Avalon Jewelers

I’ve used fountain pens since I was in college. Unfortunately, my aspirations toward collecting tend to outpace my resources. Nonetheless, I love the craft, the artistry, and the ritual of fountain pens. (Plus, the collecting community is just great, in my experience.)
So, after having moved to Carmel a few months ago, I ran across mention of Avalon Jewelers as being one of the go-​to shops in the Indy area. Plus, they manufacture Private Reserve Ink, which is fantastic stuff, so all the more reason to stop by.
Being nearby, I decided that this little shop on Main St. in Zionsville merited a visit. Great decision! First of all, Susan, the proprietor, could not be more of a joy. I stopped in just expecting to have a look around and pick up a Sheaffer Snorkel that I saw online at a great price. I ended up standing around talking with her for almost an hour! She’s not just someone who runs a jewelry store that happens to sell pens on the side; she loves fountain pens – their history, their beauty, their functionality. She’s an example of what makes the FP community so great.
As for Avalon’s pen selection, it’s fantastic. They offer a wide variety of new and vintage pens, including an astonishing array of Esterbrooks (my favorite daily writer because they’re reliable workhorses). I’m no expert on pricing, but they seem quite reasonable. If someone out there was willing to gift me a few grand, I’d be more than happy to buy up their pen inventory. ;]
If you’re in Zionsville and have any appreciation for fine writing instruments, you owe it to yourself to stop in here. And if you don’t have an appreciation for them, stopping in and talking to Susan will no doubt change that! I plan on making many, many more trips to visit and to shop.
Also, be sure to stop in and give Angel the cat a little pet. She’s a sweetheart.

I admit it. Among others, I have a fetish for writing utensils — you know, pens, pencils — that ilk. I still remember this brick-​toned, small profile, mechanical pencil I possessed years ago. I lost it somewhere along the way, but man that little number was something. When I sign a business document, I will not, repeat will not, sign with a felt tipped — it’s gosh and for me not unlike fingernails on a chalkboard.
Over the past year I’ve been working on some complex documents that would require multiple signatures. Finally last week the deal came to fruition and there seemed to be no better opportunity to combine signing, gifts, celebration (and of course my fetish ;) all in one special event. So… fountain pens all around!
Avalon is the place for this. They have a wide selection of styles and brands. For me Pelikans, including one pearl and gold special edition — hot. Beyond a phenomenal array of writing instruments, Avalon has a nice selection of jewelry and other special gifts with a good variety of vintage and antique pieces. Great service, very cool shop.
PS — after I finish typing this I’m going to enjoy my awesome pen and write a little letter.