Diamond Blue-White fabric dye

Blue and white cardboard box with a small paper packet of powdered fabric dye. The dye is intended for use on white fabric to enhance the fabric's brightness and prevent yellowing.

Fabric dyes are charged, water-soluble, organic compounds that chemically bind with fabric. The affinity of the dye for the fabric depends on the molecules and the interactions between them. To improve the binding affinity, an additive called a mordant may be added to the solution. A mordant contains metallic salts, which provide a connection between the dye and fabric molecules.

The Wells Richardson & Company patented, manufactured, and distributed dyes under the name Diamond Dyes in Burlington, Vermont. The company was known for its prolific print marketing strategies, producing colorful chromolithographic trade cards, almanacs, and pamphlet ephemera, especially during the late 19th century. The company, also a food colorant manufacturer and wholesale druggist, began to decline after the 1906 Food and Drug Act. In 1942, the company closed its doors permanently.