Coty, Emeraude, 'Emerald', 12 ml. or 0.4 oz. Flacon, Pure Parfum Extrait, Lalique, 1921, 1945, Paris, France ..

François Spoturno, originally from Corsica, studied perfumery with Antoine Chiris in Grasse for one or two years before moving to Paris, adopting a variation on his mother's name, which was 'Coti', and launching his perfume business with La Rose Jacqueminot in 1904.

Coty was one of the first to understand the importance of fragrance packaging, and more specifically a beautiful bottle .. "A perfume is seen as much as it is smelled", he said. His business expanded, eventually encompassing cosmetics and powders as well as perfumes, until he was one of the wealthiest men in France.

In addition to revolutionizing the packaging and marketing of perfume, Coty was also a respected perfumer. Among his many creations: L'Origan in 1905, Chypre, which was arguably his most famous scent, in 1917, Emeraude in 1921, Paris in 1922, and L'Aimant in 1927.

Launched in 1921, Emeraude is a Oriental fragrance for women. The nose behind this fragrance is Francois Coty. When it was created, Emeraude was a magical and sensual perfume, something a well-coiffed fashionable woman would wear when dressing up. Four years older than Guerlain's Shalimar (1921 vs. 1925), the similarity between these two big orientals are striking, especially as the scent opens and unfolds. Emeraude has the same wood and vanilla lusciousness, and a distinct opoponax note.

The slow drydown of Emeraude is gorgeous and so distinct. The early versions of Emeraude are both dazzling and majestic. It is a comforting yet almost haunting fragrance, warm and otherworldly. The sharpness of the perfume and its subsequent smoothness mimic the typical cut of an emerald's surface .. elegant angles combined with reflective smoothness.

The longer Emeraude is on, the more wonderful it gets .. it is a true gem. At first glance, Emeraude is a little sharp and aldehydic, and citrusy and resinous quality, but just as quickly it hints that it will mellow out into a creamy amber vanilla dry down. Marilyn Monroe was known to wear this perfume!

Top notes are Orange, Bergamot, Lemon, and Tarragon
Heart notes are Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Rose, and Brazilian Rosewood
Base notes are Amber, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Opoponax, Benzoin, and Vanilla.

Offered here is a precious tiny 12 ml. bottle containing Emeraude from my own miniature collection. The perfume bottle is well sealed with an inner plastic plug, and therefore minimal evaporation has occurred over the years. Collectible ..