"The word
'perfume' comes from the Latin per fume 'through smoke.' One of the
oldest uses of perfumes was in the form the burning of incense and
aromatic herbs used in religious services, often the aromatic gums,
frankincense and myrrh, gathered from trees.
The Egyptians were the first clan to use perfume followed by the ancient Chinese, Hindus, Israelites, Carthaginians, Arabs, Greeks, and Romans. The Egyptians invented glass and perfume bottles were one of the first common uses for glass.
So which is the most expensive perfume brand available in the market? Which perfume bottle is adorned with a five-carat diamond? Read on to find out.
The Egyptians were the first clan to use perfume followed by the ancient Chinese, Hindus, Israelites, Carthaginians, Arabs, Greeks, and Romans. The Egyptians invented glass and perfume bottles were one of the first common uses for glass.
So which is the most expensive perfume brand available in the market? Which perfume bottle is adorned with a five-carat diamond? Read on to find out.
British
designer Clive Christian's creation has recently been voted in the
Guiness Book of World Records the most expensive perfume in the world.
The 16.9-ounce perfume bottle is stuck into the 18-carat gold collar
that is adorned with a five-carat diamond. Only five bottles are made
annually, justifying the eye-popping price.
2. Clive Christian No. 1: Price $2,150 (2 oz.)
This
perfume is an extravagant combination of Indian jasmine, mandarin and
sandalwood. Its bottle is handmade from lead crystal, while the neck is
24-karat gold-plated sterling silver, set with a solitaire. The stopper
is designed after the original pattern granted by Queen Victoria.
3. Caron's Poivre: $2,000
The
peppery unisex fragrance of Caron Poivre is a snip at $2,000 (for 2 oz).
This perfume is a concoction of lavender, jasmine, rose, Lily of the
valley, carnation, cedar, sandalwood, Tonka and musk. The maker of this
perfume, Caron, is one of the last perfume houses to still have an
in-house 'nose' (Monsieur Fraysse) -- also called a master perfumer.
4. Chanel No 5: Price $1,850
One of
the world's most famous perfumes relies heavily on jasmine. It was the
first fragrance from Parisian couturier, Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel.
History has it that Chanel commissioned renowned perfumer Ernest Beaux
to make six perfumes. They were labelled No. 1, No. 2, etc. through No.
6. Chanel liked No. 5 the most and that became the chosen formula.
Initially, this perfume was given to some of Chanel's clients for free
at her boutique.
5. Baccarats Les Larmes Sacrees de Thebe: Price $1,700
Baccarat,
better known as the maker of high-quality crystal, entered the
fragrance business in the late 1990s with three limited-edition
fragrances of its own. Baccarats Les Larmes Sacrees de Thebe combines
frankincense and myrrh. The perfume comes in exquisite Baccarat crystal
bottles.
6. Annick Goutal's Eau d'Hadrien: Price $1,500
Annick
Goutal is a European perfumer, former model and prize-winning pianist.
Her Eau d'Hadrien is a fresh, citrus blend of Sicilian lemons,
grapefruit and cypress.
7. Hermes' 24 Faubourg: Price $1,500
This
women's perfume, which comes in 1-oz bottles, is made by French fashion
house Hermes International. Hermes started its fragrance line in 1951.
Over the past 57 years, the company has created several fragrances for
both men and women.
8. Jean Patou's Joy: Price $800
This is
quite a popular fragrance among Hollywood stars. It comes in 1-oz
bottles and is a heavy floral scent, based on the most precious rose and
jasmine, created by French fashion designer Jean Patou. Other Patou
perfumes are Amour Amour, Adieu Sagesse and Que Sais Je. But 'Joy' is
the most well known one.