Caran d'Ache was founded in Geneva in 1915. Originally known as Fabrique Genevoise de Crayons, the brand was rechristened Caran d'Ache in 1924. 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.
Innovation is at the very heart of what Caran d’Ache do, from exploring new materials and equipment to integrating the latest techniques and technologies. The many inventions such as the first mechanical pencil, the first water-soluble pencil and the first wax oil pastels, they have patented, and have paved the way for all kinds of inspiration.