Despite manufacturing over half a million individual sticks a year the pastels are still completely hand made and retain all the qualities of the originals. They are mixed to meticulous recipes and are based on traditional pigments such as cadmiums, cobalts and natural and synthetic earths. The pastels are made in Northumberland and contain only pure pigments in a cycle of related hues, instead of adding white or black to the colors. The result is intense, vibrant color not muddied by the blending of colors. Unison's pastels contain very little binder, making them truly soft and smooth. They are mixed to meticulous recipes and are based on traditional pigments such as cadmiums, cobalts and natural and synthetic earths. Pastels measure approximately 2-1/8" long × 5/8" diameter (54 mm × 16 mm). Sticks vary slightly due to the hand-making process.