S.T. Dupont Rock Crystal Excellence — the single example held outside any numbered edition, transparent, unflawed, and in hand.
The artist's proof
An artist's proof exists at the edge of the edition — produced alongside the numbered run, retained as the sculptor's own record of the work. This is the only example of the Rock Crystal Excellence in this designation. There is no further instance of this object in the world.
The body
Solid rock crystal, natural quartz, carved transparent and unflawed from a single piece. In lapidary work, a crystal object that shows no inclusions, fractures, or cloudiness across its full carved body is rarer than it sounds — every flaw would be visible from any angle. This one has none.
The nib & mechanics
18k gold, 750 hallmark, hallmarked "M" for medium grade, tuned at S.T. Dupont's atelier in Faverges, Haute-Savoie. The same facility, the same hands, the same standard as the lapis prototype — both pens were built on the same bench.
The display
The pen is presented on a natural quartz cluster — the raw crystal formation from which the pen's material originates — mounted on gold-finished pillars. The pen rests within a faceted crystal enclosure. Writing instrument and source stone are presented together as one unified object.
The signature
Signed S.T. Dupont. As the artist's proof for the Stones of Fortune line, this is the pen against which any future production would be measured — the reference object, in the sculptor's own keeping, now offered for private acquisition.
The artist
Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio is Peru's foremost lapidary sculptor, heir to a family tradition rooted in 1968. His carved works are held in nine museum collections worldwide. Since 2010, he has collaborated directly with S.T. Dupont on Haute Création pieces — a category the Maison produces in editions as small as one.
The Maison
S.T. Dupont has operated in Paris since 1872. The house served as official photographer to Napoleon III and created a bespoke fountain pen for Jackie Kennedy. Their Faverges atelier, where 95% of every object is still hand-made, is the source of every S.T. Dupont Haute Création piece.
Offered by
Surround Art & Diamonds, Irvine, California — North American representative of L'Aquart, with nearly a decade of placing Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio's works — including his Faces of Eternity series and Kleodora clutches — in private collections across the United States.
Acquisition
The pen is physically in hand and available for in-person inspection by private appointment. It may be acquired individually or together with its companion piece: the Lapis Lazuli Prototype, also signed and in hand. Personal delivery is provided with full provenance documentation and original presentation cases.
Price upon request. Contact Surround Art & Diamonds, Irvine, CA.
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Material: Solid rock crystal, natural quartz — transparent and unflawed
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Nib: 18k gold, 750 hallmark, medium grade
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Atelier: S.T. Dupont, Faverges, Haute-Savoie, France
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Lapidary: Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio, Lima, Peru (L'Aquart)
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Display: Natural quartz cluster on gold-finished pillars, faceted crystal enclosure
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Signature: Signed S.T. Dupont
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Collection: Stones of Fortune — S.T. Dupont × L'Aquart
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Edition: Artist's Proof, sole example
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Status: In hand, available for private inspection
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Delivery: Personal delivery with provenance documentation and presentation case
