Pens were once a mere tool for writing but now they have come a long way and earned themselves the status of luxury. Today’s pens are not just writing instruments, they are pieces of art, status symbols, and collectables. Whether it’s adorned with jewels, made from rare materials, or crafted using state-of-the-art techniques, pens have become a reflection of the owner’s wealth and prestige, and the manufacturer’s skill and craftsmanship. So, here is a rundown of some of the most expensive pens in the world. Explore what sets them apart from the rest.

Fulgor Nocturnus by Tibaldi – HK$62.7 million

Even being one in a billion may not be enough chance to own this extremely coveted and super expensive fountain pen because there is only one Fulgor Nocturnus pen that was ever made by the Italian stationery brand Tibaldi. Sold at the 2010 National Charity Ceremony in Shanghai for US$8 million, the pen’s rareness was not the only reason, the bids reached such skyrocketing prices. Tibaldi’s Fulgor Nocturnus is ingeniously constructed with the pen following the golden ratio of phi, as in when it is closed, the ratio between the pen cap and the bottom half of the pen is 1.618. To add to it, the pen is coated with 945 black diamonds; has 123 rubies on its rim; and has a golden nib.

A Celebration of the Taj Mahal by Montblanc – HK$15.7 million

Montblanc’s annual High Artistry collection is always as epic as its theme, and the luxury brand chose to pay tribute to the Taj Mahal in the 2019 edition. The resulting limited edition collection consisting of three variations – Black Myth, Insignia of Power and the Tear of the Moon – takes strong design inspiration from the Mughal Empire. The caps look like the dome of the Taj Mahal and have peacock feathers – a common design motif of Shah Jahan’s times – carved on them. Also, the pen is shaped quite like the daggers used during the period. Each rendition is different from the others as they are embellished with varying gemstones. For instance, the Insignia of Power is decorated with diamonds and rubies; the Tear of the Moon has emeralds; and the Black Myth has a detachable opal stone.

Boheme Royal Pen by Montblanc – HK$11.8 million

Speaking of luxury stationeries and the Hamburg-based mark Montblanc is probably the first brand that pops into most people’s minds, that is because it has manufactured some of the most iconic pens in the world like this one-of-a-kind Boheme Royal Pen. The base of the pen is made of 18-carat gold with one version coated entirety with 1,430 pieces of white diamonds and the other having a mix of white and black diamonds. Moreover, the nib of this stylus pen is interchangeable and the cartridge can be changed too, making the exorbitant writing instrument a one-time investment. The Boheme Royal Pen’s lavishness is further elevated by the 18k white gold and diamonds-encrusted Montblanc logo.

1010 Diamond Edition by Caran D’Ache – HK$10 million

As a pioneering stationary brand established in Geneva in the early 1900s, the Swiss brand Caran D’Ache has continued to create and patent exceptional pens thus getting its reputation as the top-tier brand for luxury writing tools in Switzerland. In line with such prominence, Caran D’Ache is the producer of many great pens, among which this 1010 Diamond Edition is certainly a standout because it is made with white gold and encrusted with more than 800 pure diamonds. The handmade nib is also truly a piece of art as it is made of 18-carat gold with rhodium coating and is complete with intricate designs.