David Oscarson Trellis Collection Press Release

The Trellis Collection is the seventh in the David Oscarson Pens™ series of Limited Edition writing instruments. Produced in five color variations, each will be limited to production of 88 pieces (including fountain pens and roller balls).

The Trellis 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.  The Trellis Collection incorporates multiple levels of Guilloché on each Collection piece. The four colors of translucent hard enamel in the Trellis Collection are accented with opalescent white hard enamel and finished in 18-karat Yellow Gold and Rhodium vermeil. The fifth Trellis Collection piece features opalescent White hard enamel accented in translucent black, finished in 18-kt. Yellow Gold vermeil.  

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 “leaf and bud” motif of the Trellis Collection requires multiple stages of engraving; the entire body of the pen is first cut down to the level of the guilloché pattern underneath. The pattern is then engraved onto the background of the body of the pen, omitting the trellis, and leaf and bud designs which remain in high relief. 

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 Trellis 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 Trellis 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 of David Oscarson Pens.

The Trellis Collection will be produced in 5 color variations:

Translucent Azure Blue and Opalescent White Enamel with Rhodium Vermeil

Translucent Black and Opalescent White Enamel with Rhodium Vermeil

Translucent Sapphire Blue and Opalescent White Enamel with 18-karat Yellow Gold Vermeil

Translucent Red and Opalescent White Enamel with 18-karat Yellow Gold Vermeil