A luxury fountain pen of note

However, as always, the discerning few still prefer the charms of a fountain pen and those who belong to the old school still go for the flowing grace of words written in ink. And who knows how to craft a fine writing instrument better than Montblanc? Even kings and princes acknowledge this because Montblanc had the privilege of crafting a limited-edition fountain pen to honour the late Prince Rainier III, from the House of Grimaldi in Monaco who stood at the head of the smallest monarchy in the world.

He died in 2005 at the age of 81, but with exceptional commitment he had made a name for himself as a builder and an influential politician. The pen titled “Prince Rainier III Limited Edition 81” was launched in Monaco at a VIP charity gala held to pay homage to Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 2007, two years after his death.

Joe Nahhas, Regional Brand Director for Montblanc, told Emirates Business: “The pen was created to honour a prince who achieved great things for a small country. The precious Prince Rainier III Limited Edition 81 reflects the noble tradition of Monaco.

“On November 14, 2007, the pen was displayed in Monaco at a VIP charity gala honouring Prince Rainier III of Monaco. The gala was attended by his son Prince Albert and a bevy of beauties that included Helena Christiansen and Eva Green. The Prince Rainier III Limited Edition 81 is limited to only 81 pieces as the late Prince Rainier was 81 when he died in 2005.

“This pen was priced at Dh1,063,577 and as during his life, Prince Rainier III acted as an outstanding social and cultural patron, the pen which is dedicated to him, continues this tradition. Fifty-one per cent of the sales revenue of each of the precious 81 pens will go to the Foundation Princess Grace.”

The Foundation was started by Princess Grace in 1964 and serves cultural and humanitarian tasks such as the continuation of the Academy of Classical Dance and of the Princess Grace Irish Library, the awarding of scholarships to young talents of the Rainier III Academy of Music and wide-ranging medical charity projects for children.

Describing the unique features of the pen, Joe Nahhas said: “The pen is made of white gold with diamond and ruby-studded lozenges totalling more than eight carats in imitation of the red-white lozenges on the shield of the Grimaldi coat of arms. Nine hundred and 96 diamonds cut with facets and 92 rubies form a fine network through which can be seen the inner workings of the writing instrument. Nineteen more rubies, measuring 4.4 x 2.5mm, surround the clip ring on the cap, crowned by a Montblanc star of mother of pearl. Other pieces of real jewellery artistry are the 18-carat gold nib, set with two rubies and finely engraved, and the superbly crafted clip, which is adorned with a small crown derived from Prince Rainier’s signet.

“Each was designed by Montblanc master-craftsmen in our limited edition design atelier. A limited edition takes several years to be designed and produced.”

No wonder it has been priced at more than a million dirhams. Art and exclusivity do not come cheap now, do they?