The nibs of the StarWalker fountain pens are made of 14-carat gold and are rhodium-plated, that is, coated with rhodium, in a separate operation. Rhodium is one of the platinum metals and gives the nib its light surface.
The rhodium plating takes place in the electroplating plant of the Hamburg works. Clips, rings and further metal parts are also platinum-plated or gold-plated there. Electroplating is one of the few steps in the manufacture of writing instruments that run largely automatically; this automation expressly serves quality assurance here. Only after the electroplating does the nib receive its iridium tip and its nib slit.