Diamine Amazing Amethyst

[dandelion]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FODBn3j5KLc/S6ynS8lVb4I/AAAAAAAASyo/4dbWjz3Txbc/DSC00419.JPG

 

A bespoke colour that seems to be on its way to be one of Diamine's regular inks - thanks to the person who ordered this ink and to Diamine that provides this to its other customers.

 

Pens used : Stipula Ventidue (22) with a 1.1 mm italic & Yard-O-Led Viceroy Victorian with a broad nib.

 

Paper: Ordinary 80 g copy paper.

 

Colour: This is a very special colour - it is somewhere on the verge between violet and purple. It is muted, but not dull - more like a gleaming, dark amethyst.

 

It shades in a rich, beautiful way - from medium pale to very dark amethyst violet-purple. This shading makes the amethyst perfect for use in a broader nib and/or italic/stub. The colour is original and I like it very much. Its non bright colour makes it suitable for most purposes, maybe with the exception of more conservative office use. In all: an original and beautiful ink that it is a pleasure to write with.

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FODBn3j5KLc/S6yhb3ppDsI/AAAAAAAASus/NiJ_meDjpCQ/DSC00421.JPG

 

Flow & lubrication: The flow is very good - I've not experienced any clogging problems. It is nor wet or dry. The lubrication is good, but not extra ordinary. It doesn't add smoothness to a toothy nib, but it doesn't make a smooth nib more toothy. One could say that its lubrication is neutral.

 

Feathering, bleedthrough and water resistance: The feathering and the bleed through is minor on most fountain pen friendly papers. On this copy paper it is slightly more than minor, but it is not a problem if you don't deep study it.

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FODBn3j5KLc/S6y8_WhMIFI/AAAAAAAAS4c/QrRMMUZG4eY/amazing%20drying.jpg

 

The amethyst isn't a water resistant ink, but I've done two water tests. Above I did a minor water test by stroking the alphabet with a dampe/fairly wet towel. Below is a water test where the paper was put under a running tap for about 1 1/2 minute and then patted semi-dry with household paper and then left to dry. The amazing amethyst seems to be even less water resistant than its fellows (Diamine Damson, Diamine Imperial Purple and Pilot Violet) , but I think it would handle a spilled glass of water quite well - if patted dry fast.

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FODBn3j5KLc/S6zH8q6UNJI/AAAAAAAAS6Q/_uKB9bpgfDM/amazing%20soak.jpg

 

 

 

In all this is a very beautiful and pleasant ink that I really like to use - especially in broader nibs that do it justice. In a narrow nib its exquisite shading doesn't show properly, but it is nevertheless nice in a narrower nib too. One of my current favourites. Another thing I like is that Diamine sells this ink in small, cheap 30 ml bottles - easy to try - and one can put it in a glass bottle if one doesn't like the plastic bottle it comes in - and use the plastic while travelling.

 

This review is also posted with more photos at my blog here.

Edited March 26, 2010 by dandelion

[Ondina]

Very nice review. I like the color, it looks like a muted non shiny version of the truly amazing Levenger Amethyst, which feathers and bleeds through quite a bit but is a beautiful ink color. The range of purples/violets available in the market makes it a hard decision when it comes to buying, isn't it? Thank you, Dandelion.

[Clancy]

Thanks dandelion for the great review of what I also consider a fine ink from Diamine. Good job!

[esterbex]

Exquisite!!!! Review and ink! Thanks Dandelion.

[dandelion]

Thanks for positive response! I must say that I find it quite difficult to find a good purple/violet for every day use, but this seems perfect for it. Many are too blue, too bright, too...everything, but this is muted, violet-purple and not boring.

[zenrabbit]

I recently got a bottle of Diamine Violet which I like alot. I prefer bluer purples to redder purples and this looks interesting as well. Darker than Violet and the shading is nice. Thanks for the excellent review.

[adyf]

Does anyone know how this compares with Montblanc Violet?

[Ed Ronax]

Great review, thanks.

[Scriptorium Pens]

As always, I love your reviews. This color really shows off in your wide-nibbed pens. It's one of my very favorite inks overall, and certainly one of my favorite purples, along with Damson, Scabiosa, & Sailor Shigure.

[Iranna]

Does anyone know how this compares with Montblanc Violet?

 

MB Violet is redder and not as muted as Diamine AA.

[Juicyjones]

Love this Diamine color, I really prefer the purples that go more grape than red.

[dandelion]

Does anyone know how this compares with Montblanc Violet?

 

MB Violet is redder and not as muted as Diamine AA.

 

+1 - they are actually miles away from eachother. The MB Violet is much more similar - one of the siblings, but not twin - to the Diamine Imperial Purple or the Herbin Purple Violet. This is a muted violet with a hint of purple and some grey.

 

 

 

[lovemy51]

"amazing" amethyst, alright!! it's in my wish list!

[adyf]

Does anyone know how this compares with Montblanc Violet?

 

MB Violet is redder and not as muted as Diamine AA.

 

 

Thanks for this information.

[elvawenn]

Great review! I just placed an order from Diamine to try.

[gigipurple]

Great review! This is a lovely ink for everyday use. It adds a dash of color to your day without being flashy. Gigi