The humble pen: its origins date back to at least 2,000 BC and the time of the Egyptians, who created the reed pen with which to write on parchment. Fast forward four thousand years, and the pen today is no less significant. Although we live in a digital age, a pen is the vehicle of the written word and all the thoughts and ideas that it can create. Perhaps thatโs why the gift of a pen, and in particular an engraved pen from National Pen, is seeing a resurgence in popularity.ย
The history of the engraved pen
Engraved pens (or sometimes just the pen nib, which would be dipped into the inkwell) have carried significance for hundreds of years. Whereas today, a pen is often a shared item used simply to jot down notes, in the past a pen was highly personal, often bearing an inscription, engraving or even a carving. Look at this beautiful nib, decorated with the portraits of Napolรฉon III and his empress, Eugรฉnie! Indeed, pens were something to be treasured and kept, often handed down to the next generation, as a symbol of continuity and respect.
What makes engraved pen gifts so unique?
The gift of a pen is a way of offering something valuable and meaningful to someone highly respected. It signifies culture and precious thought, inspiring the flow of words and marking out the recipient as a thinker. Having your pen gift engraved shows them just how special they are, while demonstrating the desire to offer a gift with real significance.
Engraved pens were traditionally given to mark occasions such as graduation, landmark birthdays or in celebration of academic success, although they can form a meaningful present in many situations. Times when you want to express gratitude, show respect and admiration, or wish someone well for the future are all perfect occasions to offer an engraved pen.
Perhaps a highly valued employee is moving on, or you want to show your childโs teacher just how grateful you are for their efforts? Maybe a friend has succeeded in securing a promotion, or a colleague is about to get married; an engraved pen gift symbolizes your appreciation and represents your true best wishes towards that person. Adding some personalization to what is already a special, symbolic gift creates another layer of meaning. The recipient will remember you each time they write with their gift, and be reminded of the circumstances of its offering. National Pen offer a wide range of pens and pen gifts that can be engraved to make your pen even more special.
Types of pen
Choosing which type of pen, either for yourself or to offer as a gift, is a personal thing. A fountain pen was, at the time of its invention in mid-19th-century, highly innovative, as it came with its own internal ink reservoir. This saved the writer the hassle of having to repeatedly dip the nib back into the inkwell, and revolutionized the process of writing. Ball point pens came along during World War Two, offering more practicality and versatility. Then, a few years later, the roller ball pen was invented. Claiming to be a hybrid of the fountain pen and ball point, it didnโt rely on such viscous ink as the ball point, and created a more polished finish. The stylus is the newest type of pen, marrying up the digital world with the history and symbolism of the traditional pen.
A pen can be used for all sorts of reasons, from noting down items to buy at the shop, to signing the register at a wedding. Its history transports us all the back to the very beginnings of the written world itself, making an engraved pen gift something all of us can appreciate and value!
