Why Montegrappa's opulent new pen is like jewellery in your hand.
Milan on a June evening, 6.30pm. A mellow sun is setting in a rainwashed sky as a group of travel-weary men and women gather like a flock of plumaged birds outside the stunning La Scala theatre.
They are journalists from around the world as well as the owners of a few of Europe's oldest and most renowned retail stores. Some have flown in last night from as far away as Mexico City and Houston, so they're fighting off jetlag in their cocktail dresses, pearls and suits.
There are only a few hurried seconds to marvel at the neoclassical architecture of one of the world's most famous opera houses before being herded inside for the launch of Montegrappa's opera-inspired flamboyant new pen.
Once past the impressive chandeliered foyer, the group wanders through the museum halls, champagne and canapés in hand.
The elegant scarlet, gold and pistachio rooms are high ceilinged, with a regal atmosphere, frocked attendants and crammed with treasures - a Sommer piano that once belonged to Verdi, antique musical instruments, ceramic pieces displaying the traditions of Commedia dell'Arte, portraits of composers and an evocative exhibition of Maria Callas's costumes from the 50s onwards.
It wouldn't feel out of place if a costumed 18th century spirit were to float in and belt out an aria.
Among all these riches, a brand new gem on display: the limited edition handcrafted Montegrappa fountain pen, called Invito a La Traviata, from an impressive new collection - Emozioni in Musica.
The pens, 1912 of which are made in silver, 16 of which are crafted out of gold and diamonds and 37 of which are made in gold alone each year, now glowing and sparkling under a spotlight, are inspired by Italy's rich tradition of opera and are the reason why the journalists and others have gathered here tonight.
"It's like jewellery," exclaims someone. And the others crowding around nod their assent.
The scarlet celluloid shaft of the pen is richly detailed with a stove enamelled miniature showing the tragic and doomed heroine Violetta Valery, from La Traviata.
Every miniature requires eight hours of scrupulous handcrafted workmanship. On the background of the portrait is a pattern of camellias in homage to Violetta, the lady of the Camellias. The result is an opulent and dramatic writing instrument that captures the best Italian traditions.
Stove enamelling is a technique that dates back to the master craftsmen of Limoges in the 14th century, perfected by silversmiths in Venice and Florence, and is done scrupulously by hand with a pine marten bristle brush on a metal background on which mixtures of crystal dust and essential oils are applied.
Each miniature takes seven to eight hours to process. But that's not unexpected in a country like Italy, where people like to take their time over the things that matter - whether it's a long leisurely lunch or a three-hour opera such as the one that's inspired this pen.
"It's a unique piece of art, it's a masterpiece," says Roberta Facciano, acting ceo of Montegrappa when asked to describe the pen. "It's like buying a painting and because each pen is numbered and handcrafted, it's only for you."
So who is likely to buy a pen that retails at a starting price of Dhs14,800? Opera and art lovers, collectors and those who use pens as a fashion accessory or as a symbol of self-expression.
And is the pen intended for every day use? No of course not. Perhaps on special occasions then, like when you sign on the dotted line for your first villa on the Palm.
