The 10 most expensive pens in the world

In the past, owning a quill and later a pen was a mark of standing and of high social status. Pens have since become everyday objects, but the luxury end of the market is still very much alive. Here are the 10 most expensive pens in the world.

Montegrappa: Ancient Civilisations of Mexico– 127,433 euros

This is an 18-carat gold pen inspired by the ancient Maya civilisations. Only 20 exist in the world, which, along with its materials, explains such a high price.

Montblanc: Boheme Royal – 147,039 euros

The Boheme Royal range is fairly popular, but this model is made of 18-carat white gold and set with some 1,351 diamonds.

Caran d'Ache: 1010 – 155,950 euros

This fountain pen is a nod to ten past ten, a symbol of aesthetic balance in the watchmaking world. Only 10 examples were produced, in 18-carat white gold and sapphire glass.

Montblanc: Diamond Solitaire – 155,950 euros

A solid gold fountain pen scattered with 4,654 diamonds.

Montblanc: Boheme Papillon LIMITED EDITION – 205,329 euros

Between butterflies and flowers in diamonds, this gold pen carries 1,402 diamonds and 37 sapphires, and is sold in a sapphire case.

Montblanc: Prince Rainier III LIMITED EDITION 81 – 231,876 euros

These 81 pens were made in honour of Prince Rainier, who died at the age of 81. The pen is made of white gold with no fewer than 996 diamonds and 92 rubies forming the royal family's coat of arms.

Caran d'Ache: La Modernista Diamonds – 236,153 euros

The range is a tribute to the Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi. This pen is set with 5,072 diamonds and 100 rubies. The jeweller Robert Perron took 6 months to produce a prototype.

Montblanc: Mystery Masterpiece – 650,537 euros

This pen was created for Montblanc's 100th anniversary, together with Van Cleef & Arpels, who were also celebrating their 100th anniversary. The two houses combined to produce this piece in gold, diamonds and rubies.

Aurora: Aurora Diamante – 1,310,520 euros

Only one example exists, which can be personalised with a coat of arms, a signature or a portrait. The pen carries 30 carats of diamonds.

Tibaldi: Fulgor Nocturnus – 7,129,172 euros

Only one example exists, and it is the most expensive pen in the world. Designed on the same principle as Michelangelo's pyramids or the creation of Adam, it was sold at a charity auction for more than 7 million euros.