We use them for all forms of communication: correspondence, business transactions, signatures. A fine pen enhances the writing experience and makes a definitive statement about the writer. Variety is vital to a life of luxury, an abundance of classic names and innovative styles. Indulge in close-up of distinctive writing instruments, masterful presentations of timekeeping design, and leathers of consummate, dependable craftsmanship are here. A look at pens suitable for the novice, the curious minded, the collector.

Let other pens dwell with guilt and misery

A major international manufacturer of fine writing instruments and more, the A.T. Cross Company has been in business for more than 150 years. During that time Cross has re-invented writing instruments, combining design ingenuity with jewelry-quality craftsmanship. They were America's first manufacturer of quality writing instruments, they've been making pens people use, depend upon, and enjoy, for a long time. Richard Cross, a highly skilled pen and pencil maker, founded the company in 1846, and shared the business with his son, Alonzo Townsend Cross. The quality of their pens is evidenced by their popularity. Located in Lincoln, Cross continues to make products of great value, one at a time and by hand, just as Richard Cross did.

Montblanc has been known for generations as a maker of sophisticated, high-quality writing instruments. Founded by a Hamburg stationer in 1906, the company began as the Simplo Filler Pen company in 1908, then adopted the Montblanc trademark three years later. As the highest peak in western Europe, Montblanc really does belong to the whole continent. Its many glaciers are rendered in the company's trademark white star found on all of their luxuries. Since its inception the company has been producing some of the world's most well-known writing instruments and added extensively to the world of luxury with new lines of leather goods, eyewear, desk accessories, jewelry, and fragrance. As a premier purveyor of exclusive products, they reflect today's demands for quality design, tradition, and master craftsmanship.

Founded in Florence, Italy, in 1988, Visconti is the brainchild of Dante Del Vecchio and Luigi Poli, two innovative and creative-minded fountain pen collectors. Together, they have helped reintroduce celluloid pens with a team of talented artisans whose varied experience and love of fountain pens have renewed the craft of celluloid. Visconti is now the largest celluloid pen factory worldwide and its production has widened to include materials such as ebonite, acrylic, Lucite, Bakelite, and ivory. Always interested in technical solutions, Visconti has brought back the crescent filler, and patented double reservoir power filler as well as a traveling ink pot--perfect for filling your pen without messy ink spills on clothes or luggage. Visconti is considered to be one of the most creative companies for fresh designs, technical innovations, and collectible instruments both traditional and contemporary. Choose one and discover for yourself: Visconti is the writing instrument elevated to the realm of art.

World Lux began as a small fountain pen repair company in 1973. Over 30 years later, they've earned their reputation as premier fine writing specialists for the Northwest and beyond. Their multiple venues include a beautifully-designed website, a glossy, full color coffee table catalog, and an elegant showroom in downtown Seattle. Spend some time with them and you'll soon agree that "Some luxuries are essential." They offer their own line of fully functional and aesthetically pleasing writing "essentials" for enjoyment.