In Ink Review

Ink Review: Pelikan Edelstein Smoky Quartz

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Pelikan Edelstein Smoky Quartz

Every year for the last… maybe eight SIX years now(?) Pelikan has tried to wow us with a new jewel-themed Color of the Year ink color. While Pantone is telling us this year is the year of “Greenery,” Pelikan is trying to convince us its a browner sort of year. Pelikan chose Smoky Quartz ($28 for a 50ml bottle) as its color of the year.

Side note: For a handy cheat sheet of all the Pelikan Edelstein colors released thus far, check out the list compiled on the Pelikan’s Perch. They even have information on the 2018 color that’s been selected: an olive-green though it has yet to be named. 

Pelikan Edelstein Smoky Quartz

Pelikan Edelstein Smoky Quartz

The color is a deep rich, chocolatey brown for sure. The only other neutral/brown tone the Pelikan Edelstein has offered was the Amber in 2013 and it was much more of an orange-brown so fans of this line of ink are sure to be pleased with the richness of this color. I was happy to see that the color is a warm brown with a yellow, golden undertone.

Pelikan Edelstein Smoky Quartz swatch

When I swatched the color, it magically got this highlight spot so that I could see the undertones. t gave it quite a Western Americana feel to me. It was the first time I really got the “smoky” part of the color.

Pelikan Edelstein Smoky Quartz writing sample

The writing sample did not show a lot of color variation but its a nice solid brown ink. There was no noticeable shading or sheening. It’s definitely a “staple” ink and not a “boutique” ink.

Pelikan Edelstein Smoky Quartz Swatch Comparison

I had a really hard time getting the color “just right” on these swatches. Suffice it to say that the subtleties got lost but the overall color values are captured here. Smoky Quartz is definitely one of the darkest browns in my collection. Bookbinders Eastern Brown and Kaweco Caramel Brown are definitely warmer colors. Tears of a Clown is more reddish. Platinum Pigment Sepia is the lightest and both formulas of KWZ Honey are more gold, leaning to green.

I hope theses images help to give you a better idea of how Smoky Quartz performs in real world tests. Right now Oster Caffe Creme is probably my favorite brown ink followed by KWZ Honey but I’d probably put Smoky Quartz in slot #3. That’s not a bad place to be. Its a solid performer and a good rich color and a nice alternative to black or blue-black.

Testing Notes: I used Rhodia Uni blank paper for the writing tests and my trusty Esterbrook #2442 nib in my Shawn Newton nib holder. For the header and ink swabs, I used a #4 round watercolor brush. For all the ink swatches shown I used the Col-o-ring Ink Testing Book and a Zebra G Titanium dip nib in a vintage holder. To keep my lines straight, I use 6mm and 7mm guide sheets.

THE GIVEAWAY:

Pelikan Edelstein Smoky Quartz Giveaway Package

THE PRIZE: Winner will receive ONE (1) bottle of Pelikan Edelstein Smoky Quartz graciously provided by Goulet Pens AND ONE (1) Col-o-ring Ink Testing Book from The Well-Appointed Desk.

THE RULES: Leave ONE (1) comment below and tell me which of all the Pelikan Edelstein Color of the Year colors has been your favorite thus far. Is it Smoky Quartz? Or one of the previous colors? Or do you have a recommendation for what the next color should be? If so, you must give it the appropriately gemstone-y name.

FINE PRINT: All entries must be submitted by 10pm CST on Monday, April 10, 2017. All entries must be submitted at wellappointeddesk.com, not Twitter, Tumblr or Facebook, okay? Winner will be announced on Tuesday. Winner will be selected by random number generator from entries that played by the rules (see above). Please include your email address in the comment form so that I can contact you if you win. I will not save email addresses or sell them to anyone — pinky swear. If winner does not respond within seven (7) days, I will draw a new giveaway winner. Shipping via USPS first class is covered. Additional shipping options or insurance will have to be paid by the winner. We are generous but we’re not made of money. US residents only, please.

DISCLAIMER: This item was sent to me free of charge by Goulet Pens for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

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268 comments

  2. Thank you, Ana, for the giveaway! Although I haven’t been able to try it yet, I suspect that my favorite Pelikan Edelstein ink of the year will be TheSmoky Quartz; I’m always looking for a lovely darker brown, and the swatches I’ve seen online suggest that this might be the one.

  7. I have Akkerman Bekakt Hags in my M400 Tortoise irght now, but I might have to get some of this for the next fill…this is def. my favorite Edelstein ink of the year

  9. First time on the well appointed desk, coming from goulet’s retweet of this review. Overall, solid review. I hadn’t cared much for Smoky Quartz to be honest, but now that I’ve seen it in action, so to speak, I can tell it’s gonna be one of my favorites. Another favorite of mine, also my most favorite edelstein ink, is Edelstein aquamarine.

  11. Yes. To be honest, though, I had wanted to get my hands on some of the Aquamarine.

    I wonder how they would pull moonstone off….gray, maybe?

  12. The Aquamarine has been my favorite so far, it just looks so good in a demonstrator. The Smoky Quartz looks great though.

  13. Smoky Quartz looks like my #1 choice right now. Looking forward to trying it.

  15. I haven’t had the pleasure of trying any of these inks yet, and to be honest ANY ink color will probably eventually be my favorite, I just love COLOR! That said, I’ve been highly intrigued by Aquamarine and Tourmaline, and now Smoky Quartz looks super yummy. Although I have to say the Oster Caffe Creme is looking particularly fab right now, I love his inks. 😮

  18. I have a bottle of amber, but only got cartridges for Garnet. Otherwise I haven’t tried any other of the yearly colors.

    I do like brown ink, so Smoky Quartz light become my favorite. Amber is very nice.

    Moonstones as far as jewelry goes are predominantly white. Another ink maker has moonstone in gray which suggests our Moon vs the semi-precious jewel.

    Thank you for giving this ink away Ana. You have many drawings, and though I’ve never won one, I appreciate the opportunity.

  23. I am new to fountain pens in general. But one of my favorite ink colors happens to be browns. Maybe because I love chocolate?! Smoky Quartz looks fabulous! I would be my fave.

  24. Peridot! I’d like to see an Edelstein rich limey green to rival Akkerman #28. And until Peridot appears, my favorite to date is Aquamarine.

  25. I tend to like darker colors; however I really like the Mandarin for the shading I see even with an EF nib.

  26. Thanks for the giveaway!

    So far Aquamarine is my favorite; the shading is wonderful and I love turquoise inks.

  27. I like the Amber best, for now, but an looking forward to the olive-green promised for 2018. Possible name… Vesuvianite Noir.

  28. My favorite is amber but I’m thinking I’ll love smoky quartz just as much!

  29. Thanks so much to the Goulet Pen Co and WAD for the giveaway! My favorite Edelstein ink of the year was Aquamarine, but I was say “was” for a reason. Smoky Quartz is a real contender, and I can’t wait to see in person eventually.

  32. Favorite? I’m only guessing, because I haven’t tried an ink from this line yet, but probably Mandarin. Although Turmaline also caught my eye. I think they should name the upcoming olive green “peridot.”
    And is my entire 2 cents. Thanks for hosting a giveaway!

  35. I didn’t follow the Ink of the Year in the previous years but since I was really tempted by Aquamarine I must say that would be my favorite! I love blues.

  36. This was a other excellent review! Now I might just have to grab a bottle. The closest to brown ink I have is J Herbin Caroube Dr Chypre which I use very rarely. It would be nice to switch it up!

    Anyway for the giveaway answer, MY favorite is Edelstein Aquamarine. I’m a march baby, and even though the ink is a tad dark compared to the gem, that teal tone is everything. C:

  37. This was another excellent review! Now I might just have to grab a bottle. The closest to brown ink I have is J Herbin Caroube de Chypre which I use very rarely. It would be nice to switch it up!

    Anyway for the giveaway answer, MY favorite is Edelstein Aquamarine. I’m a march baby, and even though the ink is a tad dark compared to the gem, that teal tone is everything. C:

  40. I’m really liking your sample of the Smoky Quartz. It is very rich and yummy-looking. Not what I thought at all, from the name!

  41. Thank you for the giveaway! Personally I think my favorite is the smoky quartz. There’s just something about it that’s got that old parchment history feel to it that I adore.

  42. A bluish grey with sheen to match my neckace of moonstone beads would be my choice, and of course it would be called Moonstone.

  43. Aquamarine is my favorite Pelikan Edelstein ink. Pelikan should do an Alexandrite ink (emerald with a ruby sheen or teal blue with a purple sheen).

  46. As with so many others, my favorite Ink of the Year color to date is Aquamarine. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!

  47. I have a bottle of Aventurine which I quite like. Apart from that I don’t have any personal experience with other Edelstein inks. But, my favourites from pictures are Aquamarine and Amethyst. I plan to buy the re-released Aquamarine (and a Pelikan Amethyst color pen if I can find one:)).

  48. Acquamarine, for its beautiful shades! Came with the m205 Special Edition as a present.

  50. My favorite Ink of Year up to now was Garnet. Will give Smoky Quartz a try as usually they are well behaved in my wider nibs. Thanks for the review.

  51. So far Acquamarine is my fav color, but I can easly see Smoky Quartz beeing my #1 as soon as I can try it..

  52. I’d had to go Topaz or Smoky Quartz. I think the next color should be based on the Montana gemstone, it’s a dusty blue color. We’ll call is Yogo.

  56. Well I’ve just started my fountain pen journey fairly recently, so I have yet to branch out into bottled inks. I think once that inevitably happens, I won’t be able to see the top of the rabbit hole anymore.
    That said, of the cartridge inks I’ve tried so far, it turns out I like blue and blue black, so I would probably go with Tanzanite or Sapphire out of the Edelstein inks listed at the link provided.
    Thanks for the GAW!

  58. Garnet has been my favorite Ink of the Year so far, but Smoky Quartz and the 2018 olive green will be stiff competition.

  59. Amber is my favorite PE color of the year so far, but then I absolutely adore red-orange colors. I also love medium to dark browns so I suspect Smoky Quartz will be a favorite as well.

    Thanks for the great review!

  60. I was surprised at how much I liked Aquamarine. I never got to try Garnet, alas. I do like Tanzanite, but Ruby is too washed-out for my tastes. Maybe I should try a Tanzanite-Ruby mix.

  61. I hate choosing favorites. Today’s favorite is Garnet. Ask me tomorrow and you may get a different response!

  62. Love the Edelstein Amethyst (2015), but the Smoky Quartz looks like it will be another favorite. I appreciate that you’ve mentioned it does not have the yellowish undertones that can make it look questionable. Brown can be a rich color and I’m hoping this one will turn out to be that ‘one’ brown.

  63. Both another Ink I’m fascinated by and a means to get a Col-o-ring before the next production run! Interesting, Ana!!!!!!

  65. I really like the aquamarine best so far, though I think I can see the smoky quartz running a close race for #1. The colors are all brilliant though.

  67. Smoky Quartz is my favorite and surpasses my all time favorite Walnut Ink. The richness of this color gives me the browns I’m looking for in my “old barn” drawings.

  68. The 2015 color, Amethyst, was my favorite so far. I’m a fan of browns, so, ironically, that makes me less inclined to buy this year’s color–$28/bottle is a lot for something I already have quite a bit of that quite similar–but of course I’d love to have it for the lowlowlow price of free, so thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

  70. I’m liking forward to trying the Smokey Quartz ink….a favorite stone already. I’d like the new green to have peridot in its name…a beautiful gem.

  72. I too just purchased my first fountain pen. The last one was a gift that I’ve had forever! But I do think that the Smoky Quartz is beautiful. I like that gold undertone!

  74. Brown inks are always so appealing to me. I think the Smoky Quartz would go beautifully in my Pelikan M205 Aquamarine, which is my first expensive pen. I love the look of blue and brown together–in yarn, fabric, everything.

  75. I have two inks that I’d like to see Pelikan make:1. Malachite – a nice dark green and 2. Lapis – a darker pure blue.

  76. I loved Amethyst and Turmaline, although Aquamarine is definitely in the running. I always have a brown or orange ink on rotation, though, and Smoky Quartz fits the bill.

  77. I can’t decide between the Aquamarine and the Tanzanite, although Tanzanite isn’t an ink of the year so I guess I’d go with Aquamarine.

  78. My favorite Ink of the Year is Aquamarine, since I bought the Pelikan 205 to go with it. I had Richard Binder grind the BB nib to a cursive Italic and love writing with it with the matching ink.

  79. I’ll go for Aquamarine, though really I don’t have a lot of experience with Pelikan inks. But I’d be happy to have more, and even happier to own a Col-o-ring!

  81. I’m liking the Smoky Quartz (Topaz, if you ask me) quite a bit in my Lamy AL-Star Graphite, F nib and want to try it with a B nib, too. However, my far and away favorite Edelstein is Aquamarine, in fact, it’s my overall favorite ink at this point.

  82. I haven’t tried any of the Edelstein inks, but this one sounds great, as browns are mu favorite.

    I’d suggest Certainly Citrine, for autumn release, to celebrate the orange/yellow shades of leaves — and November birthdays.

  84. Thanks for the review. I’ve been debating about picking up a bottle of this ink.

  85. I think that I might be torn between Aquamarine and Amethyst. Though Aquamarine might just just win by a small margin.

    As for the next ink… An olive-green gemstone has to be Peridot, right?

  86. Lovely review. Of all IOTY editions, Amethyst would probably be my favorite. Smoky Quartz has some great color to it. Chocolatey brown and smooth appearance. Love to have some. For a future release, I really like the light teal color of Chalcedony. Would be nice for a light colored ink.

  87. My favorite so far is the Amethyst. I’m looking forward to the green in 2018!

  88. I really like brown inks, montblanc toffee being a staple in my rotation, so smokey quartz looks to be a soon favorite.

  90. I haven’t actually tried any of the inks, but I like how the Amethyst color looks the best. I do like the Smoky Quartz too, I’m a fan of brown inks that look like really faded black ink.

  91. It’s between amethyst and smoky quartz for me, but if I really had to pick a favorite, I’d have to say the smoky quartz.

  93. Last year’s, Aquamarine, has been my favorite. I love the dusty, subdued color of it. I get shading in a fine nib!

  94. Being relatively new to the hobby, my history doesn’t go back very far, so I’ll have to go with Aquamarine. But Amethyst looks awesome too!
    As for next time… I know we probably don’t need any more blues… but I’m going to go with Lapis Lazuli, deep intense blue with some gold.

  97. While Edelstein Garnet was my favorite so far, I’d love a dark green-gray. Though I have no clue what gemstone that could be.

  98. My vote today is Smoky Quartz but tomorrow it could be Tanzanite, or Tourmaline, or Amethyst, or wait — there’s an olive green in 2018, you say? Can I vote for that, sight unseen?!

  100. Topaz is my go-to as it has great flow but I do enjoy a good brown. SQ looks like it would be a lovely writer in my XF nibs.

  101. I’ve only been buying fountain pens just over a year now, I geuss smokey quartz would have to be my favorite.

  104. Great review, thanks. Ruby has been my favorite. I think they should try purple or violet too.

  106. I have only tried one of the Edelstein inks, the aquamarine, which I didn’t like. I tend to like browns though so this ink is interesting. Thanks for the review!

  109. I would make one called Laboradorite! It would have a dark gray, lavender-leaning ink with subtle blue shimmer and a slight green sheen!

  111. So far Aquamarine is the one that stands out to me (partial to blues) though Garnet is a close second. That being said, would love to see them come out with a darker blue similar to Tanzanite, but with less purple tones.

    Since Tanzanite and Sapphire are already taken: maybe “Azurite?”

    Thanks for doing this giveaway!

  112. This is my favorite Edelstein color of the year; love browns and never got into the earlier colors of the year.

  113. It’s hard for me to choose between Smokey Quartz and Amber. I would like Pelikan to develop the olive-green color I heard mentioned and maybe call it Emerald

  114. Tanzanite is my favorite, but I love a good brown and this smoky quartz looks great. I’d love a back opal color. I’m imagining a black ink with some kind of sheen.

  117. My favorite so far is a tie between smoky quartz and amethyst. I did create a color in the 2018 competition– it was a lighter olive like green and I named it Peridot.

  118. My favorite Edelstein ink is Aquamarine. I got really into fountain pens right after my daughter was born and Aquamarine is her birthstone so it stood out to me. Teal is one of my favorite colors so I’m already drawn to everything in that color range regardless of the name, but in this particular case, Aquamarine has sentimental value.

  119. This one looks gorgeous. Previously I like the aquamarine and sapphire. Thanks for the blog!

  120. Like the Garnet, though it’s a bit pale in use. Doesn’t look like that will be a problem with Smoky Quartz!

  121. I’ve only tried the Tanzanite, but it’s amazing. Accidentally added some to a pen that already had Diamine Eclipse, and the result was sparkly. I think a dark blue with gold shimmer called “Lapis” would be seriously tempting.

      1. Vanness Pen Shop carries Bungubox Inks along with a nice variety of inks. Additionally, they have and offer a very nice ink sample program.

  124. I got into fountain pens too late to see any of the previous Pelikan inks of the year, but from browsing around, I think my favorite would have to be Amethyst. I love those dark warm purples!

  125. I’m still fairly new to fountain pens and inks, but so far I really like the brown inks. Smokey Quartz looks like a winner to me!

  126. Aquamarine is my favorite, for strictly sentimental reasons; My mother had a fountain pen (when everyone else had picked up Bics) and used a similar coloured ink. Not as brilliant, but certainly in the same palette.

    She was a teacher and raised me on her own. She didn’t have many nice things, but she loved her fountain pen; it provided her what art and formality we could afford. She always signed my report cards with that pen, and told me how proud she was of me.

    Aquamarine instantly reminded me of that time.

  128. I am enjoying Aquamarine the most so far. I don’t have the Smoky Quartz. I think that peridot would be interesting (bright green) or lapis lazuli (deep bright blue with a gold sheen), chalcedony or a pearl type (pale grey/silver with some oplescence).

  131. Looks like they need a rose quartz! A soft pink color with good shading. I loved the Pantone double color of the year last year.

  132. I’m a goner for the aquamarine. I really want the matching pen, but I can’t really spend that kind of money on pens right now

  135. Smokey quartz is easily my favorite. Garnet as a distant second. Many thanks for your creative self Ana!

  137. Amethyst hands down has been my favorite. But if they could find some creative use of sheen and maybe a little sparkle to create a fire opal effect, that would be cool

  139. Aquamarine. Thanks for the wonderful reviews. I’m not bitter that you have helped fuel my forays into pencil and art supplies.

  141. Amethyst is the one partial to at this time. An ice blue would be a nice addition to the Pelikan ink of the year.

  142. I haven’t been around fountain pens to know much about the past Pelikan colors of the year, but I’d love to see a Garnet.

  144. I think my favorite thus far is Smoky Quartz! It is such a beautiful brown shade! I don’t own any brown inks! Thanks for offering this giveaway!

  148. Nice review! I think the smokey quartz is my favorite since I recently purchased the Pelikan M400 Brown Tortoiseshell & the Pilot Amber 823. It will look awesome in both pens.

  149. At first I would have chosen Turmaline but this year’s Smoky Quartz had me itching to buy a bottle. Beautiful review and thanks for the opportunity.

  151. Aquamarine is the only Pelikan ink I’ve tried so far, and it goes splendidly well with the 2016 winter Edison Nouveau Premiere. I don’t mind a nice brown, and while this might not be top of my list, it looks like a nice workhorse!

    2. I just picked up Garnet and love it. I’m hoping that Smoky Quartz is just as good. J Herbin 1670 Caroube de Chypre is what I currently have in my Lamy 2000. This looks to be one I’ll enjoy as well.

  156. i haven’t tried any of the edelstein inks yet, but the garnet is looks lovely! (plus, its both my birthstone and the team color for my husbands alma mater)

  158. I will never not pick a teal color if given my druthers – so my favorite would have to be Aquamarine 🙂 – The smoky quartz is lovely, though; not a color I would necessarily be drawn to, but the reviews are changing my mind.

  160. I don’t have a Pelikan ink yet, but I keep coming back to look at the aquamarine. Love the shading.

  162. Turmaline is my favorite of the Pelikan Edelstein inks so far, but I’d love to try out this Smoky Quartz, as I’ve developed quite a fondness for nice brown inks over the past year.

  163. I haven’t tried their ink line yet but am anxious to dive into bottled ink (I know it’s quite a rabbit hole). I would make the 2018 olive color Mediterranean Jewel (since olives are a Stapleton that region).

  164. Oh Hello, I have a bottle of the Aquamarine and love the color. In general I have always used Pelikan inks, since school the royal blue and later the ‘blau-schwarz’, which is my favorite for letter writing. Thank you for this give-away. Susanne

  168. So far my favorite color has been the Aquamarine! Love the shading of that ink, but after reading this detailed review I am hoping to enjoy this color just as much once I get a chance to try it out! Thanks for the sweet giveaway!

  169. My favorite is Amethyst… although, I say that without having ever being able to use or see Turmaline…

  171. I just recently have gotten into fountain pens (received my first one in the mail 2 days ago) through watching Brian’s videos on YouTube, so I have no experience writing with these inks but look wise I am REALLY loving the aquamarine! It’s really the true embodiement of the exact shade of my favorite color and the only ink I’ve seen so far that this is true for!

  172. I like Amber and Amethyst equally much hmmm. If I had to pick one I’ll go with Amethyst – it’s brighter and might be more versatile for me to use.

  173. I just got a sample of this from Goulet and I’m loving it, so I have to say this is my favorite!

  174. I haven’t had the pleasure of trying any, but the Aquamarine and Amethyst both look beautiful. I guess I like “A” inks. So if I mace an gemstone ink it would have to be “Alexandrite”, a green or red gemstone depending on the light.

  176. This year is my favorite color! The rest never struck a cord but this one is beautiful!

    Thanks for the amazing giveaway!

  177. Smokey Quartz is by far my favorite color, although I haven’t had the chance to try it yet. It’s understated enough to use for work, but adds a depth of color and luxury which I am always looking for in my inks.

  178. My favorite so far is Aquamarine – my March birthstone!
    Would love the try the Smoky Quartz though, can’t wait to see it. 🙂

  181. I really liked Aquamarine, and I’m surprised by how much I like the swatches I’ve seen of Smokey Quartz. I don’t know that I’ve ever used a brown ink, and it would go nicely in a wood pen that my husband had made for me.

  183. Although Jade is my favorite Pelikan Edelstein ink (and my favorite ink of all time!), my favorite of the limited edition Ink of the Year releases has been Amethyst. It’s so warm and regal, and is an excellent shading ink in every pen I’ve had it in.

  184. For the photos you have taken, this color looks stunning, so this Smoky Quartz is my favorite. Thank you for the giveaway.

  186. I haven’t been able to use it but I love the amethyst color. I love everything in shades of purple, so I may be biased.

  188. The color that I find myself coming back to is Amethyst even though I’m usually more of a teal person! The Smoky Quartz looks amazing though, I might have a new favorite…

  189. Aquamarine is my favourite (ok, ONLY) Edelstein colour so far, but I’d also love for them to do a pink, maybe Rose Quartz? 🙂

  190. I just got a sample of the Smoky Quartz to try and like it pretty well, but the Aquamarine has really been catching my eye to try next!

  191. I like the Smoky Quartz but am really looking forward to next years, which I’m hoping is named Emerald

  193. Thank you for running this giveaway. I have to admit (maybe I just have a thing for brown ink), I think I might like the Smoky Quartz color the best. (Mandarin might be a close second, though!)

  196. My favorite is aquamarine! Love that teal color. If next years ink is going to be olive green the name should definitely be peridot, maybe pallasite if they want to be fancy

  197. I’ve been looking for a Brown that is more that just dull brown. This looks like it would be perfect. Actually, have several samples coming from Goulet even as we speak. Love the golden undertones the best. In some circles the birthstone for November is “Smokey Topaz” which is very close to this so I think this may be a favorite.

  199. I’m relatively new to fountain pens and haven’t had the opportunity to use any of these inks; however, I think tanzanite looks awesome!

  201. My favorite so far is Aquamarine, definitely. I’d call the 2018 color Peridot. I love that they use gemstone names!

  206. I do not have many inks yet, I am new in this addiction. If I had to choose from the samples I have (Pelican Ed Onyx or Smoky Quartz) I choose Smoky Quartz because it looks elegant when used for handwriting.

  208. I’ve not tried an Edelstein color yet, but Smokey Quartz would sure be a good start!

  209. I think the Smoky Quartz is the most appealing to me. Smoky Quartz is one of the few browns that isn’t “too” [red, green yellow, etc.] to my eye.

  212. So far Jade has been my favorite of Pelikan’s Edelstein inks of the year. The Smoky Quartz would be a perfect fit for my brown Aero from Diplomat. Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful giveaway.

  213. I love the Amethest and Tanzanite! I’m sure there is a bottle in the future for the quartz.

  216. My favourite was definitely Amethyst. Purple was my favourite colour and this was just such a well behaved dark purple, compared to their 4001 Violet.

    I think their next ink should be a bright yellow just to be different. Maybe Citrine!

  217. Smoky Quartz is definitely my favorite. The earth tones are good for personal and business use.

  219. I’m a sucker for greens, so Jade is my favorite, but this year’s Smoky Quartz is wonderful too. For a future color, I would love one named Lapis Lazuli. Thanks for the giveaway!

  220. Smoky Quartz is the first I had ever heard of the Ink of the Year. Now that I’ve seen it, I wish I could find all the others. I love the look of it. So far, my favorite brown ink has been Lie de The.

  221. I think I would like the Smoky Quartz the most with Sapphire second then Ruby Red. They are all very lovely though.

  223. I’m actually really grooving on this Smoky Quartz. But, this has been the year of the brown ink for me so I think this is just in my wheelhouse for this year.

  224. Mandarin, although I think this Smoky Quartz looks good – but maybe too similar to Havana Brown that I have. I think an ink called after the semiprecious “Tigereye” would be a good name, though, colourwise probably not that interesting 🙂 I am posting this as I think it is still Monday in your part of the world, if not in mine.

  225. Sadly I only own one Edelsteine ink if the year – Aquamarine which I love. Tanzanite looks beautiful as well.

  229. I suppose an interesting color in the future would be a silver or grey (or perhaps a sheen-heavy grey?). Something like “Hematite” would give it an industrial connotation. It would be a departure from the rest of the line, but I find it an interesting idea nonetheless.

  230. I prefer browns for daily use. I have not tried any of the Edelstein inks, so Smokey Quartz looks like it would be fun.

  231. I’m a photographer that loves recreating 19th century postal cards and the Edelstein Smoky Quartz has exactly the same tonality as those ancient writing on the back of the postcards!!! Definitely my choice for the color of the year.

  233. This Smoky Quartz color is probably what I would choose as it would look good in my Cognac KawecoSport. If there​ was an m205 in the Mandarin Orange Is probably buy that.

  234. My definite favorite so far is Tanzanite – it looks gorgeous in my new Lamy Safari Petrol pen.

  236. Smoky Quartz, that I have not tried as of yet. But, if I win this giveaway one of the following will have to go to my ink drawer of shame: Lie de The, Kiowa Pecan, or Bekakt Haags.

  239. I haven’t had a chance to try ANY of the past inks yet, so I can’t really weigh in on the debate. I do however find myself intrigued by Amber for some strange reason, yellows aren’t usually my thing. Might have to check it out! Loved the review, shout out to Goulet for sending me over here.

  240. I only began using fountain pens this year and am not familiar with the previous years’ Color of the Year, but I think Smoky Quartz is gorgeous. If I were to create an ink, it would be Fire Opal. Thanks for the great review and giveaway!

  243. My favorite would be Smokey Quartz, though the Amethyst looks great too. Thanks for the chance!

  244. Smoky Quartz and Aquamarine are my favorites– I know they’re opposite ends of the spectrum but I feel like they’re both just stunning.

    I’d love to see a deep rich grey. I think it’s so hard to find a nice grey. Like a nice blue-y mouse grey.

  245. I read the fine print but wanted to respond anyway! I’m newer to fountain pens, so I’ve never used any Pelikan inks but Amethyst has always seemed really rich and deep. I’ve also been I the fence regarding Smokey Quartz because I feel like the pictures and videos don’t do it justice and is easy it mess up a brown. Good luck to everyone!

  246. My birthstone is sapphire, and it has always been my favorite color for just about anything. Lately, I have been experimenting with a variety of colors, and the Smoky Quartz definately caught my eye. I would love to use this in several of my good fountain pens.

  247. Blues and teals are my absolute favorites, so I’d have to go with Aquamarine (2016) as my favorite Pelikan Edelstein Ink of the Year.

    But my favorites overall would have to be Topaz, Jade and Sapphire (depending on the swatch or sample I’m looking at…)

  251. Definitely Smoky quartz, I love it so much! And I think Ocean Emerald is a good name for an ink with green and just a hint of blue. Just a hint!

  252. I don’t own any of the Edelstein inks, but this one and Topaz are definitely at the top of my list! Thanks for the review and giveaway!

  255. Just tried the Smokey Quartz and it is a satisfying brown steeped with shades from milk chocolate to dark chocolate! Tourmaline Waves for their next ink.

  257. So far, my favorite color is Aquamarine, but Smoky Quartz might beat that.

    I’d love to see a delicate gray/blue color called Moonstone, or maybe a darker color with a bright blue sheen for Labradorite.

  261. My color of year for Pelikan Edelstein inks is the Topaz, I am using this at the moment and I love how it writes and shades on the Tomoe River and Rhodia paper. Regards.
    Norman.

  262. This is the first brown in my ink supply/ collection, I usually follow the mantra – if it’s brown, flush it down – but this is a pure brown, no hint of red, green or yellow, just a rich dark brown.
    As far as color forecasting, I prefer the Color Marketing Group of which I was a member for over 20 years ( Corporate sponsorship). They also forecasted a warm yellow-green for 2017 and forward. These colors are proposed for hard goods which then influence soft goods.
    So I would select this new yellow-green called “Thrive”

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