Official documents signed in pink ink? That will be the day. The world is not ready yet for flamingo pink signatures and deep magenta court transcripts. But for note taking, journaling and correspondence, pink ink can be the ink of choice – especially when the ink bottle bears the name of legendary brands such as Diamine and J. Herbin. And for those who think ink bottles are disasters ready to happen, cartridge inks (in pink) are also available.
Diamine Ink in Shades of Pink
The London-based company was founded by T. Webster in 1864. In 1925 it moved to Liverpool and in 1964 it changed its name to Diamine. Diamine ink carries an extensive range of fountain pen ink. It comes in delightful glass bottles of 80ml, plastic refills and pen cartridges. Ink colors are rich, ink offering great shading and saturation with no feathering and bleedthrough. Colors in shades of pink:
- Ruby
- Amaranth
- Deep Magenta
- Flamingo Pink
- Hope Pink (for Cancer Research)
- Scarlet
- Cerise
- Claret
Of these Claret comes in cartridges in boxes of 18. For calligraphy, try Diamine Hot Pink and Raspberry in Diamine’s calligraphy range.
J. Herbin Ink in Pink
J. Herbin prouds itself of being the oldest name in pen inks in the world. The Perle des Encres (The Jewel of Inks) was created in Paris in 1700. Herbin’s bottled ink comes in 30ml glass bottles known as “D bottle pen inks” after “la Demi Courtine”, the old French unit of measure. The ink bottles come with an integrated pen rest.
Among J. Herbin extensive range of bottled ink are of course inks in shades of pink.
- Rouge Bourgogne
- Rouille d’ Ancre
- Rose Tendresse
- Bouquet d’ Antan
- Rose Cyclamen
- Rouge Opera
- Rouge Caroubier
- Larmes de Cassis
J. Herbin ink is pH neutral, lightfast and water-based offering excellent flow and shading and fast drying times. Herbin’s cartridge inks fit most, but not all, fountain pens, so check before you buy. For those who want a different writing experience, there is also J. Herbin Scented Fountain Pen Ink that comes in Rouge, and Pearlescent ink suitable for nibs or brushes that also comes in Rose.
Private Reserve, Pelikan, Parker Quink, Noodler’s Ink
Pink ink enthusiasts are spoiled for choice. Even Pelikan and Parker Quink who used to offer the traditional blue, black, red inks have added pink to their range. Pelikan 4001 Giant Ink Cartridges come in pink as do Parker Quink Mini Cartridges (pack of 12). Private Reserve offers bottled ink in Shell Pink and cartridge inks in Dakota Red. The much-sought after Noodler’s Ink comes in shades of pink, too, with unusual names, such as Baystate Cran, Shah’s Rose, Atlantic Salmon, Georgia Peach, Hell Fire and Dragon Cat Pink.
Of course the color of a particular ink varies depending on light and writing surface. Ink samples reproduced online or on card can be deceptive as a photo can never reflect the exact color of the ink which also depends on individual perception. It is best to buy and try for yourself.
For rollerball pens, gel pens and highlighters in pink see: Pink Pens
For acid-free, waterproof, fade-resistant, archival ink see: Ink Supplies, Pen and Archival Ink
Lito Apostolakou - Lito is a historian with an interest in digital archives and online historical resources. She is the author of blog Palimpsest.
