Bexley Corona Collection--you decide!

The Bexley Corona collection comprises four new colors:  Lemon Meringue, Blueberry Cream, Summer Storm, or Summer Sunset. All models come with black grip sections, and black accents at the top of the cap and bottom of the barrel. You may choose either gold-plated or rhodium-plated trim--and, you get to choose your filling system, too: a piston-filled system or a cartridge- or converter-filled system. But wait...the choices don't end here. Would you like a gold-plated two-tone stainless steel nib in fine, medium or broad size, or an 18-karat gold nib in fine, medium, broad or broad stub size? A rollerball version in any of the colors and trim choices is also available. The fountain pen with a steel nib is priced at $185 and the rollerball, $169.

Here, there and everywhere

Where do you think most pens are made? Of course they are made around the globe, but if you’re “into” pens, you probably know that most hail from Germany, Italy and Asia. Unfortunately, just a few are still made in the US, and Bexley and Michael’s Pens are two examples. 

In the UK, Conway Stewart has gained a reputation for its limited editions and beautiful bespoke craftsmanship. Its newest Belliver collection is crafted from pearlescent brown resin (in shades of amber, bronze and cream), and it has gold trim and an 18-karat nib. Personally, I think the name is as interesting as the pen, and I’m a huge fan of creative names for pens—particularly since there aren’t many. “Belliver” (also sometimes spelled “Bellever”) is derived from the location where the Conway Stewart factory is located on the outskirts of Plymouth Devon. It is also the name of a tor situated close by in the Dartmoor National Park. Tors are small hills usually capped by granite outcroppings, and they are popular tourist attractions, with hikers seen trekking from one peak to another during their holiday vacations. Tor granite was used to construct the pillars outside the British Museum in London and also to build London Bridge.

The Belliver may be ordered through July 25. The fountain pen is priced at $430: the rollerball, $395.The cartridge/converter-filled fountain pen is available with the following nib grades: fine, medium and broad, and italic fine, medium or broad.