The pearl inspiration is made from worthy mother of pearl and abalone shell. The mother of pearl is sourced off the coasts of New Zealand and is hand-crafted. In Maori the mussel is called the 'Paula' and only select materials can be used so that each of the plates on the pen is uniquely patterned. The individual pieces are superimposed on the round brass sleeve and sealed with epoxy resin. finally in an elaborate treatment the plates are then polished to a smooth contigous finish. All metal finishes are rhodium plated and the fountain features a rhodium plated nib for smooth writing. Rhodium is not corrdible from mineral acids and is currently the most expensive precious metal according special usage. Each pen is presented in a gift box and includes a white leather pen pouch and polishing cloth.