Anisha Riggs
Aromatic jewellery, or perfume jewellery, has been around since ancient times, with ancient Egyptians wearing scented paste beads and unguent cones. In the Roman era, burning incense was used to perfume goods in storerooms and the first perfume pendants emerged in the Middle Ages. Today, perfume jewellery continues to be popular, with major jewellery houses like Cartier and Tiffany's developing their own lines. These include necklaces with small enamel perfume bottles, as well as watches with scented straps. Perfume jewellery offers a unique way to carry one's favourite scent, or even aromatherapy oils, and can even evoke strong emotions and memories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To combine the joy of wearing perfume and jewellery |
| Target Audience | Women |
| Benefits | Longevity of perfume, no risk of staining clothes, alternative for people with sensitive skin, customisability |
| Types | Necklaces, pendants, lockets, bracelets, rings, brooches, watches, lipstick cases |
| Materials | Gold, Silver, Brass, Enamel, Gem, Glass, Ceramic, Leather |
| Brands | Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Christian Dior, Elsa Peretti, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chopard, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, Victoria Beckham, Veronique Gabai, Thompson Ferrier, Estee Lauder, Avon, Perfumed Jewelry |
| Price Range | $50 - $410 |
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What You'll Learn
History of perfumed jewellery
The ancient world was obsessed with scent. In ancient Egypt, for example, necklaces were made from an ancient recipe for a scented paste made from ambergris, rose water, saffron, cloves, musk and nutmeg. These necklaces are still worn today in parts of the world and are known for their aphrodisiac qualities.
In the Middle Ages, the idea persisted that disease was spread through bad smells, so people perfumed themselves not to smell pleasant but to block out the odours of their neighbours. In 1174, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa received a gift of "golden apples" filled with musk from King Baldwin of Jerusalem. These "apples of ambergris" were made from silver or gold and designed to preserve and distribute perfume. Small ones could be worn on bracelets, necklaces or rings.
By the 18th century, perfume had become fashionable, with every major jewellery house in the 20th century developing and marketing some type of aromatic jewellery. In the Victorian era, it was common to carry small bottles of perfume to refresh one's scent or to counteract unpleasant odours.
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Pomanders and vinaigrettes
During the Renaissance, European cities became open sewers for human waste, and so jewellery makers invented ways for people to carry small containers of fragrances. These devices were believed to ward off offending odours and protect from contagion, as foul odours were thought to breed disease.
Pomanders
The word "pomander" is derived from the French "pomme d'ambre", meaning "apple of ambergris". Ambergris is a waxy substance that originates in the intestines of sperm whales and is highly valued for its scent-stabilising properties. Pomanders were made of silver or gold, in the shape of apples or oranges, and were used to protect perfume and distribute it. They were worn around the neck or waist, and could also be attached to bracelets, necklaces, or rings. The earliest known pomander was a gift of "golden apples" filled with musk, presented to Emperor Frederick Barbarossa by King Baldwin of Jerusalem in 1174.
Vinaigrettes
Vinaigrettes were small, portable boxes with a hinged lid and a grill, containing a sponge soaked in an alcohol or vinegar-based fragrance. The sharp-smelling vinaigrette was composed of vinegar, herbs, and spices, and was used to stimulate and revive the senses. They were worn by women almost exclusively by the 1820s, either at the waist or stashed in a small bag. The concept of wearing them on a belt is derived from the keys that medieval castle-keepers wore in a similar fashion.
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Perfume pendants
The functionality of perfume pendants varies, with some designed to be opened with a simple upward flick of the thumb, allowing easy access to insert or change the perfume. Others may have a small opening for the insertion of perfume using an eye dropper, ensuring that the scent stays within the pendant without leaking or staining. This method is ideal for those who want to use their pendant for aromatherapy purposes, as the scent is released subtly and can be smelled when the pendant is held close to the nose.
The versatility of perfume pendants makes them a popular choice for those who want to combine their love of jewellery and fragrance. They offer a unique way to carry your favourite scent with you throughout the day, and some pendants even come with accessories such as chains or clasps, allowing you to customise your jewellery to your personal style. Whether you choose a simple or intricate design, a perfume pendant is a beautiful and functional piece of jewellery that elevates your fragrance experience.
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Scented watches
KAORU
KAORU is a Japanese watch manufacturer that has created a series of watches enveloped by fragrance. The KAORU watches are designed to evoke memories and emotions through scent. The fragrance is generated by silicon straps that have undergone a unique process, resulting in a supple and subtle wrap around your wrist. The KAORU series is a collaboration between a Japanese flavouring company, a rubber company, and a watch manufacturer, showcasing the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship.
Moffett Watches
Moffett offers cute and fashionable scented watches that are perfect for those who enjoy creative expression. The scented bezel of these watches releases a fragrance that can last for years, with some scents potentially lasting up to a decade. You can choose from a variety of colours and scents to personalise your time-telling accessory.
Swatch Watches
Swatch, a well-known watch brand, has introduced scented watches that bring a unique twist to their classic designs. These watches add a scent feature to their mix-and-match concept, allowing you to change things up and express your creativity. Each starter pack comes with scented interchangeable bezels and watch straps in various colours and fragrances.
Momentum Watches
Momentum is known for its real rubber watch bands, which offer flexibility, comfort, and waterproofing. To counteract the pungent aroma of natural rubber, Momentum adds a small amount of vanilla essence to their rubber compound, resulting in a light and pleasant vanilla scent. Their customers have come to associate this vanilla fragrance with the authenticity of Momentum rubber straps.
Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin has designed a concept watch that features a scented calfskin strap. As the watch is worn, the strap gradually releases perfume, providing a unique olfactory experience for the wearer.
These scented watches offer a novel way to incorporate fragrance into your daily routine, allowing you to carry your favourite scent with you throughout the day.
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Perfumed jewellery for sensitive skin
Perfumed jewellery combines two of a woman's favourite accessories into one elegant piece. It is an innovative solution for those who struggle with perfume longevity, as well as those with sensitive skin who may be worried about further sensitisation from wearing perfume.
Perfumed jewellery is an excellent alternative for those who want to enjoy their favourite fragrances without spraying them directly onto their skin. The jewellery holds perfume and releases it gradually due to body heat. This means that the wearer can enjoy their chosen scent all day, for up to 28 days or longer, without having to worry about sensitive skin reactions. It also allows for perfume to be changed quickly and easily, without having to wash off the previous scent.
Some perfumed jewellery designs include a pendant lipstick case covered in gem-studded flowers, watches with makeup themes, and necklaces with small vials or enamel bottles. The perfume is typically added to the jewellery using an eye dropper, and it is then released slowly throughout the day. This method of wearing perfume is ideal for those with sensitive skin, as it does not come into direct contact with the skin and can be controlled by the wearer.
Perfumed jewellery is a unique and elegant way to enjoy your favourite fragrances while also caring for your skin. It is a discreet and practical solution for those with sensitive skin who want to avoid potential irritation from traditional perfume application. With perfumed jewellery, you can enjoy your favourite scents with peace of mind and in a whole new way.
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Frequently asked questions
Perfumed jewelry is jewelry that has been designed to hold a fragrance. It is often in the form of a pendant or locket, which can be filled with perfume or scented with a sponge or cloth.
Perfumed jewelry is a great alternative for those who have sensitive skin that reacts to perfume, or for nursing mothers who want to avoid getting perfume on their infants' skin. It is also a way to make a fragrance last longer, as the scent is gradually released from the jewelry throughout the day.
There are many types of perfumed jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Some perfumed jewelry is designed to be worn on a belt or chatelaine, or even as a watch strap. Some well-known brands that have experimented with perfumed jewelry include Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Christian Dior, and Victoria Beckham.
