Ink Review #915 Redux: Diamine Jack Frost

Diamine Jack Frost was first released as part of the 2019 Inkvent Calendar, but is now available on its own as part of the Blue Collection. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Jack Frost is a dark turquoise blue with lots of sheen and shimmer.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some pretty sheen and shimmer.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 20 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Medium

Other properties: high shading, high pink sheen, and blue shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Jack Frost is darker than both Robert Oster Blue Moon and Diamine Arctic Blue. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Franklin-Christoph 45 in Charcoal and Creme with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a slightly wet flow.

Overall, I rather love this ink, despite some bleeding on Rhodia and Leuchtturm. It has some gorgeous shading, especially in a broad nib.

Disclaimer: I purchased this ink myself, and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #916 Redux: Diamine Festive Cheer

Diamine Festive Cheer was first released as part of the 2019 Inkvent Calendar, but is now available on its own as part of the Blue Collection. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Festive Cheer is a dark royal blue.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has a lot of bronzy sheen.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 20 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: medium shading, high bronze sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Festive Cheer is closest to Colorverse Quasar, but it’s not a great match. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a TWSBI Eco Transparent Blue with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, I like this ink. It’s a pretty color, well behaved and didn’t smear on Tomoe River paper.

Disclaimer: I purchased this ink myself, and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #926 Redux: Diamine Happy Holidays

Diamine Happy Holidays was first released as part of the 2019 Inkvent Calendar, but is now available on its own as part of the Blue Collection. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Happy Holidays is a dark blue with red sheen and blue shimmer.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has plenty of sheen and shimmer.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 15 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

Other properties: medium shading, high red sheen, and blue shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Happy Holidays is pretty close to Diamine Maureen. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the blue inks together.

Longer writing:

I used an Edison Collier Blue Steel with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, it’s a gorgeous winter ink with lots of shading, sheen and shimmer. This ink would be perfect for the winter and holiday season.

Disclaimer: I purchased this ink myself, and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #917 Redux: Diamine Seasons Greetings

Diamine Seasons Greetings was first released as part of the 2019 Inkvent Calendar, but is now available on its own as part of the Blue Collection. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Seasons Greetings is a dark teal with plenty of black sheen.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks darker and has more sheen.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 20 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

Other properties: low shading, monster black sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Seasons Greetings is a bit lighter than Lamy Petrol but more green than Diamine Smoke on the Water. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the teal inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pelikan M805 Ocean Swirl with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, it’s a beautiful ink, but due to the crazy monster sheen it is prone to some smearing. It’s one I think I will play with, but it will never be an everyday ink for me, just because I hate it when inks smear.

Disclaimer: I purchased this ink myself, and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #908 Redux: Diamine Mistletoe

Diamine Mistletoe was first released as part of the 2019 Inkvent Calendar, but is now available on its own as part of the Blue Collection. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Mistletoe is a medium green that leans toward olive green.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks darker and has more sheen.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 20 seconds

Water resistance: Medium

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

Other properties: medium shading, tiny black sheen, and no shimmer. The sheen is only visible in large swabs on Tomoe River Paper.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Mistletoe is closest to Robert Oster Eucalyptus Leaf. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the green inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a TWSBI Eco Transparent Green with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had a slightly dry flow.

Overall, the flow is a bit dry for me, I wish it was a bit wetter. This ink might be better with a drop of Vanness White Lightning, but the color is great for the winter season.

Disclaimer: I purchased this ink myself, and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #912 Redux: Diamine Elf

Diamine Elf was first released as part of the 2019 Inkvent Calendar, but is now available on its own as part of the Blue Collection. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Elf is a medium green with a slight minty tone.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink looks a bit brighter than it does on the Col-o-ring swab above.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 10 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

Other properties: low shading, no sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Elf is closest to Sailor Ink Studio 960, but it’s not a great match. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the green inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a Pelikan M600 Vibrant Green with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, it’s pretty well behaved and dries quickly, but it’s not a stand-out for me. I could take it or leave it.

Disclaimer: I purchased this ink myself, and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #919 Redux: Diamine Holly

Diamine Holly was first released as part of the 2019 Inkvent Calendar, but is now available on its own as part of the Blue Collection. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Holly is a dark green with lots of sheen.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink shows off all the pretty sheen.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 15 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

Other properties: medium shading, high red sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Holly is very close to Diamine November Rain. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the green inks together.

Longer writing:

I used an Esterbrook Estie Oversize Montana Sapphire with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, I like it better than Diamine November Rain (this is me ducking for cover, please don’t throw things) because it has high sheen which means there’s plenty but it doesn’t smear as much, it shades a little bit more and it’s easier to find in the US. It’s not a must-have for me, but it’s definitely a fun one to use.

Disclaimer: I purchased this ink myself, and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #909 Redux: Diamine Gold Star

Diamine Gold Star was first released as part of the 2019 Inkvent Calendar, but is now available on its own as part of the Blue Collection. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Gold Star is a bright yellow gold.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink has some orange shading and plenty of gold shimmer.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 20 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: None

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: None

Other properties: low shading, no sheen, and gold shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Gold Star is right in-between De Atramentis Amber Yellow Gold and Robert Oster Heart of Gold. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the yellow inks together.

Gold Star is much more orange than Golden Sands, which is more of a golden yellow.

Longer writing:

I used a Lamy Safari Mango with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, I enjoyed this ink, I love how sunny and happy it is. It’s a good option for a yellow shimmer ink, but it’s not my favorite gold shimmer ink.

Disclaimer: I purchased this ink myself, and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #922 Redux: Diamine Fire Embers

Diamine Fire Embers was first released as part of the 2019 Inkvent Calendar, but is now available on its own as part of the Blue Collection. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Fire Embers is a dark red orange.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink is less saturated than on the Col-o-ring swab shown above.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 20 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

Other properties: low shading, no sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and bleeding in all nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Fire Embers is closest to Monteverde Motivation. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the orange inks together.

Longer writing:

I used an Edison Collier Persimmon Swirl with a medium nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, I’m indifferent on this ink. It’s fine, generally well behaved, but there’s nothing about it that wows me or makes me love it.

Disclaimer: I purchased this ink myself, and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.

Ink Review #903 Redux: Diamine Candy Cane

Diamine Candy Cane was first released as part of the 2019 Inkvent Calendar, but is now available on its own as part of the Blue Collection. You can find this ink for sale at Pen Chalet (aff. link) or Vanness Pens.

The color:

Candy Cane is a medium bright red that leans just a bit toward orange.

Swabs:

In large swabs on Tomoe River paper the ink doesn’t show much shading.

Writing samples:

Let's take a look at how the ink behaves on fountain pen friendly papers: Rhodia, Tomoe River, and Leuchtturm.

Dry time: 15 seconds

Water resistance: Low

Feathering: Low

Show through: Medium

Bleeding: Low

Other properties: low shading, no sheen, and no shimmer.

On Staples 24 lb copy paper there was some feathering and bleeding in most nib sizes.

Comparison Swabs:

Candy Cane is closest to Robert Oster Rubine. Click here to see the Diamine inks together, and click here to see the red inks together.

Longer writing:

I used a TWSBI Eco-T Coral with a broad nib on a Taroko Enigma notebook. The ink had an average flow.

Overall, I’m not sold on this one. I’m pretty picky about my red inks, the color isn’t for me, and I just don’t love it (Sailor Jentle Irori is my current favorite red).

Disclaimer: I purchased this ink myself, and all photos and opinions are my own. This page does contain affiliate links but this post is not sponsored in any way.