tech3+ Multi-function pen

best pens

Pros

  • A pen with three writing tips, black and red ballpoint, and a pencil. All in one pen
  • More than 12 different colors
  • Includes a stylus for touchscreen devices
  • Under the stylus is a pencil eraser

Cons

  • A convenient pen for everyday use but not cheap for Ballpoint
  • Keep attention to the turning mechanism. It can be stuck, and the lifetime warranty will not help you
  • An expensive Cross multi-pen
4 rating

Check it out at dayspringpens.com

Parker Jotter

best pens

Pros

  • An iconic pen for almost 70 years
  • The body is made from plastic and stainless steel material
  • 2-years warranty
  • Many different designs and colors
  • My favorite pen from my school years. I had an all-steel Jotter for almost ten years.

Cons

Unfortunately, fake Parkers have been in the market for many years. Buy only from a trusted company.

4.5 rating

Check it out at amazon.com

The limited edition pens for special occasions

Many types of limited edition pens are on the market, and knowing which one to choose for a special occasion can be challenging. The list includes pens from limited and special edition collections and unique pens.

If you’re looking for a pen that will make a lasting impression, here are some of the best options available.

  1. Montblanc Writers Edition Homage To Brothers Grimm Fountain Pen (Limited Edition 1812)
best luxury pens

Pros

  • Particular clip with platinum coating
  • The barrel and the cap are made from ruthenium-coated metal with a unique gold-coated overlay.
  • The pen is dedicated to Joseph and Wilhelm Grim, the famous folk tale writers.
  • The “Sleeping Beauty” tale inspires this Limited Edition with the twining leaves and thorns around the cap.
  • An Au 750 solid bi-color gold nib with rhodium coating with a flame design makes it one of the best luxury pens for writing.
  • All the technical and historical details of the pen can give you so much inspiration to write your own story.

Cons

  • Our only concern is the weight of the pen: 103.5 gr
  • As a limited edition pen, the price is on the top-high scale.
5 rating

Check it out at montblanc.com

2. Montegrappa Limited Edition “Lord of the Rings: Doom” fountain pen

best luxury pens

Pros

  • Limited Edition luxury pens of only 137 items
  • 18K gold nib with extra fine, fine, medium, broad, and stub grades
  • The body is made from sterling silver 925 with artisanal resin
  • It comes in a special box with a 50ml ink bottle.
  • Two editions: A fountain pen and a rollerball, each of 137 pieces only
  • The most significant details are the eye of Sauron and the removable replica ring with Sauron’s rhyme script engraved
  • More than 20 details are based on the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Cons

Except for the weight (108gr) and the price (€5,400), this is one of the most unrepeatable pens we ever saw.

5 rating
editor's choice

Check it out at montegrappa.com

3. Parker Duofold Fountain pen – Special Edition – Queens Jubilee – Solid Silver

Parker Duofold

Pros

  • A pen created for the 70 years of Queen Elizabeth’s on the throne of the United Kingdom
  • The pen is made from sterling silver 925 palladium coated. All gold details are plated from 23K gold.
  • The nib is made from 18K solid gold with a two-tone silver and gold color and is rhodium-plated.
  • Option to add an engraved plate
  • The pen is composed of 22 hand-assembled components
  • The pen is extra collectible because of the Queen’s death

Cons

One of the best luxury pens in the world with a collector value

5 rating

Check it out at parkershop. eu

4. Onoto. The Shakespeare Vermeil fountain pen

Onoto Shakespeare Vermeil

Pros

  • A 23K Gold-plated sterling silver pen
  • The nib is made from 18K gold; you can select a fine, medium, or broad size.
  • Option for custom nib type
  • Option for personal engraving
  • Opportunity for an additional silver rollerball kit
  • Only eight pieces are available

Cons

A limited fountain pen designed to pay tribute to William Shakespeare. It is truly remarkable.

5 rating

Check it out at onoto.com

The best luxury pens for gifting

Pens are personal items that reflect one’s sense of style, and there is no shortage of luxury pens on the market. Whether you are looking for a gift for a discerning friend or colleague or want to treat yourself to a luxurious writing experience, there are plenty of options.

Here are some of the best luxury pens for gifting:

Kaweco Sterling Sport

Kaweco Sterling Sport

Pros

  • One of the best luxury pens from Kaweco is made entirely of pure 925 sterling silver.
  • Rhodium-plated 14K gold nib in fine and medium size
  • The total weight is only 58 grams
  • Hand-polished finish
  • It comes with a noble Kaweco gift box

Cons

Shipping costs not included

5 rating

Check it out at Kaweco-pen.com

Platinum #3776 Century Fountain Pen “Shape of a heart”

Platinum #3776 Century
Platinum #3776

Pros

  • A perfect gift for your loved ones. The nib and the cap have heart details.
  • The pen uses the “Slip and Seal” airtight cap that prevents the ink from drying.
  • The barrel is made from black resin with 14K gold plated trim.
  • It comes with a Platinum gift box with a converter, a bottle of blue ink, and one extra black cartridge.
  • This is an excellent price for one of the best luxury pens on the market.

Cons

  • A very light pen of only 20.5 gr weight, which seems too soft for many people
  • The pen is for pre-order only
4.5 rating

Check it out at cultpens.com

Pelikan Souverän M1000 Fountain Pen

Pelikan M1000

Pros

  • Hand-finished 18K gold nib in 4 sizes (Medium, fine, extra fine, and broad)
  • High-capacity differential piston filling system
  • A classic design of black and green colors
  • The same model also comes in a straight black color
  • It comes with a gift box

Cons

A unique precision instrument of high-quality

5 rating

Check it out at cultpens.com

Sheaffer Prelude Fountain Pen

Sheaffer Prelude Fountain Pen

Pros

  • It comes with a gold-plated stainless steel nib
  • The barrel is mat black with gold-plated trim
  • It comes in many different colors and designs
  • Nib sizes: medium, broad, and fine
  • Good price

Cons

  • We wanted to add one cheap fountain pen for people to gift.
  • This is not a fountain pen like Montblanc or Visconti.
  • The gold-plated stainless steel nib is good, but you can not compare it with the other pens we reviewed
4 rating

Check it out at amazon.com

How to care for your luxury pen

Luxury pens are an investment; like any investment, they must be adequately cared for to retain value.

Here are a few tips on how to care for your luxury pen:

  • Store your pen in a cool, dry place. Avoid places with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
  • Clean your pen regularly with a soft, damp cloth. Be sure to remove any ink or dirt accumulated on the nib.
  • If you are not using your pen for an extended period, store it in a pen case or box. This will protect it from dust and other elements.
  • Take your pen to a professional if it needs repairs. Please do not attempt to fix it yourself, as this could void the warranty.

See the following instructions from Montblanc for the care recommendations:

Montblanc recommends cleaning your fountain pen approximately every three months to preserve its pristine condition. Especially if the ink has dried up due to lack of use, the feeder system is blocked, a different ink color is to be used, or the ink flow becomes irregular or stops.

For cleaning, use only lukewarm water without any chemical products. It is impossible to prevent condensation after the cleaning process inside the cap. Condensation can dissolve traces of dried ink, causing a color change in the new ink. Therefore, always clean the nib and cap with a damp, lint-free cloth. Keep the writing instrument filled with new ink to avoid leakage, and carry the fountain pen with the bill pointing upwards.

Important note: It is essential to clean the fountain pen regularly if permanent ink is used, as the high solids content of the ink can lead to deposits forming in the feed system. It should be cleaned approximately every two weeks.

The benefits of using a luxury pen

A luxury pen is much more than just a writing utensil. It’s an extension of your personality and style. When you use a luxury pen, people will take notice. Your handwriting will appear neater and more refined, and people will be impressed with your good taste.

There are many other benefits to using a luxury pen as well. Best Luxury pens are usually made with higher-quality materials than regular pens, so they last longer and write more smoothly. They also often come with unique features, like gold-plated nibs and ink delivery systems, making them even more enjoyable.

Investing in a luxury pen is an excellent option if you want to make a lasting impression. Not only will you enjoy using it yourself, but everyone who sees it will be impressed with your good taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why are luxury pens so popular?

    Fountain pens are romantic. The feeling of writing with a fountain pen on a piece of paper without requiring any pressure is pure satisfaction. In the world of the internet and emails, handwritten letters with fountain pens give a personal touch and separate us from automatic software machines.

  • How do you choose the best luxury pens for you?

    It would be best if you considered the following options. 1. Type of pen (fountain, rollerball, or rollerball) 2. Your budget price 3. The nib quality. 4. The body quality. 5. For which use (everyday, special occasions, drawing, etc) 6. The writing quality 7. Service, Support, and Guarantee.

  • What are the top 14 best luxury pens?

    There are more than 14 best luxury pens. In this article, we reviewed 22 different pens. The pens with the best “L” rating (5/5) are Cross Townsend, Montblanc “El Presidente,” Visconti Homo Sapiens, Pelican M200, Graf Von Faber Castel Macassar, Pilot Falcon, Parker DF Centennial, Sailor 1911S, Montblanc Grimm brothers Edition, Montegrappa Limited Edition, Parker DF Queens Jubilee, Onoto Shakespeare Edition, Kaweco Sterling Sport, and Pelikan M1000. Keep in mind that each pen has a rating in a different category.

  • What is the History of Luxury Pens?

    The Ancient Egyptians used pens from 4000 years ago. Luxury pens were created in the early 19th century. Most of today’s luxury pen companies were made at that time. In the last 20 years, they are popular again, with an estimated revenue of $3 million annually.

  • How luxury pens are made?

    For over 150 years, luxury pens have mostly handcrafted nibs, hand-shaped barrels, and caps using special machinery and computers. After all the parts are created, professional technicians hand assembly the final pen. All luxury pens use precious metals (gold, rhodium, etc.) and high-quality control procedures to ensure the best writing experience.

  • How to choose a fountain pen?

    You must consider the following: 1. Budget (how much you want to spend) 2. Functionality (where are you going to use your pen) 3. Design (Do you like metal or resin pens?) 4. Size (choose a pen according to your hand size) 5. Material (it can cost more depending on the rarity of the material) 6. Nib ( steel or gold nib, nib size) 7. Filling (cartridge, converter, piston filling) 8. New or second-hand (if you want to save money, go for second-hand). Online or Offline (Prefer a real shop, authorized reseller, or a trustworthy online shop; avoid online scammers)

  • What are the best luxury pen brands?

    After our review, we can say that the following brands are the best luxury pens: Montblanc, Cross, Visconti, Pelikan, Grav Von Faber Castel, Caran d’Ache, Pilot, Parker, Sailor, Montegrappa, Onoto, Kaweco, Platinum, S.T. Dupont.

  • What is the future of luxury pens for writing?

    The luxury pen market is expected to grow to $3.8 million in 2030. The sustainable choice of luxury pens instead of one-time-use plastic pens and the excellent gift value help those numbers. Do not forget the collectible value of the limited and special editions of the cells.

Conclusion

Using one of the best luxury pens is a unique experience. It would be best if you tried once and then could not return to regular pens. We recommend trying and writing one time with a luxury fountain pen. Only you will know that writing with regular pens does not give you that fantastic feeling.

We know that today, in the 21st-century, people do not handwrite so often anymore.

That is the exact reason why we should use luxury pens for writing. To distinguish yourself from the rest.

Let us know in the comments which of the best luxury pens is your favorite.

Are you going to buy a fountain pen and make a difference?

Are Montblanc pens one of the best luxury pens in the market? What brand do you like more?

laoutaris

Pashalis Laoutaris

Fashion Blogger

I am a professional writer, fashion blogger, and owner of the site https://laoutaris.com. As a salesperson for more than 20 years, I have experience of 10 years in the fashion industry. I consider myself a true fashionista. I am writing daily blog articles about fashion, tools and converters, and everything you need to know about the current fashion trends.

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