The Brand: Since it was founded in Geneva in 1915, Caran d'Ache’s history has been intertwined with creativity and emotion. Countless generations of budding artists, amateurs and professionals have shared and continue to share the company’s passion for its colours and the quality of its drawing and writing instruments. Originally known as Fabrique Genevoise de Crayons, the brand was rechristened Caran d'Ache in 1924 at the suggestion of Arnold Schweitzer, the head of the company at the time. Caran d'Ache means pencil in Russian and has its roots in the Turkish word "kara-tash" which means black stone, in reference to graphite. A true icon of the Swiss Made label, Caran d'Ache remains a family company, currently headed up by Carole Hubscher who represents the fourth generation of the family involved in the company's management at the highest level since the 1930s.

Description: The storied history, and quality, of the Caran d’Ache pens makes them a solid winner as a gift or as a go-to pen for oneself. The weight and feel of this particularly lovely ballpoint pen is perfection. Our pen case on Main Street is full of options but we find we recommend this one—for the quality, price and feel—time and time again.

Details: choose from matte black, red or florescent yellow + choose to order a refill if you like, 5 inches in length, hexagonal aluminum body, satin finish, flexible clip, push-button made out of metal, black ink

A Note From Erika: This pen has a high-capacity cartridge (it lasts a long time!) and a uniquely engineered body (all one piece!).