Celestial By David Oscarson Press Release

The Celestial Collection continues in the spirit of artistic mastery and the tradition of Old World craftsmanship by combining the centuries-old technique of Guilloché with the art and expertise of Hard Enamel.  Each Collection piece is engraved with multiple levels of Guilloché, then adorned with multiple colors of Hard Enamel. The five breathtaking color pairs featured on the caps stand in bold contrast to the translucent midnight blue hard enamel on the barrels. 

 Guilloché

Hand-crafted from 18-karat gold and .925 Sterling Silver, each precious metal component passes through multiple stages of precision engraving, creating an intricate pattern known as guilloché; a painstaking process which brings life and light to the surface of precious metals. 

The sun and sunburst designs featured on the Celestial cap require multiple levels of engraving; the rays of the sun remain in high relief while the sunburst pattern in the background features occasional omissions in engraving, reflecting heat and solar flares. Most remarkable perhaps is the three-dimensional face of the sun engraved on the tapered and rounded surface of the cap.

 The level of difficulty involved in the moon and stars featured on the Celestial barrel equals that employed on the cap. The four phases of the moon (new, quarter, half and full) are outlined in high relief while the stars are represented in various widths and depths. Three different diameters of stars are featured in high relief and three in low relief (above and beneath the midnight blue enamel) as a reflection of the midnight sky.

Hard Enamel

Using a mortar and pestle, a composition of glass, water and metal oxides is ground for hours by hand.  When settled, the water is removed, leaving the fine paste that is the basis for hard enamel.  A quill is then used to apply each coat of the mixture to the surface of the metal, ensuring that the entire guilloché area is completely covered in enamel.  The components are then fired in a furnace at temperatures exceeding 1,000° F, fusing the enamel to the metal and forming a layer of glass.

After cooling, the pieces are manually ground with a diamond file, restoring their proper shape and surface.  This tedious process is repeated at length until the level of enamel reaches the depth required to cover the peaks and fill the valleys of each intricate guilloché pattern.  When the final stages of firing are completed, the pieces are polished and buffed, revealing the velvet finish of translucent hard enamel.

Production of translucent hard enamel demands the highest levels of patience, experience and skill.  A five-year apprenticeship is required to ensure that the highest levels of quality will be met in each individual Collection piece.   

Filling System

 The Celestial Collection’s unique filling system accommodates a cartridge, converter or eyedropper fill; a series of seals and “O” rings prevents the ink from leaving the chamber at any point.  A roller ball version of the Celestial Pen is also available.

Engineered in Heidelberg, Germany, the 18-karat gold nib is unsurpassed in quality and form.  Coupled with an ebonite feeder, each nib is plated with rhodium and tipped with iridium to ensure durability in fine, medium and broad sizes.

 The pens, jewelry and objets in The David Oscarson Collection are produced using the finest of materials, talents and techniques.  Countless hours are dedicated to the creation of each unique design. 

The Celestial Collection will be produced in 5 color variations:

Azure Blue Cap with Golden Yellow Sun and Midnight Blue Barrel with Translucent White Moons in Rhodium Vermeil

Fire Red Cap with Golden Yellow Sun and Midnight Blue Barrel with Translucent White Moons in 18-kt. Yellow Gold Vermeil

Blazing Saffron Cap with Golden Yellow Sun and Midnight Blue Barrel with Translucent White Moons in Rhodium Vermeil

Golden Yellow Cap with Blazing Saffron Sun and Midnight Blue Barrel with Translucent White Moons in 18-kt. Yellow Gold Vermeil

Celestial White Cap with Blazing Saffron Sun and Midnight Blue Barrel with Translucent White Moons in Rhodium Vermeil