Pelikan has had a busy and slightly turbulent fall season. A large slate of October releases was marred by several delays, the most significant of which turned out to be the M200 Copper Rose Gold which is now tentatively planned for release in the Spring of 2024. The long awaited M205 Rose Quartz was likewise held up due to production issues which seem to have been more easily remedied. Retailers started receiving stock in early November which makes this one ripe for a review. The 2023 release that has towered over all others remains the M600 Glauco Cambon. I would place the M1000 Maki-e Dragon in the same company but that is an eminently less accessible model for most. Pelikan has been releasing pens to match their Edelstein Ink Of The Year line since 2015. The Rose Quartz is the latest special edition fountain pen to continue that trend. The majority of these pens have hailed from the M205 family, a model line characterized by chromium plated trim, giving the furniture a silver appearance as opposed to gold. The Rose Quartz fountain pen is no exception, its warmer pink tones blending well with the cooler silver elements, making this one of the nicer looking pens in the series. That is saying something when you consider the eight other models released to date, including the M205 Amethyst (2015), M205 Aquamarine (2016), M200 Smoky Quartz (2017), M205 Olivine (2018), M205 Star Ruby (2019), M205 Moonstone (2020), M200 Golden Beryl (2021), and the M205 Apatite (2022). Pelikan thankfully avoided any major gaffes with this one, leaving the glitter on the shelf and bringing back the chromium plated crown nut. Continue reading to discover whether or not the Rose Quartz deserves a place amongst your flock.

Appearance & Design (9/10) – With a hue that’s easy to overdo, Pelikan gets the color just right

Like all prior iterations, the M205 Rose Quartz can be purchased in two different configurations. The first is a gift set in a special packaging that includes both the fountain pen and its matching ink which makes for a great present. The alternative is to purchase the pen by itself which then comes in Pelikan’s standard G30 packaging. Unlike some other recent releases, in this instance, the G30 is not adapted with any unique thematic elements, likely due to the fact that a specialized gift packaging exists separately. That may also be due to the fact that efforts were focused on the M600 Red-White’s packaging. The G30 isn’t exotic but it makes for a solid presentation which includes a faux leather pen sleeve as an added bonus. With the pen in hand, the first thing that you notice is the pink resin that dominates the barrel and cap. The pink hue selected is in no way obnoxious, aided by the choice of a matte finish which helps subdue what can be an overwhelming shade. For the second year in a row, Pelikan forewent the glitter which is a welcome omission. Previously seen in 2019’s M205 Star Ruby, 2020’s M205 Moonstone, and 2021’s M200 Golden Beryl, the glitter would have pushed this one into a Barbiesque flamboyance.

While I had originally expected this to come as an M200 model with gold plated trim, the cool, silver tones of the chromium plating pair well with the warmth of the pink. The components of the piston assembly are made from a white plastic which blends nicely with the rest of the pen. The only component that I find just a touch jarring is the cap top which is also done in white resin. This is the piece that displays the company’s logo, screened in silver. Being the only external white resin component, it stands out in a way that distracts from the overall look, at least for me. I would have liked to have seen the cap top done in the same translucent pink which I think would have suited the pen better, a small gripe overall. The pen’s color is very complimentary when juxtaposed with its corresponding Rose Quartz ink. By virtue of this being a demonstrator, the ink chamber is on full display which is a blessing and a curse as it does leave the Rose Quartz at risk for obvious staining. I find this to not be a problem when employing good pen hygiene and reasonable ink selection but, if that isn’t your style, the light hue may show stains more readily than some others. All of the furniture on this one benefits from chromium plating, including the crown cap nut which was conspicuously absent on last year’s Apatite. The remainder of the furniture includes a single trim ring at the piston knob, a single cap band, and a beak shaped clip. Finally, an un-plated stainless steel nib stamped with the company’s logo and nib width rounds out the look. The stainless steel nib is rather plain in its appearance but matches the pen’s aesthetic nicely.

Construction & Quality (10/10) – The Classic series have always been dependable writers with the Rose Quartz being no exception

Pelikan’s Classic series has always been positioned below the more upmarket Souverän line. What this has historically meant has been a cheaper price point and a slightly less polished finish. While the price differential has largely been erased by years of increases, the finish is the same. That said, the two small seams on the section of all M2xx models are barely perceptible here and have to be looked for closely to even find. The components fit together nicely and there is no play in the piston knob which snugs securely to the barrel as expected. The cap holds fast when not in use but is able to be quickly removed with just 3/4 of a turn. I have had no issues with the cap unintentionally coming loose in my pocket. For those, like me, that prefer to post their pens, the cap of this M205 fixes steadfastly to the back of the barrel. There is a step where the piston knob meets the barrel owing to a difference in diameter between the two components which can be uncomfortable for some, particularly if you do not post your pens. Despite excellent construction and quality craftsmanship, this pen gives me no confidence that it would weather a significant impact from some altitude onto a solid surface. That’s a litmus test that no pen should be subjected to but something to keep in mind. With regular use, I don’t see the Rose Quartz having any major issues in the near term and is likely to provide years of dependable service if cared for properly.

Notice the step between the piston knob and barrel, a consequence of the two components being different diameters

Weight & Dimensions (9/10) – If you’re comfortable with a lighter, smaller pen, this one handles exceptionally well

The Rose Quartz is a smaller pen, particularly in an age where people seem to gravitate towards larger models. Once considered a standard size, the M2xx line is now dwarfed by many of its larger brethren. Pelikan’s genius, first observed almost 100 years ago, shines through when you post the M2xx models. By virtue of its size, it is eminently portable, easily fitting into most pockets when capped (try that with an M1000). By posting the cap, the pen becomes a comfortable length with exceptional balance while at the same time, not necessarily requiring posting to be comfortable to write with. That makes this one versatile and suited to a variety of writing styles. It’s a fine balance that few pull off with as much aplomb as Pelikan. Due to an all plastic construction, there is no weight behind this pen. It is as light as a leaf in the fall breeze which will be off putting to those that like their pens heavy. All M205s come in a capped length of 4.92 inches, a posted length of 5.71 inches, a diameter of 0.46 inches, and a weight of just 0.49 ounces. The M400 Souverän is similarly appointed by way of comparison. If the smaller size isn’t too unsettling, the Rose Quartz is nothing if not a comfortable model that can be used without concerns of fatiguing over longer writing sessions.

Nib & Performance (9/10) – Despite its plain appearance, the nib performs its task reliably with a particularly strong resistance to drying out

The Rose Quartz, by virtue of being an M205, comes standard with an un-plated stainless steel nib. The silver color of the steel matches the trim nicely. Because the collars of the M2xx and M4xx lines share the same dimensions, the nib can be upgraded if so desired. Having used all manner of Pelikan nibs, I can’t say that the exercise of upgrading to gold does much other than changing the nib’s appearance and adding a few more dollars onto the cost of the pen. Pelikan’s stainless steel nibs have a touch of spring and write as well as most of their modern gold counterparts. Like models past, this M205 is sold with nibs available in the widths of EF, F, M, and B. Each nib features the Pelikan logo, and the width stamped at the base, a very plain and unassuming look. I again chose a fine nib for this one, a size well suited to my smaller writing style. Upon arrival, the tines were well aligned, and I had no trouble with hard starts or skipping. That has generally been my experience with Pelikan’s pens but that may not be everyone’s seeing as no quality control is infallible. The fine is fairly true to its designation, at least as far as Western fine nibs go but remains a far cry from Japanese pens with the same designation.

The line of ink that the nib and feed put down is wet and generous. Perhaps one of the more underappreciated attributes of Pelikan’s construction is the ability of the feed to resist drying out. For someone that admittedly doesn’t use their pens as much as they would like, it’s reassuring to know that it will be ready to write when called upon, without the hassle of coaxing back to life. Still, that should not be taken as a license to let the pen sit for months on end inked but unused as the ink will eventually dry out, clogging your feed and perhaps staining the barrel as well. Best to empty and flush the pen if not using it for a protracted period to prevent the above. Pelikan’s inks tend to run a bit on the drier side which does help to tame a wet feed, but I don’t think that ink selection should be a major issue with this one. Unfortunately, the nib won’t shine with any unique character as your line width will be uniform throughout. What it lacks in style, it makes up for in dependability. The Rose Quartz is ready to write when you are and sometimes that’s all you need.

Filling System & Maintenance (10/10) – Pelikan’s piston fillers are easy to fill, easy to use, and easy to maintain

The M205 Rose Quartz is a piston filler, built with the same differential piston filling mechanism that has withstood the test of time for generations. When filling, the piston smoothly travels the length of the barrel and can nearly fill the pen to its stated 1.20mL capacity in a single cycle. Because this is a demonstrator, the amount of ink remaining in the pen can be easily visualized at a glance. The most maintenance that these demand usually becomes evident after a few years of use (depending on your habits). A stiff piston may develop which can be taken care of by removing the nib and applying a tiny drop of pure silicone grease to the inside of the barrel via the section. This makes the M205 a very low maintenance model. The piston assembly is snap fit to the barrel and is not meant to be removed. Of course, the inherent risk of staining should not be overlooked, and you would be well advised to avoid this one if the potential for staining is a deal breaker for you. The Rose Quartz is easy to fill and easy to maintain making its use a hassle free experience.

Cost & Value (8/10) – With a slightly reduced price and arguably better aesthetic than last year’s model, this one makes a better value proposition

Pelikan’s Classic series of pens have seen significant price increases over the years, no longer qualifying as entry level models like they once did. The M205 Rose Quartz comes with a US MSRP of $250 and retails in the neighborhood of $200. That actually represents a price reduction, more on par with 2020’s pricing. Hardly a dramatic reduction but a welcome one none the less. European vendors are selling the Rose Quartz for €121 (~$130.52) when the VAT is excluded, pretty similar to the M205 Apatite from last year. Speaking of the Apatite, I struggled with seeing the value in that model at a retail price of $224 given the omission of the plated crown nut which seriously hurt the pen’s aesthetic. The Rose Quartz is free of such a glaring omission and at a cheaper price, certainly upping the value proposition. If pink hues with silver accents wrapped in a small but exceedingly dependable package is your thing, then you may not want to pass this one up.

Conclusion – The Rose Quartz clears the air and sets things right following the odd aesthetics of its predecessor

M205 Rose Quartz: 55/60 or 91.6%

Pelikan has made some missteps with the Classic line in years past. The Rose Quartz seems to make amends for past transgressions and may subjectively be one of the best models released in the Edelstein series to date. It is a pen free of gimmicks or gaffes. Past lapses in design are thankfully rectified and no new offenses are perpetrated. The pink color is a great match for the ink it accompanies and a difficult one to get right. The Rose Quartz strikes just the right balance, in part thanks to the matte finish. Every detail seems well thought out, right down to the use of white resin for the piston assembly. The only thing that leaves me a little unsettled is the white cap top. Being the only sliver of white resin on the exterior of the pen jars me slightly every time I see it, a small gripe to be sure. I think this one will certainly sell well, both amongst the collector crowd and the daily users. While there have been some great entries in this series over the last nine years, I think this one would get my pick as being the best of the lot and I’m excited to see what the design team comes up with for 2024’s entry, coming off of a hit like this. If you’re looking for a dependable daily writer in a small but comfortable package, aren’t deterred by demonstrator pens, and like the color scheme, then this is a pen you should seriously consider adding to your flock.

Colors as varied as the gemstones they represent. Left to right: M205 Amethyst (2015), M205 Aquamarine (2016), M200 Smoky Quartz (2017), M205 Olivine (2018), M205 Star Ruby (2019), M200 Golden Beryl (2021), M205 Apatite (2022), M205 Moonstone (2020), and M205 Rose Quartz (2023). **Moonstone is out of place in an otherwise chronological order**

PROS

• A very handsome pen that avoids the pitfall of being too pink
• The piston mechanism is easy to use and easy to maintain, ensuring hassle free operation
• The ability to exchange nibs means you have lots of options for customization
• A generous feed ensures the nib stays wet and ready to write, within reason of course
• It’s always nice to have an ink view and the ink chamber is on full display with this demonstrator

CONS

• Many will find this pen lacking the girth and heft that they prefer
• A demonstrator will always have an inherently higher risk of staining by virtue of its design
• The cap top, done in white resin, is just a tad bit jarring when taken in with the rest of the pen
• Despite the welcome price reduction, this one still feels a bit on the expensive side for a pen with a stainless steel nib

A Look At The Pelikan M205 Rose Quartz

Pelikan M205 Rose Quartz Writing Sample

*The pen utilized for this review is my own from my personal collection and therefore the opinions expressed are also mine and free of any undue influence.