If you are Mont Blanc, how do you pay tribute to a deceased Prince? By designing and selling a limited edition exquisite writing instrument. The Prince Rainier III is a limited edition of 81 - the age of the Prince when he died. The pen is festooned with diamonds and rubies to represent the shield of his coat of arms. 996 diamonds and rubies are on the outside, but the inner workings of the pen are visibe. The clip ring has more rubies as does the 18K gold nib. The pen will sell for about $300,000.
Prince Rainier III (born Rainier Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand Grimaldi... woah!) was Prince of Monaco for 56 years, until his death in 2005. He was the famed prince that married American Hollywood sweetheart, (Princess) Grace Kelly.
$300,000 Tribute Pen
Mont Blanc Prince Rainier III
Trend Themes
1. Luxury Limited Edition Writing Instruments - With the success of the $300,000 Tribute Pen, there is significant opportunity in creating luxury limited edition writing instruments infused with cultural significance or celebrity icons.
2. High-end Jewelry Integration - The diamond and ruby encrusted Prince Rainier III pen provides opportunity for high-end jewelry designers to collaborate with pen manufacturers for unique and valuable pieces.
3. Cultural Icon Tribute Products - There is market potential in creating high-end, limited edition, tribute items like writing instruments for cultural icons who have passed away, particularly for collectors and those who enjoy exclusive and unique pieces.
Industry Implications
1. Luxury Goods - The Tribute Pen exemplifies the potential for revenue growth within the luxury goods industry, particularly within the segment of high-end writing instruments.
2. Jewelry - The design of the Tribute Pen showcases potential for jewelry and precious stones integration with non-jewelry products.
3. Collectibles - The Tribute Pen falls within the collectibles industry, which continuously experiences demand especially through limited edition and unique pieces.