The above photo was taken in direct sunlight. Ink is swatched on Clairefontaine 90gsm paper, using a glass dip pen.
Specs
Name: Arctic Blue
Maker: Diamine
Color Family: Blue
Properties: Shimmering, Shading, Sheening (low)
Purchased at: Vanness
What’s in a name?
Originally part of Diamine’s 2017 Shimmertastic collection, this medium turquoise blue is named for that unique glacial blue hue found at the poles, complete with silver shimmer to mimic the sun reflecting on the ice (and pink sheen).
Swatches
A large swatch of ink showcases the darkest this ink gets, as well as the maximum properties it has (when held at the right angle to show any shimmer or sheen). But what about when you’re writing a letter or notes with it?
The above was written on Clairefontaine 90gsm paper, using a Manuscript Calligraphy fountain pen with a Stub nib.
Of course, for maximum effect you want to see it in light and in motion. The following video shows the ink swatched on Skylab Letterpress 160gsm cards.
Thoughts
I know logically this ink has a sheen, but for the life of me I can’t find it. Not in the writing, anyway! The good news is that the shimmer comes through beautifully (as always, gently agitate the pen regularly while writing, to keep that shimmer from clogging the feed). Given the relative absence of the pink sheen here, I’d say you can use this ink in nibs Medium and larger. As with all Diamine Shimmertastic inks, the shimmer does transfer onto other pages, so be prepared for that.
In all, it’s a lovely ink for what it is- assuming you need a light blue shimmering ink for something- though does require some maintenance.
*All pics and vid were taken using a Google Pixel 4a and color-adjusted to best reflect the hue of that ink.
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