Graf Von Faber-Castell Fountain Pen of the Year 2015 Sanssouci Potsdam Collection Fine Nib

Frederick the Great, as king and connoisseur of decorative natural stones, cultivated a personal and simultaneously regal interest in the rich Silesian deposits then used to do justice to Prussia’s new status.

By special sovereign right, the monarch reserved all precious stones and chrysoprase in particular for himself: these stones, with their emerald to apple green colouration are considered the most valuable variety of quartz. Frederick the Great himself travelled to Silesia to choose the most beautiful. The New Palace was the culmination of the royal interest.

This magnificent building is home to a greater variety of natural stones than any other Frederician palace. Its fascinating architecture was the inspiration for the creation of the “Sanssouci, Potsdam” Pen of the Year.

The creation of the “Sanssouci, Potsdam” Pen of the Year demands the highest standards of craftsmanship.

The Herbert Stephan gemstone manufactory was singularly predestined for this task. It carries on the great tradition of the Idar Oberstein gemstone workshops, which dates back to the 15th century and is still of world renown. The masters have demonstrated their incomparable skills with impressive results: the platinum-plated barrel and cap are adorned by four green Silesian serpentines and a Russian smoky quartz – both ground and polished by hand. The Special Edition combines 24-carat gold plating with green serpentine and rare chrysoprase, Frederick’s favourite natural stone. Chrysoprase has not been mined for many years and is only available on the antique stone market.