Hottest Inks of 2024!
Since 2018, I’ve been curating annual roundups of standout fountain pen inks, and every year it’s a joy to reflect on which colors truly captured our collective attention. This year’s list is no exception, highlighting inks that stood out not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their strong sales and buzz within the pen community. While some perennial favorites make an appearance, this list focuses primarily on the exciting new releases of 2024. So, let's dive in!
8. Wearingeul Hades
Kicking off the list is Wearingeul Hades, a captivating black ink with a frozen blue shimmer. This contrast of deep darkness and icy sparkle made it a standout among Wearingeul’s lineup, a brand that consistently pairs creative themes with stunning colors.
7. Pelikan Edelstein Golden Lapis
Pelikan’s Edelstein Golden Lapis is the next ink on this list, coming in at number seven. This 2024 Ink of the Year pairs beautifully with the Golden Lapis M200 special edition pen. Its vibrant blue hue and gold shimmer, coupled with Pelikan’s elegant bottle design, made this release a must-have for ink enthusiasts.
6. Ferris Wheel Press Aurorealis 2024 Limited Edition
Known for their intricate packaging and shimmering inks, Ferris Wheel Press wowed us with Aurorealis, their limited edition royal purple ink for 2024. With a mesmerizing duochrome shimmer that shifts from pink to gold, this ink blurs the line between shimmer and sheen, leaving us intrigued with every use.
5. Colorverse Blue Dragon
Colorverse makes its mark with Blue Dragon, a deep blue-green ink with an intense red sheen. But the fun doesn’t stop there—Blue Dragon also comes in three glistening variants, featuring silver, blue, and gold shimmer. Though the 15ml bottles may be a bit tricky to fill from, the dazzling colors make it worth the effort.
4. LAMY blackberry
At number four, LAMY blackberry offers a deep purple hue with hints of maroon and a prominent gold sheen. Released alongside the special edition violet blackberry safari pen, this ink strikes a balance between bold and understated, making it a favorite for many.
3. Diamine Inkvent — 2024 Black Edition
Diamine’s annual Inkvent Calendar continues to dazzle, this year branded as the Black Edition. Despite the name, the calendar offers 25 unique inks, spanning shimmer, sheen, and conventional finishes. Each day leading up to Christmas unveils a new 10ml surprise, making this calendar a holiday favorite!
2. Colorverse Colorvent
In a nod to Diamine’s success, Colorverse introduced their own Colorvent Calendar, featuring 24 inks in their iconic 15ml bottles. With a stunning space-themed design and premium packaging, this calendar is a luxurious way to explore Colorverse’s vibrant palette. Though it’s a pricier option, the larger bottle size and unique presentation justify the splurge.
Honorable Mentions
While they didn’t make the main list, several inks from 2024 stood out for their unique qualities and deserve a moment in the spotlight.
Diamine 160th Anniversary Colors introduced six stunning jewel-toned inks, each offering beautiful shading properties. These special-edition inks were packaged in uniquely designed bottles, making them a collector’s dream and a joy to use.
Sailor’s Manyo Series continued to delight fountain pen enthusiasts with new additions. Known for their unique and vibrant colors, the Manyo Series has become a staple for those seeking variety and originality in their ink choices.
Jacques Herbin’s Paris Series offered a refreshing take on conventional ink colors. These elegant inks, themed around Paris, were especially appealing to writers who prefer classic tones without the added flair of shimmer or sheen.
Additionally, some of our best-selling inks this year weren’t new releases, but their popularity remains unmatched. These include Organics Studio Nitrogen, Diamine Writer’s Blood, Diamine Oxblood, Noodler’s Black, and Diamine Sherwood Green. Each of these inks has earned its place as a staple in the fountain pen community, consistently loved for their quality and character.
1. LAMY dark lilac
Topping the list is the highly anticipated return of LAMY dark lilac, a legendary ink first released in 2016. This year’s reissue sparked a frenzy, even earning a feature in The New York Times. Despite slight reformulations, the ink retained its signature appeal and quickly became the year’s bestseller. LAMY dark lilac’s deep purple hue, subtle sheen, and storied history make it the undeniable star of 2024.
There you have it! Fountain pen inks with lots of shimmer and sheen dominated 2024, along with cool-toned purples and blues. As we wrap up, we look forward to seeing the trends 2025 will bring. Either way, there will be no shortage of creativity in the world of fountain pen inks. Here's to another colorful year ahead. Write on!
