I have been promising to write up my review of the J. Herbin 1670 Anniversary Rouge Hematite inks for almost a month now. I guess good things come to those who wait. I picked up my bottle at Pieritz in Oak Park, IL for about $22. There were two colors released in this series — the rouge hematite red and Ocean Blue.
The packaging on this ink is enough to validate the higher price. The box is a lovely warm white with metallic gold designs around the “1670”. Inside, the glass bottle is square with metallic gold sealing “wax” (more of a plastic I suspect) holding down gold cording and red wax-sealed cap. At first I thought I would have to pull the wax off the cap but it turned out to be a twist off cap hidden under the wax so neither the cap nor the seal had to be damaged to use the ink. Yippee!
Before I used the ink, I gave the bottle a good shake to blend the sediment back into the liquid. Since the bottle is clear, you can see if there’s sediment on the bottom of your bottle so shake as needed.
Inside was a beautiful true red ink. Its a deep red with no hints of pink or orange.
This ink seemed worthy of my vintage Sheaffer fountain pen with the gold nib so I took it out for a spin. I have no complaints about this ink. I’ve been looking for a good, true red and this ink more than fits the bill.
If you are looking for a nice looking ink bottle for your desk or a gift for a favorite pen lover, this is a great idea. Goulet Pens carries both the Bleu Ocean and Rouge Hematite for $19.50 per bottle.
Nice pictures! I really like this ink myself. I hear people complain that it’s “sticky” but it doesn’t bother me. I’m very un-picky about ink though hehe. Happy holidays!
Very nice review!
This is the ink I used for my holiday cards this year. It’s one of favorite red shades. Simply beautiful!
I have a Sheaffer with a flexy medium gold nib. The 1670 is fabulously fun to write with using this pen. This lovely red ink shades dramatically when laid down in wide and wet line. ONe of the more interestting features of this ink, and I think this adds to its shading characerstics, can be seen if you invert the bottle after it’s been sitting for a few days. You will see a film of tiny reflective brassy metalic particles. Shake it up before inking up.