The Diamine Imperial Blue is a distinctive take on a classic blue, leaning toward a royal blue with noticeable purple undertones. On paper, it often appears as a deep blue at first glance, but with closer inspection—or broader nibs—you’ll see that slight violet shift that gives it more character than a standard office blue.
In terms of performance, it follows Diamine’s usual formula: water-based, non-toxic, and safe for all fountain pens, including vintage models. The flow is smooth and balanced, and it shows moderate shading along with a subtle golden sheen under the right conditions, especially on higher-quality paper or with wetter nibs.
The 30 ml bottle comes in the standard compact plastic design, which is practical if you like rotating inks or trying different colors. It’s a good option if you want something that feels familiar like blue, but with a slightly more expressive edge that stands apart from typical blue inks.