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Located in Geneva since its inception in 1915, the Maison Caran d'Ache is committed to creating and developing writing and drawing instruments. Caran d’Ache is the pen name by which Russian-born French illustrator, Emmanuel Poiré, achieved worldwide renown in the 19th century. The choice turned out to be a salient one, since “karandash” is the Russian term for “pencil” and in turn comes from the Turkish root “kara tash” which refers to black stone – the origins of graphite. This natural material found in the mountains of Switzerland gave rise to the first Swiss pencil factory set up in Geneva in 1915. Nine years later, in the hands of its founder, the visionary Arnold Schweitzer, it took the name of the famous illustrator became known as Caran d’Ache. http://imageshack.com/a/img908/4606/SPAv3p.png Some time ago CdA introduced magnificient series od inks called Colors of the earth. http://imageshack.com/a/img913/6141/IjM0jZ.jpg The series offered nine inks inspired by colors of the nature. The concept was really nice, the execution flawless (I loved the bottles), only the price wasn't that thrilling. But hey, we're talking premium product here. Colors of the Earth line that was discontinued in early 2013, and with time replaced with Chrtomatics series. . Samples of Colors of the Earth series inks were kindly send to me by Michael R. Thank you a lot! At the moment of making this comparison Ididn't have Carbon sample so it's not included. As I dislike black inks, that's not a problem for me. I have impression that some of the colors changed with age. Obvious example is Washed Out Ugly Something Formerly Known as Blue Night. As you see the sample looks everything but blue. It's sad and discouraging that premium ink behaves this way. I remember trying Sunset around two years ago and as I remember it was brighter. Anyway let's takle a look at what I've got. Colors of the Earth http://imageshack.com/a/img909/538/AV8UPO.jpg Ink splash http://imageshack.com/a/img538/3751/vp1sWZ.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img905/987/MY85Jv.jpg Swabs http://imageshack.com/a/img537/1897/D6Yht3.jpg Atrament na ręczniku kuchennym http://imageshack.com/a/img540/936/Vm8qd1.jpg GScribbles, my company paper, Kaweco Classic Sport, B http://imageshack.com/a/img911/7872/QkHWfc.jpg Notatnik z Leclerca, Kaweco Classic Sport ze stalówką w rozmiarze B http://imageshack.com/a/img909/8435/hUa0A0.jpg Calendar, Kaweco Classic Sport, B http://imageshack.com/a/img673/1708/k3A0Kv.jpg Calendar, Hero 5028, stub 1,9 http://imageshack.com/a/img903/9162/SMzhuj.jpg TeNeues notebook, Hero 5028, stub 1,9 http://imageshack.com/a/img540/757/M0zzrk.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img540/9620/KUOU7F.jpg Waterproofness http://imageshack.com/a/img538/9391/9xkzi0.jpg http://imageshack.com/a/img673/332/wW4eNI.jpg Summary Blue Night transformation is disturbing however I'll keep good memories of the series. As far as I'm concerned Colors of the Earth were much more intertesting than Chromatics. On the other hand I've tried only 4 Chromatics inks so far. Amazon, Grand Canyon, Saffron i Storm were all unique and stunning colors. I wish they were still produced. The other inks don't impress me, well, maybe with one exception. Namely Caribbean Sea. This one made a hell of impression on me. I feel instant revilsion whenever I see it. It's one of the colors that hunt me in my nightmares.