So even though I’ve been concentrating on what I have in my ink stash, I did buy one new ink this year to see if it would fulfill my holiday writing dreams. I picked up a sample of Diamine Shimmer-tastic Enchanted Ocean from Vanness Pens a few weeks ago (4ml sample for $4.15).
Enchanted Ocean was part of Diamine’s 2016 release of shimmer and sheen inks, and looked to be perfect for dark, starry nights. It’s a dark blue (check) that is supposed to have red sheen and silver shimmer.
While I do see the silver shimmer in the ink vial, and very lightly on the page, I don’t see the red shimmer at all. I had high hopes for this one, but found it a little disappointing.
It is a lovely blue though. I will note that this ink also seemed drier to me than most – it dried quickly on the page and I didn’t feel like it was excessively wet on the nib either.
In looking for comparisons, I found it’s a little similar to KWZ’s special Meet me in St. Louis edition, as well as Anderilium Ink’s Flying Blue Squid, although both lean more teal than Enchanted Ocean. Akkerman #7 Konninginne Nach-Blauw is also similar, but somewhat lighter. Everything else in my ink stash leaned too blue or too teal.
While I enjoy the shade, I can’t help but wishing I could see more of that beautiful shimmer! (and that might be solved by buying a full bottle?)
DISCLAIMER: Some of the items included in this review were provided to us free of charge for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.
- Paper: Crossfield Journal ($24.00) and Maruman Mnemosyne N182A Inspiration Notebook A5 ($10.50)
- Pen: Delike Glass Signature Pen ($37.80)
- Swatches: Col-o-Dex Rotary Cards ($15)
- Ink:Diamine Shimmer-tastic Enchanted Ocean (4ml sample for $4.15)
You might try Diamine Inkvent Tempest–dark blue ink with red sheen and lots of shimmer. I bought a full bottle.