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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 guilloche area is completely covered
in enamel. The components are then fired in a furnace at temperatures
exceeding 1,000 degrees Farenheit, 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 guilloche pattern. When
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. |
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Filling System
The Seaside Collection's unique filling system accomodates
a cartridge, converter or eyedropper fill: a series of seals and
"O" rings prevent the ink from leaving the chamber at
any point. A roller ball version of the Seaside 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.
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