Luxury industry leaders unveil limited edition Mystery Masterpiece

12 Feb '07

2 min read

Montblanc and Van Cleef & Arpels unveiled an exceptional work of art -- a writing instrument of the finest craftsmanship and artistry -- the Limited Edition Mystery Masterpiece. The two luxury industry giants celebrated their centennials in 2006 and have joined forces to collaborate on a one-of-a-kind creation that showcases each company's area of expertise as they both mark the start of their second centuries in existence. The piece was unveiled at a luncheon event in New York City.

The limited edition Mystery Masterpiece is being released in three variations, set either with rubies, sapphires or emeralds, and accented by diamonds. Each variation is limited to three pieces worldwide for a total of nine instruments, and has nearly 840 diamonds and over 20 carats of gemstones. The Mystery sells for $730,000, making it the most expensive writing instrument ever created.

The singularly unique piece of art is handcrafted by a highly skilled artisan and has taken over a year and a half to create. The Mystery Masterpiece features the legendary "Mystery Setting," patented in 1933 by Van Cleef & Arpels, that completely conceals the gemstone settings and creates the illusion of vivid blossoms formed by the rubies, sapphires or emeralds.

The writing instrument has up to 70 gems set in this fashion. Each setting requires at least 90 minutes of work on the part of the lapidary, who can spend hundreds, even thousands, of hours creating a single precious object.

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