
Diamine and Ferris Wheel Press are two popular fountain pen ink brands, but they appeal to very different types of writers. Diamine is known for its enormous color selection, excellent value, and everyday writing performance, while Ferris Wheel Press has built a reputation for beautiful packaging, unique colors, and creative shimmer inks. If you're deciding between Diamine and Ferris Wheel Press fountain pen inks, this guide compares their colors, writing characteristics, dry times, shading, sheen, shimmer, and overall value.
Whether you're looking for a dependable daily writing ink or a visually stunning specialty ink, understanding the differences between these brands can help you choose the best option for your fountain pen collection. Explore our collection quality inks for fountain pens
Diamine vs Ferris Wheel Press at a Glance
| Feature | Diamine Ink | Ferris Wheel Press Ink |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom | Canada |
| Founded | 1864 | 2017 |
| Color Selection | Exceptional | Excellent |
| Shimmer Options | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Everyday Writing | Excellent | Very Good |
| Value | Outstanding | Moderate |
| Packaging | Functional | Premium |
| Best Known For | Color Variety | Creative Specialty Inks |
Diamine Fountain Pen Ink Overview
Diamine ink company is one of the oldest fountain pen ink manufacturers in the world and has been producing inks since 1864. The company offers one of the largest fountain pen ink color selections available, making it a favorite among beginners and experienced fountain pen users alike.
Popular Diamine ink collections include:
- Diamine Standard Inks
- Diamine Shimmer Inks
- Diamine Inkvent Collection
- Diamine 150th Anniversary Series
- Diamine Forever Ink Series
Diamine is often recommended in our guide to Best Fountain Pen Ink Brands. Shop all Diamine Fountain Pen Inks
Ferris Wheel Press Fountain Pen Ink Overview
Ferris Wheel Press has quickly become one of the most recognizable names in the fountain pen world. The brand is known for artistic bottle designs, premium packaging, and unique ink colors that frequently feature shimmer, shading, and visual effects.
Popular Ferris Wheel Press collections include:
- Everyday Collection
- FerriTales Collection
- The Bookshoppe Collection
- Special Edition Inks
- Shimmer Ink Collection
Ferris Wheel Press appeals to writers who appreciate creativity, presentation, and unique ink experiences. Shop all Ferris Wheel Press Inks for Fountain Pens
Color Selection and Variety
Both brands offer a large range of colors, but Diamine has one of the largest fountain pen ink catalogs available anywhere.
| Color Category | Diamine | Ferris Wheel Press |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Colors | Excellent | Very Good |
| Specialty Colors | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Shimmer Colors | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Limited Editions | Frequent | Frequent |
Diamine provides more overall color choices, while Ferris Wheel Press focuses on highly curated and artistic color palettes.
For additional color inspiration, see our Fountain Pen Ink Color Guide.
Writing Performance and Flow
Both brands generally perform well in fountain pens, but their writing characteristics differ slightly.
| Writing Characteristic | Diamine | Ferris Wheel Press |
|---|---|---|
| Flow | Moderate to Wet | Moderate |
| Lubrication | Very Good | Very Good |
| Consistency | Excellent | Very Good |
| Beginner Friendly | Excellent | Good |
Diamine inks are often viewed as more versatile everyday writing inks, while some Ferris Wheel Press inks prioritize visual effects over pure writing performance.
Learn more about flow characteristics in our guide to Wet vs Dry Fountain Pen Inks.
Shading, Sheen, and Shimmer
This is where both brands excel.
Diamine offers excellent shading and sheen across many colors, including several famous sheening inks.
Ferris Wheel Press is especially known for shimmer inks and visually striking specialty colors.
Related guides:
Dry Time Comparison
Dry times vary by color, paper, and nib size, but most Diamine inks dry relatively quickly compared to heavily saturated or shimmer-heavy Ferris Wheel Press inks.
For detailed information, see our Drying Time Guide for Fountain Pen Ink.
Packaging and Presentation
This is one area where Ferris Wheel Press clearly stands out.
| Packaging Feature | Diamine | Ferris Wheel Press |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle Design | Functional | Premium |
| Gift Appeal | Good | Outstanding |
| Display Value | Good | Excellent |
Ferris Wheel Press inks are often purchased as gifts because of their distinctive bottles and artistic branding.
Value Comparison
Diamine is widely considered one of the best values in fountain pen ink.
- Large bottle options
- Affordable pricing
- Huge color selection
- Excellent performance
Ferris Wheel Press inks typically command a higher price due to packaging, branding, limited editions, and specialty formulations.
Best Diamine Inks
- Diamine Oxford Blue
- Diamine Writer's Blood
- Diamine Earl Grey
- Diamine Oxblood
- Diamine Aurora Borealis
Best Ferris Wheel Press Inks
- Ferris Wheel Press Blue Yosemite Falls
- Ferris Wheel Press Jelly Bean Blue
- Ferris Wheel Press Grape Ice Pop
- Ferris Wheel Press Tanzanite Sky
- Ferris Wheel Press Tears of Sapphire
Who Should Buy Diamine Ink?
- Everyday writers
- Students
- Professionals
- Writers seeking value
- Users wanting a large color selection
Who Should Buy Ferris Wheel Press Ink?
- Collectors
- Artists
- Shimmer ink enthusiasts
- Gift buyers
- Writers seeking unique colors
Final Verdict: Diamine vs Ferris Wheel Press
Both brands produce excellent fountain pen inks, but they serve different audiences.
- Choose Diamine if you want outstanding value, huge color selection, and dependable everyday performance.
- Choose Ferris Wheel Press if you enjoy artistic colors, premium packaging, shimmer inks, and collecting unique bottles.
Many fountain pen enthusiasts use Diamine for everyday writing and Ferris Wheel Press for creative projects, journaling, and special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diamine ink better than Ferris Wheel Press?
Neither brand is universally better. Diamine offers exceptional value and a huge color selection, while Ferris Wheel Press focuses on artistic colors, premium presentation, and specialty inks.
Which brand has better shimmer inks?
Both brands offer excellent shimmer inks, but Ferris Wheel Press is particularly known for creating visually striking shimmer and specialty ink collections.
Which ink brand offers better value?
Diamine is generally considered one of the best values in fountain pen ink because of its affordable pricing, large bottle sizes, and extensive color selection.
Are Ferris Wheel Press inks good for everyday writing?
Yes. Many Ferris Wheel Press inks perform well for everyday writing, although some specialty shimmer inks may require additional pen maintenance and cleaning.



