Are you a Snake? Sneak peek from Cross...

The Year of the Snake will be celebrated in 2013, and Cross of Lincoln, RI, is commemorating it with a new writing instrument collection coming this fall. The Year of the Snake writing instruments feature a snake design etched into hand-polished lacquer in translucent blue or high-gloss black with rhodium-plated detailing. Each pen comes in a lift box with a removable presentation stand. The fountain pen is priced at $450, the roller ball is $325 and the ballpoint is $275. According to the Chinese Zodiac, individuals born in a Year of the Snake are enigmatic and wise, thriving on new ideas and innovative thinking. Well-known "Snakes" include Daniel Radcliffe, Kanye West, Marlon Brando, Sarah Jessica Parker and Brad Pitt. Snake birth years include 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 and 2025.

Click and write!

Cross is  introducing its new Click pen that combines gel ink technology with a clever "click" mechanism. The pen is priced at around $25 and comes in a variety of colors and finishes, including satin black, satin chrome, pearlescent teal or pearlescent white--all with black trim. The pens are available this month. I think they offer good value and a good look, from the Century line.