Ink Review : Pelikan Edelstein Turmaline

January 22, 2017

Ink Review : Pelikan Edelstein Turmaline

--- Ink of the Year 2012 ---

Pen: Lamy AL-star, M-nib

Paper: Rhodia N°16 notepad 80 gsm

Review

In 2011 Pelikan introduced the Edelstein series of high-end inks, available in a variety of colours. The theme of the Edelstein concept is the gemstone – each colour corresponds to the beautiful colour of a gem. The inks themselves are presented in 50 ml high-value bottles, that are truly beautiful, and worthy of a place on your desk.

In this review I put the spotlight on Turmaline, the Edelstein Ink of the Year 2012. This is a limited edition ink, that’s probably difficult to find today. Pelikan themselves describe the colour as “plum”. Myself, I just see a very bright and flamboyant pink. I’m the first to admit that I’m not a “pink ink” person, but nevertheless this ink has a strange attraction. Perhaps it’s the boldness of the ink’s colour… this is definitely NOT a shy or subdued ink.

Technically, the ink behaved really fine, with good flow and saturation, and a good contrast with the paper even in the finer nibs. With broader nibs there is some really nice shading that accentuates the pinkyness of the ink. Overall a pleasurable ink to write with.

Drying times are reasonable, ranging from 10 to 20 seconds, depending on the type of paper. Turmaline copes well with a wide variety of paper – and can even tolerate the crappy ones. On Moleskine, there’s only some barely noticeable feathering going on – coupled with significant show-through and some bleed-through. On other papers the ink behaved impeccably.

Turmaline is not a water-resistant ink though. It smudges easily, but without impacting the readability of the text. It could handle 15 minutes of water droplets fairly well, but when your writing comes into contact with running water, the paper is left with unreadable pinkish smudges. Although… for this ink, water-resistance should not be a concern – I doubt you’ll use this colour for business correspondence ;-). Be aware that this ink will stain your pen – it takes some serious cleaning to remove all ink residue from inside your pen. The chromatography of this (p)ink looks very interesting, with some water-soluble yellow and grey components.

Conclusion

I think for a pink this ink doesn’t stink. This is not a colour for me, but if you like pinkish inks, this one is probably worth looking at. It’s bold and bright, and definitely an attention-drawer.

my overall score: B+

January 22, 2017

My favourite one from the Edelsteins.

January 22, 2017

Excellent review, thanks It definitely isn't "shy" ink.

January 22, 2017

It sort of looks like a watery Cactus Fruit

January 22, 2017

This is one I wish was still around. I'd love to have tried it -- it's a pretty color.

Thanks for the review, nonetheless.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

January 22, 2017

Not my cup of tea but a great review. Thanks!

January 23, 2017

Not my cup either but I love your reviews. Especially the "real" gems themselves, right up at the top!!

Mike

January 25, 2017

Thanks for your review. I have this ink, and despite the fact I don't generally like pink inks, I like this one. However, I never use it. You've reminded me to dig it out and have a play, thanks.