Add to cart product
VIEW CART

Welcome

Welcome to the Mustard and Gray shop.

For 10% off

your first order please sign up to our email newsletter.

Best wishes, Vicky and Zoe

NEW COLLECTIONS LAUNCHING SPING 2025

Country

  • +44 1743 627753
  • Log in
  • Cart (0)
  • Checkout
Mustard and Gray Ltd Logo of giraffe and elephant in yellow and grey. M & G. Mustard and Gray are Stationery and Homewares designers, retailers and wholesalers based in Shropshire, UK. We sell worldwide a range of quality made in Britain gifts.
  • Stationery 
    • Greeting Cards 
      • Birthday Cards
      • Congratulations Cards
      • Get Well Soon Cards
      • New Home Cards
      • Sympathy Cards
      • Blank Greetings Cards
    • Writing Stationery 
      • Notecards
      • Writing Paper
      • Thank You Notecards
      • Invitation Notecards
    • Wedding Stationery 
      • Wedding Invitations
      • RSVP Cards
      • Information Cards
      • Order of Service
      • Thank You Cards
      • Reception Stationery
  • Homeware 
    • Kitchen Linens 
      • Hob Covers
      • Placemats & Coasters
      • Oven Gloves
      • Aprons
      • Tea Towels
    • Barware 
      • Beer Steins
      • Bottle Openers
      • Cocktail Shakers
      • Enamel Mugs
  • Children 
    • Kids' Homeware 
      • Children's Lamp Shades
      • Children's Cushions
      • Wall Clocks
      • Kids' Mugs
    • Stationery 
      • Notecards
      • Birthday Cards
      • Thank You Cards
    • Kids Gifts 
      • Time Capsules
      • Kids' China Mugs
  • Gift Ideas 
    • Gifts by Recipient 
      • For Stationery Geeks
    • Personalised Gifts 
      • Personalised Note Cards
      • Personalised Mugs
    • Collections 
      • Charlie's Coast
  • Workshops
  • SALE
  • Country

  • Stationery 
    • Greeting Cards 
      • Birthday Cards
      • Congratulations Cards
      • Get Well Soon Cards
      • New Home Cards
      • Sympathy Cards
      • Blank Greetings Cards
    • Writing Stationery 
      • Notecards
      • Writing Paper
      • Thank You Notecards
      • Invitation Notecards
    • Wedding Stationery 
      • Wedding Invitations
      • RSVP Cards
      • Information Cards
      • Order of Service
      • Thank You Cards
      • Reception Stationery
  • Homeware 
    • Kitchen Linens 
      • Hob Covers
      • Placemats & Coasters
      • Oven Gloves
      • Aprons
      • Tea Towels
    • Barware 
      • Beer Steins
      • Bottle Openers
      • Cocktail Shakers
      • Enamel Mugs
  • Children 
    • Kids' Homeware 
      • Children's Lamp Shades
      • Children's Cushions
      • Wall Clocks
      • Kids' Mugs
    • Stationery 
      • Notecards
      • Birthday Cards
      • Thank You Cards
    • Kids Gifts 
      • Time Capsules
      • Kids' China Mugs
  • Gift Ideas 
    • Gifts by Recipient 
      • For Stationery Geeks
    • Personalised Gifts 
      • Personalised Note Cards
      • Personalised Mugs
    • Collections 
      • Charlie's Coast
  • Workshops
  • SALE
  • Country

News

The Pen Review: Diplomat Aero

February 17, 2021

The Pen Review: Diplomat Aero - Mustard and Gray Ltd

Image result for Diplomat Aero

I am a nightmare to buy gifts for. It is a fact that has been thrown at me by family and friends for years. Four years ago, my mother was struggling for a Christmas gift idea and looking for inspiration wondered into my favourite pen shop. She came out with a stunning Tortoiseshell Montegrappa Extra and a Diplomat Aero in Brown. Spoilt indeed! The Montegrappa is elegant and fine. I keep it safe in my office and use it often. The Diplomat is my workhorse. It is easy to write with, robust and reliable. It makes life easy and feels great to hold. I can pop it in my pocket or bag, take it into the workshop with confidence that it will survive an “active” day.    

Pen Review: Diplomat Aero

A little history…

Diplomat are German pen and writing implement manufacturers, designing and making pens since 1921 (the company formed in1922).

Founded in the Stuttgart area of southern Germany by a gentleman called Carl Räuchle, they started solely with fountain pen production. Diplomat is a pioneering company and became the first to introduce Germany to the ballpoint pen in the 1950s. This was a very popular product and put Diplomat firmly on the pen production map. In 1958, the company sticking to their pioneering roots, brought the modern fountain pen and ink cartridges to the German market for the first time offering a innovative, brilliant and practical alternative to the converter fountain pen of the day.

Design and Manufacture…

Diplomat pens are handmade using traditional methods and the highest quality materials available. This means that each and every Diplomat pen is made and tested (also by hand) by skilled craftsperson to an incredibly high standard. Metal is Diplomats material of choice and as such their pens are robust and stylish. All of the brand’s pens feature a stylish metal casing because over the years it has been proven time and time again that this metal is impact resistant and keeps the pens well-balanced.When it comes to Diplomats fountain pens, each of Diplomat’s fountain pen nibs is still custom made in the workshop from stainless steel and 14k gold. Diplomat nibs offer a smooth writing experience and ultimate control. Diplomat pens are well-known for their superior handling, and I imagine the skilled hands-on approach in the manufacture is a big reason behind this.

Image result for Diplomat Aero

Overview of the Diplomat Aero Fountain Pen

Pros

  • The pen looks flawless and the design is stunning (in a masculine way).
  • The Diplomat Aero is a great example of German engineering.
  • I absolutely love the Orange and Brown versions but all colours look striking.
  • The steel nib is a smooth and consistent writer. I use a medium nib and it makes writing an absolute joy.
  • This is a weighty pen and if you like that you will definitely enjoy the Diplomat Aero.
  • The pens steel body (case) makes this pen exceptionally robust.
  • Perfectly balance construction.
  • A fantastic marriage of modern and traditional leads to a unique pen design and styling.
  • The stainless steel nib, it's been tuned perfectly.

Cons

  • If you have smaller hands or generally prefer a slim pen you may find your hand grows fatigued after only a few pages of writing.
  • My Aero sports a very smooth and very wet JoWo medium. This nib might be slightly wider than optimal for some styles of writing.

The Diplomat Aero is a great choice for anyone looking for a practical fountain pen that is a consistent "good writer" and will happily go where you go. A brilliant price point for people starting with their first high quality fountain pens you won't be disappointed in your investment. 

 

If you are not purchasing this pen as a gift for yourself I would recommend this as a perfect gift for celebrating a first job or new job as it would be a reliable addition to a new desk. 

A gift for a student starting at University as the quality and build will mean this pen will be faithful to them into their future. It's price point won't make it stressful to own on campus or in halls, and its robust structure will mean it can withstand being thrown into a bag between lectures. It also looks cool and sleek making it ideal for a younger crowd. 

 

 



Tweet Share Pin It Email

Also in News

How to Write a Heartfelt Condolence Letter - Mustard and Gray Ltd
How to Write a Heartfelt Condolence Letter

February 26, 2025

Learn how to write a heartfelt condolence letter with our easy-to-follow guide. Offering practical tips, examples, and ideas, we’ll help you craft a meaningful sympathy message that provides comfort and support during difficult times. Whether you’re writing a condolence note for a friend, coworker, or family member, our guide will show you how to express your sympathy, share personal memories, and offer words of encouragement. Perfect for anyone looking for thoughtful condolence letter examples and tips

Continue Reading

Meet the Makers: The Faces Behind Mustard & Gray - Mustard and Gray Ltd
Meet the Makers: The Faces Behind Mustard & Gray

February 10, 2025

Continue Reading

A New Year Reset: Brightening Your Home After Christmas

January 03, 2025

Start the New Year with a fresh perspective and a beautifully refreshed home! In our latest blog post, we explore simple ways to brighten your space now that the Christmas decorations are packed away. From hand-crafted lampshades to vibrant throw cushions and stylish placemats, discover how small touches can transform your home into a warm and welcoming haven for 2025. Crafted with care in our Shropshire studio, our collection is here to bring charm, colour, and personality to your everyday living. Read more for inspiration!

Continue Reading

Customer Care
  • About Us
  • Delivery & Shipping
  • Refunds and Returns
  • Privacy Policy
  • Ethical Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Apply for a Trade Account
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Contact Us
Sign up for our newsletter

Sign up for 10% off and exclusive news and offers.

Thank you

Thank you for visiting our online shop. We hope you found a treat perfect for your home or a gift idea for your family and friends. We are adding to our collections monthly, and we hope you will pop back again to see what new ranges and products we are creating.
Best wishes, Vicky and Zoe


Country

© 2025 Mustard and Gray Ltd. Powered by Shopify

American Express Apple Pay Diners Club Discover Google Pay Klarna Maestro Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay Union Pay Visa