Black Pearls by Elizabeth Taylor (1996)

Black Pearls was launched in 1996, a period when Elizabeth Taylor’s fragrance line had become one of the most emotionally driven and symbol-rich celebrity perfume collections on the market. Created in association with Elizabeth Arden (with licensing held by Parfums International, Ltd.), the fragrance took its name from one of Taylor’s most legendary possessions: La Peregrina, her historic 16th-century black pearl, once owned by Mary, Queen of Scots and Philip I of Spain. The choice of the name “Black Pearls” was therefore not abstract branding, but deeply personal—rooted in Taylor’s fascination with history, romance, rarity, and jewels imbued with lived lives and accumulated meaning.

The phrase “Black Pearls” is rich with symbolism. Black pearls are among the rarest of natural pearls, most famously sourced from the lagoons of French Polynesia, particularly Tahiti. Unlike classic white or cream pearls, black pearls display an extraordinary range of overtones—green, aubergine, peacock, silver, and smoky blue—each one unique, never uniform. Their rarity and unpredictable coloration have long associated them with mystery, individuality, and sensual depth rather than traditional purity. Compared to other pearls, they feel more nocturnal, more enigmatic, and less constrained by convention. Emotionally, the words “Black Pearls” evoke images of moonlit water, dark silk gowns, candlelight on skin, and jewels warmed by the body—luxury that is intimate rather than ceremonial.

In the mid-1990s, the fragrance was introduced during what can be described as the late-1990s soft glamour era, a period marked by a return to sensual femininity after the sharper minimalism of the early decade. Fashion favored fluid silhouettes, bias-cut dresses, slip gowns, pearlescent fabrics, and luminous skin. Makeup emphasized glow rather than structure, and jewelry—especially pearls—was reimagined as modern, sensual, and wearable rather than strictly formal. In perfumery, this translated into fragrances that balanced freshness with warmth: watery florals, soft fruits, and transparent orientals that felt approachable yet alluring. Consumers were drawn to perfumes that suggested ease, romance, and emotional resonance rather than overt power.

Women encountering a perfume called Black Pearls in 1996 would likely have interpreted it as refined yet sensuous—something quietly glamorous rather than loudly seductive. The name suggested maturity, elegance, and individuality, resonating especially with women who admired Elizabeth Taylor not just as a screen icon, but as a woman known for passion, depth, and unapologetic love of beauty. It promised luxury without stiffness and sensuality without excess, aligning with the era’s desire for softness, glow, and emotional warmth.

Interpreted in scent, “Black Pearls” becomes a play of light and shadow. Created by Sophia Grosjman of IFF, the fragrance opens with the clarity of bergamot—fresh, luminous, and gently sparkling—paired with a peach and gardenia accord that feels velvety and softly sweet rather than juicy. This opening mirrors the surface of a pearl: smooth, glowing, and reflective. As it unfolds, water lily, white cloud rose, and living lotus introduce a sheer, aquatic floral heart, evoking translucence and fluidity—petals floating on dark water. These notes create a sensation of softness and intimacy, a kind of scented glow rather than a defined floral bouquet.

The drydown deepens into a velvety warmth, where amber, sandalwood, and musk provide a sensuous foundation. Here, the “black” aspect of the pearl emerges—not heavy or resinous, but smooth, warm, and skin-like. The woods and musks lend depth and persistence, much like the hidden weight of a pearl beneath its sheen. In the context of its time, Black Pearls was not radically experimental, but it was exquisitely well-judged. It aligned with the dominant trends of fresh florals and soft orientals, yet distinguished itself through its emotional storytelling, jewel-inspired imagery, and the unmistakable sensibility of a woman for whom beauty was always intertwined with history, rarity, and feeling.

The Inspiration:

According to the press materials, the inspiration behind Black Pearls is inseparable from one of the most storied jewels in history: La Peregrina, the legendary 16th-century pearl once owned by Mary, Queen of Scots and later by Philip I of Spain. Its very name—the wanderer—reflects centuries of royal passage, political intrigue, and survival. For Elizabeth Taylor, a woman deeply drawn to objects imbued with history and emotion, the pearl was not merely an ornament but a living artifact, charged with memory, romance, and power. It was this fusion of rarity, darkness, and sensual legacy that became the conceptual soul of Black Pearls the fragrance.

The pearl entered Taylor’s life in 1969, when Richard Burton purchased it for $37,000 at Sotheby’s as a Valentine’s Day gift—an extravagant but deeply symbolic gesture that matched the intensity of their relationship. Initially strung on a long, delicate chain with spaced natural pearls, La Peregrina quickly became something Taylor treated almost as a talisman. In 1972, she commissioned Cartier, working with Al Durante, to create a one-of-a-kind necklace mounting the pearl amid diamonds and rubies, transforming it into a dramatic, sculptural jewel worthy of its history and her persona.

Taylor recounted one of the most famous episodes involving La Peregrina in her book My Love Affair with Jewelry, published by Simon & Schuster. Newly reunited with the pearl at Caesar’s Palace, she described pacing the room in quiet rapture, touching it repeatedly as if grounding herself in its presence—while Burton, in one of his dark, inward moods, remained emotionally distant. The joy she felt was almost unbearable in its intensity, until it turned abruptly to terror: La Peregrina had vanished. What followed was a silent, agonizing search—on hands and knees, through carpet and memory—while she tried to appear calm in front of Burton. The discovery was almost surreal: one of their Pekingese puppies calmly chewing on what appeared to be a bone. Inside the puppy’s mouth was La Peregrina itself, miraculously undamaged. Taylor’s relief was overwhelming, though she waited a full week before confessing the ordeal to Burton, knowing how deeply he valued the pearl’s historical significance.

When Elizabeth Taylor died, La Peregrina—still mounted in its Cartier diamond-and-ruby necklace—became one of the centerpiece lots in the 2011 Christie’s auction of her jewelry collection, held to benefit the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, which she founded to provide direct services worldwide for people living with AIDS. Christie’s estimated the jewel’s value at $2–3 million, making it the second most highly valued piece in the sale. Yet in a final, fitting act of legend, La Peregrina far exceeded expectations, selling for $11,842,500 and setting two world auction records: one for a historic pearl and another for a pearl jewel. Today, the pearl resides in private ownership, its journey continuing—still rare, still coveted, and forever entwined with Elizabeth Taylor’s life, passions, and enduring legacy.

The Launch:

The launch of Black Pearls was originally planned as a major moment in Elizabeth Taylor’s fragrance career, slated for September 1995 and positioned as a celebratory follow-up to the enormous success of White Diamonds. By mid-spring, press kits had already been distributed and advertisements prepared, signaling confidence and momentum. In a prepared statement, Elizabeth Taylor hinted at the scale of the project, describing it as an exciting fall release timed to mark the five-year anniversary of White Diamonds. Everything suggested a carefully orchestrated rollout—until the plan abruptly unraveled.

Behind the scenes, serious fractures had emerged between Taylor, Elizabeth Arden, and the broader retail ecosystem. Taylor was deeply dissatisfied with what she perceived as mismanagement of the fragrance, a sentiment reportedly shared within Arden itself. The situation escalated to the point that the president of Elizabeth Arden announced her resignation amid the controversy. At the core of the crisis was a distribution impasse during the fall of 1995, which ultimately forced a six-month delay. Arden, then owned by Unilever, struggled to negotiate acceptable terms with major department store groups, including Federated Department Stores, parent to Marshall Field’s, Dayton’s, and Hudson’s, all of whom wanted priority access to the new fragrance.

The dispute centered on promotional support for in-store beauty personnel. Elizabeth Arden reduced its contribution toward retailer-paid sales staff salaries to 3% of retail sales, below the industry-standard 5%, and refused to fund commission-based incentives. This decision prompted upscale retailers such as Macy’s and Marshall Field’s to decline carrying Black Pearls, effectively blocking the fragrance from the prestige department store channel. In response, Arden opted to broaden distribution beyond traditional luxury retailers—including May Department Stores and Dillard’s—and extend it to mass-market outlets such as Sears and JC Penney. This strategy deeply upset Taylor, who believed her fragrance belonged in upmarket environments like Bloomingdale’s and Jordan Marsh, not volume-driven chains. The disagreement highlighted a fundamental clash: Taylor’s desire for prestige positioning versus Arden’s pursuit of scale.

As a result, the planned fall 1995 introduction was placed on hiatus, even as miniature bottles quietly appeared in select JC Penney stores. Compounding the problem, an ambitious $12 million advertising campaign had already been set in motion, with media placements purchased well in advance. A handful of magazine advertisements ran despite the fragrance’s limited availability, resulting in millions of dollars lost on print ads and scent strips promoting a product consumers could not yet buy. By late August 1995, Taylor and Elizabeth Arden mutually agreed to cancel the launch entirely and reschedule it for March 1996.

When Black Pearls finally reemerged, its promotion took an unusually theatrical turn. During February 1996 sweeps week, CBS devised a high-profile cross-network event featuring Taylor guest-starring as herself on four Monday-night sitcoms—The Nanny, Can’t Hurry Love, Murphy Brown, and High Society—all airing on February 26. The interconnected storyline revolved around Taylor filming a commercial for Black Pearls while her priceless black pearl necklace goes missing and reappears throughout the night, echoing the real-life mythology surrounding La Peregrina. This playful, serialized narrative blended celebrity, humor, and legend, turning the fragrance into a pop-culture event rather than a conventional product launch.

Taylor followed the televised promotion with plans for a whirlwind seven-city tour beginning in New York City on April 17, 1996. Elizabeth Arden projected that Black Pearls would generate between $20 million and $25 million in wholesale volume within its first year. By May 1996, the fragrance was broadly available in approximately 1,800 retail outlets across the United States. Though its debut was fraught with conflict and costly delays, Black Pearls ultimately emerged as one of the most dramatic—and revealing—launches of the 1990s, illustrating both the power and the volatility of celebrity-driven perfumery at the height of its influence.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Black Pearls is classified as a fresh fruity floral-oriental fragrance for women. "A soft, sensuous, modern oriental fragrance. The clarity of fresh bergamot and elegance of a peach and gardenia accord combined with bergamot expresses the initial image. Water lily, white cloud rose and living lotus brings a sheer sensuality to the fragrance. A lasting impression of velvety richness is created through warm, exotic amber, sandalwood and musk."

• Top notes: peach, gardenia accord and bergamot
• Middle notes: water lily, white cloud rose and "living" lotus
• Base notes: ambergris, sandalwood and musk

 

Scent Profile:

Black Pearls opens with a sensation of light gliding across skin, fresh yet softly sensual, like the first cool touch of a jewel warmed by the body. The top notes are built around a luminous trio: peach, bergamot, and a gardenia accord. The peach is plush and velvety rather than syrupy—more the scent of ripe flesh and soft skin than juice—created through aroma molecules that evoke its creamy-fruity facets, since natural peach yields no usable essential oil. 

Bergamot adds clarity and sparkle, its citrus brightness cutting through the softness with a clean, slightly green freshness that immediately modernizes the composition. The gardenia accord floats alongside, creamy and white-floral but carefully abstracted; true gardenia cannot be distilled, so perfumers recreate it using a blend of floral and lactonic molecules that capture its buttery petals and faint coconut warmth, lending elegance without heaviness.

As the fragrance settles, the heart becomes sheer, watery, and quietly romantic. Water lily unfolds with a translucent freshness—cool, aqueous, and slightly green—suggesting petals drifting on still water rather than a traditional floral bouquet. White cloud rose follows, airy and pale, stripped of jammy depth and presented instead as a soft, diffused floral mist, adding femininity without weight. The lotus note, described as “living,” is entirely constructed, as lotus also cannot be extracted naturally. Here, modern aroma chemicals recreate its clean, gently aquatic floral character, evoking purity, skin warmth, and quiet sensuality. Together, these notes create a pearlescent effect—smooth, reflective, and softly glowing—like light playing across the surface of a dark pearl.

The base of Black Pearls provides its sensual anchor, lingering close to the skin with warmth and depth. Ambergris, now recreated through refined synthetic materials, contributes a subtle salty-mineral glow and a skin-like radiance rather than sweetness, enhancing diffusion and giving the fragrance its lasting softness. Sandalwood adds creamy, polished woodiness; modern sandalwood molecules smooth and extend the note, offering warmth without the sharpness found in some natural varieties. Musk completes the composition with a clean, velvety trail—soft, intimate, and enveloping—binding the florals and woods into a seamless whole.

Throughout Black Pearls, the balance between natural inspirations and synthetic artistry is key to its effect. The synthetics do not dominate; instead, they create translucence, texture, and wearability, allowing fruits to feel velvety rather than edible, florals to feel watery and alive, and the base to melt into skin. The result is a fresh fruity floral-oriental that feels quietly luxurious and modern—sensual without excess, luminous rather than loud—much like the rare jewel that inspired its name.

Bottle:

Black Pearls was presented in a bottle conceived as a jewel in its own right—opulent, sensual, and unmistakably Elizabeth Taylor. The frosted, shell-inspired glass form curves softly in the hand, its polished sides catching the light like satin against skin. At the neck, a dramatic collar of electroplated metal is encrusted with Swarovski crystals arranged in a flame-like pattern, creating a striking contrast between cool shimmer and molten glamour. 

Crowning the bottle is a luxurious stopper topped with a teardrop-shaped faux black pearl, an unmistakable reference to Taylor’s lifelong passion for these rare gems. The entire composition feels theatrical yet refined, echoing both the sensuality of the fragrance and the legendary jewels that inspired it. The bottle was housed in a rich, gold paper–covered presentation box, reinforcing the sense that this was not merely a perfume, but a precious object meant to be unwrapped slowly.

Elizabeth Taylor’s insistence on authenticity and emotional resonance shaped every detail of the design. She was adamant that the stopper be adorned with a black pearl, not as decoration, but as a symbol of her deep personal connection to these jewels. Achieving the correct shape, weight, and iridescence required extensive collaboration—and spirited back-and-forth—between Taylor and the bottle’s designer, Susan Wacker-Donle. The goal was to faithfully capture the shifting colors and soft luster of a true Tahitian black pearl using gem simulation, a challenge that demanded both technical precision and artistic sensitivity. The flame-encrusted neck and stopper motif were Taylor’s own personal flourishes, adding drama and a sense of passion to the otherwise fluid, shell-like form.

The overall packaging design was led by Susan Wacker-Donle, who served as Head of Art Direction, Bottle Design, and Design & Production Direction for Elizabeth Taylor Fragrances. Under her guidance, the Black Pearls presentation achieved a rare balance: overt luxury tempered by elegance and cohesion. The success of the design was formally recognized when the Black Pearls fragrance packaging won the Mobius Award First Place Statuette in 1996, affirming its status as one of the most distinguished perfume presentations of the decade.

The fragrance itself was offered in a carefully curated range that reinforced its jewel-like positioning. The line included a 0.12 oz parfum miniature, a 0.25 oz parfum, 1.7 oz and 3.3 oz Eau de Parfum sizes, as well as coordinating Body Lotion and Bath & Shower Gel. Together, these offerings allowed Black Pearls to be experienced as both an intimate personal adornment and a luxurious daily ritual—an extension of Elizabeth Taylor’s belief that fragrance, like jewelry, should be worn close, treasured, and deeply felt.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Over the years, Black Pearls gradually changed from its original incarnation as the fragrance passed through reformulations, a fate shared by many perfumes of the 1990s. Shifts in ingredient availability, evolving regulatory standards, and cost considerations subtly altered its balance—softening certain notes, lightening its depth, and changing the way it wore on the skin. For longtime admirers, these later versions often felt less nuanced and less velvety than the original release, diminishing some of the richness and emotional impact that had defined the perfume at its debut.

Eventually, Black Pearls was discontinued, closing the chapter on one of the more romantically conceived fragrances in Elizabeth Taylor’s collection. Despite this, the scent has never fully disappeared. Vintage and later bottles continue to circulate online through collectors, resale platforms, and specialty fragrance sellers, where they are sought out both for their distinctive composition and for their connection to Elizabeth Taylor’s personal mythology. Today, finding Black Pearls is as much an act of discovery as wearing it—a quiet hunt for a piece of perfumery history that still carries echoes of glamour, rarity, and lost luster.

 

White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor (1991)

White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor, introduced in 1991, emerged at a moment of renewed vitality in Taylor’s public life. After years marked by health challenges and struggles with substance abuse, she had recently completed a second stay at the Betty Ford Center and reappeared before the public with a sense of restored confidence and glamour. Her physical transformation and renewed media presence created a natural opportunity to reassert her identity not only as a legendary film star but also as a symbol of enduring elegance. The launch of White Diamonds coincided with this period of personal and professional resurgence, making the fragrance both a commercial venture and a carefully crafted extension of Taylor’s public image.

The choice of the name “White Diamonds” was deeply intentional and rooted in Taylor’s lifelong fascination with extraordinary jewels. Few celebrities were as famously associated with diamonds as Elizabeth Taylor. Her collection—among the most celebrated private jewelry collections in the world—included iconic stones such as the Krupp Diamond (later renamed the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond) and the legendary Taylor–Burton Diamond. For Taylor, diamonds represented more than luxury; they symbolized brilliance, permanence, and dramatic beauty. By naming her perfume White Diamonds, she translated the emotional and visual power of gemstones into fragrance form, offering women a way to experience that same aura of radiance and sophistication.

The phrase “White Diamonds” carries strong visual and emotional resonance. It suggests light, clarity, and brilliance—images of polished facets catching light beneath chandeliers or flashing on a woman’s hand during an elegant evening. The words evoke a world of glamour: satin gowns, velvet jewelry cases, glittering cocktail parties, and the opulence of classic Hollywood. Emotionally, the name conveys confidence, refinement, and a sense of something precious and enduring. Just as diamonds are prized for their permanence and brilliance, the perfume promised a kind of timeless elegance that transcended trends.

When White Diamonds debuted in 1991, it arrived during a transitional moment in fashion and cultural style. The late 1980s had been defined by conspicuous glamour—power dressing, bold jewelry, strong silhouettes, and fragrances that made dramatic statements. Although the early 1990s would soon move toward minimalism and lighter scents, elements of the previous decade’s luxurious aesthetic were still strongly present. Evening wear remained polished and dramatic, with structured jackets, sleek cocktail dresses, and a continued fascination with sparkling accessories. Jewelry—especially diamonds—retained a powerful symbolic presence in fashion imagery. Within this cultural climate, a perfume called White Diamonds felt perfectly aligned with the lingering taste for visible sophistication and luxury.

Women encountering the fragrance at the time would likely have interpreted the name as a promise of glamour and presence. Elizabeth Taylor herself embodied an ideal of mature, confident femininity—someone unapologetically glamorous, adorned with jewels and famous for her dramatic beauty. Wearing White Diamonds allowed women to participate in that image. It suggested elegance suitable for evenings out, formal occasions, or any moment when a woman wished to feel polished and radiant. The fragrance did not whisper; it announced itself, much like Taylor’s own public persona.

In olfactory terms, the name “White Diamonds” translates into a scent that is both sparkling and richly faceted. Composed by master perfumer Carlos Benaïm in partnership with Elizabeth Arden Inc., then part of Parfums International (now under IFF), the perfume was classified as an aldehydic floral fragrance. The composition begins with a fresh, slightly spicy brilliance before unfolding into a luxuriant floral heart and settling into a warm, mossy base. The structure mirrors the brilliance of a diamond itself—bright flashes of light at the surface layered over depth and solidity.

Benaïm conceived the fragrance almost like a crystal bouquet, balancing icy luminosity with glowing warmth. The opening sparkles with aldehydes—particularly C10, C11, and C14—combined with citrus accents and the waxy-green nuance of hexenyl salicylates. These elements create the sensation of light refracting through a gemstone. The heart forms the radiant core of the fragrance: white flowers including tuberose, narcissus, rose, jasmine, lily, and orris shimmer through the composition. Modern aroma molecules such as Hedione and Lyral lend a diffusive luminosity, amplifying the floral bouquet so it seems to glow rather than simply smell sweet.

As the fragrance settles, the base becomes richer and more enveloping. Amber, oakmoss, patchouli, and sandalwood provide warmth and depth, while musks and the diffusive clarity of Galaxolide 50 create a soft, clean radiance that lingers on the skin. The drydown has been compared to a velvet shawl—luxurious yet smooth and comforting. Structural materials such as DEP and Ambroxan give the fragrance impressive projection and longevity, allowing it to fill a room with the commanding presence associated with Taylor herself.

One of the most distinctive aspects of White Diamonds was its unusually high concentration of fragrance oils. According to an executive at Elizabeth Arden who worked on the project, the perfume contained approximately 25% fragrance oil, compared with the more typical 12% used in many commercial perfumes at the time. This higher concentration contributed to its plush, lingering character and reinforced the sense of opulence suggested by its name.

Within the broader fragrance market of the early 1990s, White Diamonds both reflected and elevated existing trends. The period was still influenced by the bold, glamorous perfumes of the 1980s—fragrances that emphasized strong florals, aldehydic sparkle, and rich bases designed to project powerfully. In that sense, White Diamonds fit comfortably within the prevailing aesthetic. Yet its emphasis on refined white florals, combined with its rich concentration and Elizabeth Taylor’s powerful celebrity identity, gave it a distinctive personality. While the fragrance world would soon shift toward lighter, minimalist scents later in the decade, White Diamonds represented the final flowering of a more opulent era of perfumery.

Ultimately, White Diamonds succeeded because it captured something larger than fragrance alone. It distilled Elizabeth Taylor’s enduring association with glamour, jewels, and dramatic beauty into scent. Like the gemstone that inspired its name, the perfume was designed to sparkle, endure, and command attention—an olfactory reflection of one of Hollywood’s most iconic women.

Launch:

The launch of White Diamonds in 1991 was supported by an ambitious and highly visible $20-million advertising campaign, reflecting Elizabeth Taylor’s understanding that fragrance could be marketed with the same drama and spectacle as cinema. Rather than relying solely on traditional print advertisements, the campaign centered on Taylor herself as the embodiment of the perfume’s glamour. She embarked on a national department store tour beginning September 12, 1991, appearing in person to promote the fragrance. Magazine advertisements reinforced the image of dazzling elegance associated with the scent, but the campaign’s most innovative element was a short cinematic film created specifically for the perfume.

Titled White Diamonds Starring Elizabeth Taylor, the film ran two minutes and forty-five seconds and was designed to feel more like a miniature movie than a conventional advertisement. Directed by Terry Bedford of Epoch Films and shot in Acapulco, Mexico, the piece was filmed in black-and-white with soft focus, giving it a dreamy, classic Hollywood atmosphere. The film was screened inside department stores where the fragrance was sold, sometimes accompanied by fresh popcorn to heighten the theatrical experience for shoppers. It was also shown in movie theaters before trailers, while a 60-second edit aired as a television commercial, ensuring the imagery reached a wide audience.

The narrative of the film reinforces the perfume’s association with glamour and luxury. Taylor appears adorned with an abundance of diamond jewelry, seated in a convertible and observing a small airplane landing dramatically on a beach. Several elegantly dressed men emerge and begin playing a high-stakes poker game nearby. As the game intensifies, one of the men finds himself unable to match a bet. At that moment, Taylor intervenes with the line “Not so fast,” removing one of her diamond earrings and tossing it casually into the pot. With a confident smile she adds, “These have always brought me luck.” The scene captures the essence of Taylor’s public persona—confident, glamorous, and intimately associated with spectacular jewels—while the voiceover by Richard Allison reinforces the perfume’s aura of sophistication.

The marketing strategy proved extraordinarily successful. White Diamonds quickly became one of the most commercially successful celebrity fragrances ever released. In 1992, it was named “Fragrance of the Year” by The Fragrance Foundation, and its enduring popularity later led to its induction into the organization’s Hall of Fame in 2009. Sales reached approximately $48 million in 1993, and the fragrance continued to perform strongly decades later, with annual sales estimated at $60 million in 2010. By 2018, total cumulative sales were estimated at $1.5 billion, a remarkable achievement for a fragrance launched in the early 1990s.

For Elizabeth Taylor, the perfume also became a significant financial and philanthropic cornerstone. In 2011, she stipulated that 20 percent of all White Diamonds sales in perpetuity be directed to her charity, the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, reflecting her long-standing commitment to AIDS activism. Over time, Taylor reportedly earned more income from White Diamonds than from any of her Hollywood film roles, and fragrance licensing—particularly this scent—became her principal source of income in her later years.

The fragrance’s longevity has ensured its place in perfume history. In 2021, a commemorative fragrance titled White Diamonds Legacy was released to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original scent. This milestone underscored the extraordinary staying power of Taylor’s creation—a perfume that combined cinematic marketing, celebrity glamour, and a rich floral composition to become one of the most recognizable and enduring fragrances of its era.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? White Diamonds is classified as aldehydic floral fragrance for women. It begins with a fresh spicy top, followed by a spicy floral heart, layered over a woody, warm, mossy base.

• Top notes: aldehyde C-10, aldehyde C-11, aldehyde C-14 bergamot, Italian neroli, orange, living Amazonian lily, hexenyl salicylates, spice note complex
• Middle notes: carnation, cinnamon, Italian orris, violet, Turkish rose, living jasmine, Hedione, Lyral, ylang-ylang, Egyptian tuberose and living narcissus
• Base notes: vetiver, oakmoss, patchouli, musk, Galaxolide 50, cistus, civet, Indian sandalwood,  ambergris, Ambroxan

Scent Profile:

White Diamonds unfolds like a faceted jewel, each note flashing briefly before giving way to another layer of brilliance. The fragrance opens with the unmistakable sparkle of aldehydes, the classic signature of many grand twentieth-century perfumes. Aldehyde C-10 introduces a bright, waxy citrus impression reminiscent of freshly peeled orange rind and clean linen catching the morning sun. Aldehyde C-11 deepens the effect, bringing a faintly metallic, almost champagne-like fizz that feels cool and effervescent on the nose. 

Aldehyde C-14, often called the “peach aldehyde,” adds a subtle softness beneath the brilliance—a creamy, velvety fruitiness that rounds the sharpness of the opening. These molecules are synthetic by necessity; aldehydes in perfumery are not extracted from plants but created in laboratories. Their value lies in their ability to give a perfume lift and luminosity, transforming a bouquet of flowers into something that seems to sparkle like light on crystal.

The aldehydic shimmer is immediately brightened by bergamot, sourced traditionally from the sun-washed groves of Calabria in southern Italy, the region long regarded as the world’s finest source of bergamot oil. Calabrian bergamot is prized for its elegant balance of citrus freshness and faintly floral sweetness, softer and more nuanced than harsher citrus oils grown elsewhere. 

Alongside it appears Italian neroli, the delicate oil distilled from bitter orange blossoms. Neroli from Italy is especially valued for its luminous clarity—green, honeyed, and slightly waxy—capturing the scent of white blossoms warmed by Mediterranean sunlight. A touch of orange adds juicy brightness, reinforcing the citrus opening.

Floating through this radiant citrus glow is the unusual note of living Amazonian lily, a living-flower accord intended to recreate the scent of a water lily blooming in tropical humidity. True water lilies yield almost no extractable perfume oil, so perfumers recreate their scent using carefully balanced aroma molecules that evoke watery freshness and green petals. The effect feels cool, translucent, and aquatic. 

Supporting this illusion are hexenyl salicylates, synthetic aroma chemicals that smell vividly green—like crushed leaves and stems after rain. They give the opening a fresh botanical quality, as though the flowers were cut moments ago. A subtle spice note complex flickers beneath the citrus, adding warmth and intrigue that gently prepares the transition into the floral heart.

As the brilliance of the top settles, the fragrance blooms into an opulent floral heart—lush, layered, and radiant. Carnation appears first with its unmistakable spicy-clove nuance, a flower whose scent naturally bridges floral sweetness and aromatic warmth. A hint of cinnamon reinforces that warmth, creating a delicate heat that animates the bouquet. 

The powdery elegance of orris, derived from the aged rhizomes of iris plants grown in Italy’s Tuscan hills, lends a cool, velvety texture. Tuscan orris is especially prized because its roots are aged for years before distillation, allowing the formation of irones—aroma molecules responsible for its luxurious violet-like fragrance.

Nearby, violet introduces a soft, powdery sweetness, evoking the scent of delicate petals crushed between fingertips. The romantic richness of Turkish rose, grown in the famed rose fields of Isparta, adds depth and sensuality. Turkish roses are valued for their balance of honeyed sweetness and fresh green brightness, giving them a full-bodied aroma distinct from the deeper, darker Bulgarian varieties. Living jasmine, recreated through living-flower technology, captures the fragrance of jasmine blossoms still attached to the vine—luminous, creamy, and slightly indolic, suggesting warm skin and night air.

Two modern aroma chemicals amplify the natural flowers and help them bloom in the air. Hedione, derived from methyl dihydrojasmonate, smells like an airy form of jasmine—fresh, radiant, and diffusive. It acts almost like light passing through petals, expanding the fragrance’s projection while keeping it transparent. Lyral, a synthetic lily-of-the-valley material, contributes a clean floral brightness that natural muguet cannot provide, since true lily-of-the-valley produces no extractable oil. These molecules allow the floral bouquet to glow rather than become heavy.

Exotic blossoms deepen the heart further. Ylang-ylang, distilled from the star-shaped flowers of trees growing in the Comoros Islands and Madagascar, adds a creamy tropical richness with nuances of banana, custard, and sun-warmed petals. Egyptian tuberose, cultivated in the fertile Nile delta, brings intoxicating intensity—lush, buttery, and slightly narcotic, with a scent that seems to thicken the air around it. Alongside it, living narcissus introduces a green, hay-like floral tone with faint animalic warmth, capturing the smell of daffodil fields in bloom.

Gradually the fragrance settles into its base, where warmth and sensuality anchor the luminous florals. Vetiver, often sourced from Haiti, contributes an earthy, smoky dryness reminiscent of sun-baked roots and clean soil. Haitian vetiver is especially prized for its clarity and elegant smokiness compared with rougher varieties. Oakmoss, historically harvested from lichen growing on oak trees in European forests, lends a deep mossy greenness that evokes damp woods and shaded earth. Patchouli, traditionally cultivated in Indonesia, adds dark herbal richness—earthy, slightly chocolate-like, and grounding.

Soft sensuality emerges through a complex blend of musks and animalic notes. Modern musks provide warmth and smoothness, while Galaxolide 50, a widely used synthetic musk, contributes a clean, diffusive softness that radiates from the skin like freshly laundered fabric. Cistus, also known as labdanum and harvested from Mediterranean shrubs, offers a resinous amber warmth with leathery undertones. Civet, historically derived from animal sources but now recreated synthetically, lends a subtle animalic whisper that enhances the sensuality of the florals without becoming overtly animalic.

The base is further enriched by precious woods and amber materials. Indian sandalwood, once sourced from the forests of Mysore, is revered for its creamy, milky smoothness and delicate sweetness, qualities unmatched by most other sandalwood varieties. Ambergris, originally produced in the digestive system of sperm whales and now largely reproduced synthetically, gives a soft salty warmth and remarkable fixative power. Its modern counterpart, Ambroxan, captures the luminous ambergris effect—smooth, mineral, and slightly woody—while extending the fragrance’s longevity and projection.

Together these elements create a fragrance that moves from sparkling brilliance to lush floral opulence and finally to warm, velvety depth. The interplay between natural essences and carefully crafted aroma chemicals allows White Diamonds to achieve both radiance and richness, much like the gemstone that inspired its name—brilliant at first glance, yet full of hidden facets that reveal themselves slowly over time.

If anyone is unaware, Avon's answer to White Diamonds is said to be their Rare Gold fragrance. Try both fragrances side by side and see if you can figure out the similarities and differences. Rare Gold was launched in 1995 and was created by Olivier Cresp. 

• Top notes: Italian neroli, living Amazon lily, aldehydes, ylang ylang, peach, mandarin orange and bergamot
• Middle notes: living narcissus, Egyptian tuberose, Italian orris, living jasmine, orange blossom, gardenia and lily-of-the-valley
• Base notes: oakmoss, patchouli, amber, Italian sandalwood, vanilla, woodsy notes and musk

Bottle:

The White Diamonds bottle was conceived by New York designer Susan Wacker of Parfums International, with the final prototype refined and crafted by designer George Utley, resulting in a vessel that visually echoes the elegance and brilliance associated with Elizabeth Taylor herself. The bottle takes the form of a rounded teardrop, its clear glass body gently tapering toward the neck, allowing the pale golden fragrance within to glow softly through the transparent surface. The silhouette is graceful and fluid, suggesting both a drop of perfume and the smooth contour of a polished gemstone. 

At the top of the bottle rests a gold-toned metal bow, an ornamental detail that feels both feminine and theatrical. The bow is pavé-set with simulated diamonds, creating a subtle sparkle as light catches its tiny stones, much like the glitter of Taylor’s legendary jewelry collection. This decorative flourish transforms the bottle from a simple container into a miniature piece of jewelry, reinforcing the fragrance’s central theme of diamond-like brilliance and timeless glamour.

Fate of the Fragrance:

For more than three decades, White Diamonds has maintained remarkably consistent sales, earning a reputation as a high-quality, classic women’s fragrance whose popularity has endured well beyond changing perfume trends. Its success was quickly recognized within the industry: in 1992 it received both “Best Women’s Fragrance” and “Fragrance of the Year”, and in 2009 it was inducted into the Fragrance Foundation’s Hall of Fame, confirming its status as one of the most influential celebrity fragrances ever created. 

The perfume’s success also inspired a series of flankers. In 1993, three jewel-themed variations—Diamonds & Rubies, Diamonds & Sapphires, and Diamonds & Emeralds—were introduced, though none matched the enduring appeal of the original and were discontinued by 1999. Later interpretations included the limited-edition Sparkling White Diamonds (1999), a soft, soapy floral; Brilliant White Diamonds (2001), a luminous floral aldehydic variation; and White Diamonds Lustre (2014), a brighter fruity-floral interpretation that modernized the signature diamond motif while honoring the legacy of the original scent.

CLICK HERE TO FIND WHITE DIAMONDS PERFUME BY ELIZABETH TAYLOR

Over the years, several flanker scents were created based on the success of the original White Diamonds perfume: 

Diamonds & Rubies:

Diamonds & Rubies, a spicy oriental floral fragrance for women released in 1993.It begins with a fresh spicy top, followed by a floral spicy heart, resting on a woody ambery base.  It appears to have been discontinued by 1999. Begins with elements of the floral oriental category symbolized by notes of juicy living peach, living French lilac and velvety red rose accented by a jasmine, cattleya orchid, dewy heliotrope and an exotic spice body. Its base consists of cedarwood, precious amber and sweetened vanilla.

• Top notes: bergamot, orange, bay, living peach, living French lilac, red rose, Amazon lily, bitter almond
• Middle notes: rose, carnation, cinnamon, orris, ylang ylang, spices, heliotrope, jasmine, cattleya orchid
• Base notes: cedar, ambergris, Ambrein, tonka bean, vanilla, benzoin, musk, sandalwood

Scent Profile:

If anyone is unaware, Avon's answer to Diamonds & Rubies is their Rare Rubies fragrance, a spicy amber, launched in 1998. Try both fragrances side by side and see if you can figure out the similarities and differences.

• Top notes: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger
• Middle notes: orange blossom, ylang ylang, coriander
• Base notes: amber, sandalwood, musk

 

Diamonds & Sapphires:

Diamonds & Sapphires, a fruity floral fragrance for women released in 1993. It begins with a green fruity top, followed by a fruity floral heart, layered over a floral base.  It appears to have been discontinued by 1999. Fruity floral entry begins with fresh lily of the valley, and freesia and reveals a rose, radiant jasmine, ylang ylang, rhubrum lily and spice heart. It dries to an amber, creamy sandalwood, vetiver and slightly animalic musk finish.  

• Top notes: bergamot, mandarin, melon, peach, violet, galbanum, green note complex
• Middle notes: lily of the valley, freesia, tagetes, rose, orchid, jasmine, ylang ylang, rhubrum lily, spices
• Base notes: ambergris, sandalwood, musk and vetiver

Scent Profile:

If anyone is unaware, Avon's answer to Diamonds & Sapphires is their Rare Sapphires fragrance, a fruity floral, launched in 2000. Try both fragrances side by side and see if you can figure out the similarities and differences.

• Top notes: fig and grapefruit 
• Middle notes: gardenia, lily and snowdrops 
• Base notes: fig tree, cedar and vetiver 

 

Diamonds & Emeralds:

Diamonds & Emeralds, an oriental floral fragrance for women released in 1993. It begins with a fruity top, followed by an exotic floral heart, layered over a sweet floral base. It appears to have been discontinued by 1999. The floral bouquet which includes leafy green notes. Its top notes consist of living gardenia, succulent water lily and white rose which move to a heart of soapy lily of the valley, jasmine and spicy carnation. Its base consists of touches of rich amber, vetiver, earthy patchouli, balsamic vanilla and softened musk. 

• Top notes: bergamot, tangerine, apricot, peach, cherry, strawberry, sage, hyacinth, orange blossom, leafy green note complex, living gardenia, water lily and white rose
• Middle notes: jasmine, lily of the valley, carnation, damascena rose, tuberose, magnolia, wild lily, orris
• Base notes: tonka bean, ambergris, cedar, vetiver, patchouli, vanilla and musk

Scent Profile:

 If anyone is unaware, Avon's answer to Diamonds & Emeralds is their Rare Emeralds fragrance, an oriental floral musk, in 1999. Try both fragrances side by side and see if you can figure out the similarities and differences.

• Top notes: geranium, bergamot and orange 
• Middle notes: jasmine and white rose  
• Base notes: cedar, sandalwood and musk 

 

 

 

Diamonds & Rubies by Elizabeth Taylor (1993)

Diamonds & Rubies, introduced in 1993, was created as one of several companion fragrances to Elizabeth Taylor’s enormously successful White Diamonds. The name reflects Taylor’s lifelong fascination with extraordinary gemstones and her reputation as one of the most glamorous jewelry collectors of the twentieth century. Throughout her life, Taylor owned some of the world’s most famous diamonds—including the legendary Taylor–Burton Diamond and the Krupp Diamond, later renamed the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond. 

Alongside these celebrated diamonds, she also owned remarkable colored gemstones, including magnificent rubies. Among her most famous ruby pieces was a stunning Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond suite, given to her by Richard Burton in 1968. The necklace, bracelet, earrings, and ring—set with vivid Burmese rubies framed by diamonds—became some of the most recognizable jewels in her collection and were frequently worn in public appearances. These extraordinary stones helped cement Taylor’s image as a woman surrounded by brilliance and color.

The name “Diamonds & Rubies” carries rich symbolic meaning. Diamonds traditionally represent clarity, brilliance, and enduring strength, while rubies symbolize passion, vitality, and intense emotion. Known historically as the “king of gems,” the ruby has long been associated with love, power, and fiery beauty due to its deep red color. When paired together, diamonds and rubies create a striking visual and emotional contrast—the cool brilliance of diamond light set against the warm, glowing intensity of ruby red. The phrase evokes images of velvet-lined jewelry boxes, candlelight glinting across faceted stones, and dramatic evening gowns adorned with sparkling jewels. Emotionally, the combination suggests glamour, romance, and bold sensuality.

The fragrance appeared during the early 1990s, a period of transition in fashion and perfumery. The bold, glamorous aesthetic of the 1980s power era—characterized by dramatic silhouettes, statement jewelry, and rich, assertive perfumes—was gradually evolving toward the sleeker, more minimal styles that would define the later 1990s. However, in 1993 elements of that earlier opulence still remained. Fashion embraced jewel tones, luxurious fabrics, and elegant evening wear, while perfume houses were beginning to explore softer compositions that blended fruit, florals, and warm bases. Celebrity fragrances were also becoming an increasingly visible part of the perfume market, and Elizabeth Taylor’s fragrance line played a pioneering role in shaping that trend.

For women of the early 1990s, a perfume named Diamonds & Rubies would have suggested both luxury and romance. While diamonds conveyed timeless sophistication and elegance, rubies added a sense of warmth, passion, and dramatic femininity. The name promised a fragrance that felt glamorous yet emotionally expressive—something bold enough for evening wear but still approachable enough for everyday elegance. It allowed women to share in the aura of Elizabeth Taylor’s legendary glamour, wearing a scent that reflected her signature world of sparkling jewels and theatrical beauty.

Olfactorily, the concept of “Diamonds & Rubies” translates into a fragrance that balances brilliance with warmth. Classified as a spicy oriental floral, the perfume opens with a lively freshness touched by subtle spice. The top introduces the lush sweetness of living peach, whose juicy softness brings a velvety fruitiness that feels radiant and inviting. This fruitiness is complemented by living French lilac, a delicate floral note recreated through perfumery technology because lilac blossoms produce little extractable oil. Lilac lends a cool, airy floral sweetness that evokes spring blossoms in fresh morning air. Red rose adds richness and romance, its velvety petals suggesting depth and warmth.

The heart of the fragrance deepens into a more exotic floral bouquet. Jasmine contributes creamy sensuality and warmth, while cattleya orchid introduces a lush, tropical floral character often recreated through perfumery accords, as most orchids yield little fragrance oil. Heliotrope adds a soft, powdery sweetness with subtle almond and vanilla nuances, creating a dreamy, almost confectionary floral tone. Running through this bouquet is an exotic spice accord, giving the fragrance warmth and a faintly mysterious quality—like the glowing intensity of a ruby itself.

As the scent settles, the base becomes smooth, warm, and enveloping. Cedarwood provides a gentle woody structure with a dry, slightly aromatic character. Ambergris, historically prized for its soft marine warmth and fixative qualities, lends depth and diffusion to the fragrance, helping it linger gracefully on the skin. Finally, sweetened vanilla rounds out the composition with creamy warmth and soft sensuality, leaving a comforting, glowing trail.

Within the broader perfume landscape of 1993, Diamonds & Rubies largely aligned with prevailing trends rather than radically redefining them. The early 1990s saw the emergence of fragrances that combined fruity brightness with florals and warm oriental bases, creating compositions that were both approachable and luxurious. While White Diamonds reflected the rich aldehydic glamour of earlier decades, Diamonds & Rubies leaned into the evolving taste for softer, fruit-accented florals layered over warm, sensual bases. Its jewel-inspired imagery and opulent theme, however, remained distinctly tied to Elizabeth Taylor’s personal brand of glamour—ensuring that even while following contemporary trends, the fragrance still carried the unmistakable sparkle of her legendary style.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Diamonds & Rubies is classified as a spicy oriental floral fragrance for women. It begins with a fresh spicy top, followed by a floral spicy heart, resting on a woody ambery base. Begins with elements of the floral oriental category symbolized by notes of juicy living peach, living French lilac and velvety red rose accented by a jasmine, cattleya orchid, dewy heliotrope and an exotic spice body. Its base consists of cedarwood, precious amber and sweetened vanilla.

• Top notes: bergamot, orange, bay, living peach, living French lilac, red rose, Amazon lily, bitter almond
• Middle notes: rose, carnation, cinnamon, orris, ylang ylang, spices, heliotrope, jasmine, cattleya orchid
• Base notes: cedar, ambergris, Ambrein, tonka bean, vanilla, benzoin, musk, sandalwood

Scent Profile:

Diamonds & Rubies opens with a radiant burst of brightness and warmth, like the first flash of light across polished gemstones. The initial breath is lifted by bergamot, traditionally harvested from the sun-drenched groves of Calabria in southern Italy, where the coastal climate produces the world’s most prized bergamot oil. Calabrian bergamot is celebrated for its refined balance of crisp citrus sparkle and subtle floral sweetness, softer and more elegant than the sharper citrus oils grown elsewhere. 

Beside it glows the juicy brightness of orange, whose oil—often distilled from Mediterranean fruit—adds a cheerful, sunlit sweetness that feels immediately inviting. A slightly aromatic warmth enters through bay, whose leaves yield an essential oil with a green, spicy scent reminiscent of clove, eucalyptus, and crushed herbs. This herbal spice gives the opening a subtle intrigue.

At the center of the top notes is the lush sweetness of living peach, recreated through delicate lactone molecules that mimic the velvety skin and juicy flesh of a ripe peach warmed by sunlight. The fruit’s aroma is soft, creamy, and nectar-like, giving the fragrance its signature sensual warmth. Alongside it blooms living French lilac, a note that cannot be extracted directly from the flower and must be reconstructed using a blend of floral aroma chemicals. This accord captures the airy sweetness of lilac blossoms in spring—fresh, honeyed, and faintly green. 

Red rose adds depth and romance to the opening, its velvety petals lending a classic floral richness. Perfumers often combine natural rose oil—frequently derived from Rosa damascena grown in Turkey or Bulgaria—with additional molecules to enhance its radiance.

A luminous white floral accent appears through Amazon lily, a note recreated through modern perfumery materials because many lilies yield little extractable fragrance. This accord evokes the scent of fresh white petals with a watery, slightly green freshness. The final touch in the opening is bitter almond, whose aroma is created through benzaldehyde molecules. It smells warm and nutty with a faint marzipan sweetness, adding a subtle gourmand edge that softens the citrus and florals.

As the fragrance unfolds, the heart reveals a rich and spicy floral bouquet. Rose appears again at the center, fuller and more velvety than in the opening, enveloping the composition in romantic warmth. Carnation follows with its unmistakable clove-like spiciness, a flower naturally rich in eugenol molecules that give it a warm, peppery character. The warmth deepens with cinnamon, whose bark oil provides a sweet, glowing spice reminiscent of warm pastries and aromatic woods.

A refined softness enters through orris, derived from the aged rhizomes of iris plants grown primarily in Tuscany, Italy. These roots are dried and aged for several years before distillation to develop irones, the molecules responsible for their distinctive scent—powdery, violet-like, and luxuriously smooth. Ylang-ylang, distilled from blossoms grown in the Comoros Islands and Madagascar, adds a creamy tropical richness with hints of banana and custard-like sweetness. Additional spice accords weave quietly through the heart, creating warmth and depth without overwhelming the florals.

The heart becomes softer and more luminous with heliotrope, a delicate floral note that smells of powdered almonds and vanilla. Because heliotrope flowers yield little oil, their scent is recreated using heliotropin and related aroma chemicals that provide its distinctive sweet, almond-like warmth. Jasmine, whose finest oils are traditionally harvested in Egypt and India, lends sensuality to the bouquet—creamy, slightly indolic, and intensely floral. Beside it appears cattleya orchid, a lush tropical flower whose scent must also be recreated through perfumery accords since orchids rarely produce extractable fragrance. The orchid accord adds a soft, exotic floral sweetness that enhances the richness of the bouquet.

Gradually the fragrance settles into a warm, enveloping base where woods and resins create depth and longevity. Cedarwood, often distilled from trees in Virginia or Morocco, provides a dry, slightly smoky woodiness reminiscent of freshly sharpened pencil shavings. Beneath it glows the soft warmth of ambergris, historically produced in the ocean by sperm whales and aged naturally by sun and saltwater. Because natural ambergris is rare, its effect is recreated through aroma molecules that mimic its mineral warmth and remarkable ability to diffuse scent.

At the heart of this amber warmth is Ambrein, a compound historically associated with ambergris. Modern perfumery recreates its soft, slightly animalic warmth through synthetic materials that lend radiance and longevity to the composition. Tonka bean, harvested primarily in Venezuela and Brazil, contributes a sweet warmth rich in coumarin, giving the base a scent reminiscent of vanilla, almond, and freshly cut hay. Vanilla, traditionally derived from orchids grown in Madagascar, adds creamy sweetness and balsamic warmth. Modern vanillin molecules enhance the natural extract, amplifying its comforting sweetness while increasing its longevity.

Resinous warmth continues through benzoin, a balsamic resin harvested from trees in Southeast Asia, particularly Laos and Sumatra. Benzoin smells warm, sweet, and slightly powdery, with hints of caramel and vanilla that deepen the fragrance’s amber character. Musk, once derived from animals but now recreated entirely through modern synthetic musks, wraps the base in a soft skin-like warmth that allows the perfume to linger gently. Finally, sandalwood, historically sourced from the famed forests of Mysore in India, adds a creamy, milky woodiness that smooths the entire composition with quiet elegance.

Together these elements create a fragrance that moves from sparkling citrus and ripe fruit into a lush, spice-laced floral heart before settling into a warm, glowing base of woods, amber, and vanilla. Natural essences provide richness and complexity, while carefully crafted aroma molecules add brightness, softness, and diffusion. The result is a scent that feels both radiant and sensual—capturing the contrast suggested by its name: the brilliant sparkle of diamonds balanced by the deep, glowing warmth of rubies. 

Bottle:

The bottle used for Diamonds & Rubies was the same one used for White Diamonds. The bottle was conceived by New York designer Susan Wacker of Parfums International, with the final prototype refined and crafted by designer George Utley, resulting in a vessel that visually echoes the elegance and brilliance associated with Elizabeth Taylor herself. The bottle takes the form of a rounded teardrop, its clear glass body gently tapering toward the neck, allowing the pale golden fragrance within to glow softly through the transparent surface. The silhouette is graceful and fluid, suggesting both a drop of perfume and the smooth contour of a polished gemstone. 

At the top of the bottle rests a gold-toned metal bow, an ornamental detail that feels both feminine and theatrical. The bow is pavé-set with simulated diamonds and rubies, creating a subtle sparkle as light catches its tiny stones, much like the glitter of Taylor’s legendary jewelry collection. This decorative flourish transforms the bottle from a simple container into a miniature piece of jewelry, reinforcing the fragrance’s central theme of diamond-like brilliance and timeless glamour.

Dupe?

If anyone is unaware, Avon's answer to Diamonds & Rubies is said to be their Rare Rubies fragrance, a spicy amber, launched in 1998. Try both fragrances side by side and see if you can figure out the similarities and differences.

• Top notes: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger
• Middle notes: orange blossom, ylang ylang, coriander
• Base notes: ambergris, sandalwood, musk

Fate of the Fragrance:

Diamonds & Rubies seems to have been discontinued in 1999.

Diamonds & Sapphires by Elizabeth Taylor (1993)

Diamonds & Sapphires, introduced in 1993, was created as a companion fragrance to Elizabeth Taylor’s immensely successful White Diamonds. The choice of the name reflects Taylor’s lifelong fascination with extraordinary gemstones, which had become inseparable from her public image. Few celebrities were as closely associated with fine jewelry as Taylor, whose collection included some of the most famous diamonds in the world, such as the Taylor–Burton Diamond and the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond (formerly the Krupp Diamond). Alongside her legendary diamonds, she also owned remarkable colored gemstones, including sapphires of exceptional size and quality. By pairing diamonds, symbols of brilliance and clarity, with sapphires, gemstones prized for their deep blue color and regal symbolism, the name evokes a world of opulence and elegance that mirrored Taylor’s own glamorous life.

The phrase “Diamonds & Sapphires” conjures a vivid interplay of imagery and emotion. Diamonds suggest dazzling light, timeless beauty, and enduring strength, while sapphires evoke depth, mystery, and royal sophistication. Together they create a contrast between brilliance and richness—cool sparkle against velvety color. The name suggests evening gowns illuminated by candlelight, velvet jewelry boxes opening to reveal glittering stones, and the refined glamour of a woman adorned with heirloom jewels. Emotionally, the pairing conveys luxury, confidence, and elegance with a hint of drama—qualities that aligned perfectly with Taylor’s persona.

The fragrance was launched during the early 1990s, a period of cultural and stylistic transition. The bold glamour of the 1980s—characterized by power dressing, statement jewelry, and dramatic beauty—was gradually giving way to the cleaner minimalism that would define the mid-1990s. Yet in 1993 the influence of late-1980s opulence still lingered. Fashion combined sleek tailoring with touches of sparkle and color, and jewel tones such as sapphire blue were particularly fashionable in evening wear. In perfumery, this was also a moment of evolution: the powerful florals and orientals of the previous decade were beginning to soften, and new fruity-floral compositions were emerging as a modern alternative. Within this context, Diamonds & Sapphires aligned well with contemporary trends by offering a lighter, more youthful interpretation of Taylor’s glamorous fragrance line.

For women of the time, a perfume named Diamonds & Sapphires would have suggested both luxury and approachability. While diamonds alone might imply classic, formal elegance, the addition of sapphires introduces color, vibrancy, and a touch of playfulness. The name implied a fragrance that was still glamorous but perhaps more contemporary and wearable for daytime. It allowed women to partake in the aura of Elizabeth Taylor’s jeweled glamour while embracing the brighter, fresher aesthetic emerging in early-1990s perfumery.

Olfactorily, the name translates into a fragrance that balances brightness with depth. Diamonds & Sapphires is classified as a fruity floral fragrance, opening with a green, lightly fruity freshness that feels crisp and luminous, much like the sparkle of a gemstone catching light. The top notes introduce lily of the valley and freesia, whose clean, airy floral tones give the scent a translucent brightness. These delicate flowers evoke the cool clarity of a diamond’s surface, fresh and radiant.

As the fragrance develops, the heart becomes more colorful and expressive, echoing the richer hues suggested by sapphire. Rose, radiant jasmine, and ylang-ylang form a lush floral core, while rhubrum lily and subtle spice notes add warmth and complexity. This stage of the perfume feels fuller and more velvety, the florals unfolding like petals warmed by sunlight. The composition gradually settles into a soft, sensual base where amber, creamy sandalwood, vetiver, and musk provide depth. The sandalwood contributes a smooth, milky warmth, while vetiver introduces a dry, earthy elegance. A faintly animalic musk lingers at the finish, giving the fragrance a soft sensuality that clings gently to the skin.

In comparison to other perfumes on the market in 1993, Diamonds & Sapphires was not radically different but rather aligned with the emerging fruity-floral trend that would dominate much of the decade. While White Diamonds reflected the richer, aldehydic glamour of earlier perfume styles, this flanker introduced a lighter, brighter character that felt more modern. Its balance of fresh florals, subtle fruitiness, and warm musky depth allowed it to capture the changing tastes of the early 1990s while still maintaining the sense of elegance and jewel-like luxury associated with Elizabeth Taylor’s fragrance legacy.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Diamonds & Sapphires is classified as a fruity floral fragrance for women.. It begins with a green fruity top, followed by a fruity floral heart, layered over a floral base. Fruity floral entry begins with fresh lily of the valley, and freesia and reveals a rose, radiant jasmine, ylang ylang, rhubrum lily and spice heart. It dries to an amber, creamy sandalwood, vetiver and slightly animalic musk finish.  

• Top notes: bergamot, mandarin, melon, peach, violet, galbanum, green note complex
• Middle notes: lily of the valley, freesia, tagetes, rose, orchid, jasmine, ylang ylang, rhubrum lily, spices
• Base notes: ambergris, sandalwood, musk and vetiver

Scent Profile:

Diamonds & Sapphires unfolds with a bright, green-fruity radiance that feels immediately fresh and luminous, like sunlight catching the surface of polished gemstones. The first breath carries the crisp sparkle of bergamot, traditionally sourced from the sunlit orchards of Calabria in southern Italy, where the Mediterranean climate produces bergamot oil prized for its delicate balance of citrus brightness and soft floral sweetness. Unlike harsher citrus oils, Calabrian bergamot feels refined and slightly aromatic, lending elegance rather than sharpness. 

Beside it glows the juicy sweetness of mandarin, whose oil—often distilled from fruit grown in Italy or Sicily—offers a softer, honeyed citrus tone reminiscent of freshly peeled segments. A succulent impression of melon follows, cool and watery, suggesting ripe fruit chilled in summer shade. Because melon yields little usable essential oil, its scent is recreated through carefully blended aroma molecules that mimic its airy sweetness. Peach adds a velvety softness, the fruit’s scent often reproduced using lactones—synthetic molecules that evoke the creamy skin of ripe stone fruit.

A gentle floral breeze runs through the opening as well. Violet lends a delicate powdery sweetness, recalling the scent of soft petals or vintage face powder. True violet flower yields almost no extractable oil, so its aroma is recreated through ionones, synthetic molecules that capture the flower’s cool, slightly candied floral note. 

Beneath this softness is the vivid greenness of galbanum, a resin obtained from plants grown primarily in Iran, historically regarded as the finest source. Iranian galbanum has a penetrating, intensely green aroma—sharp and leafy, almost like crushed stems and sap. This greenness is reinforced by a green note complex, a blend of modern aroma chemicals designed to evoke freshly cut leaves, damp stems, and morning dew. Together these notes create the sensation of a living garden awakening in sunlight—bright, juicy fruit glistening among cool green foliage.

As the fragrance settles, it blooms into a graceful floral heart, where delicate blossoms unfold one after another. The airy sweetness of lily of the valley rises first, a flower celebrated for its crystalline freshness. Because the tiny bell-shaped blossoms cannot be distilled to produce essential oil, their scent is recreated entirely through synthetic materials—traditionally hydroxycitronellal and other muguet molecules—which capture the flower’s cool, watery purity. 

Freesia follows with a lightly peppered floral brightness, fresh and almost citrusy, like spring air passing through a bouquet. A subtle green bitterness emerges from tagetes, also known as marigold. Its oil, often distilled from plants grown in Egypt or India, carries an herbaceous scent with hints of apple peel and crushed leaves, adding contrast and complexity to the floral heart.

The bouquet deepens with richer florals. Rose, often associated with the renowned fields of Turkey or Bulgaria, contributes velvety sweetness and a romantic warmth. Turkish rose oil in particular is admired for its balance between honeyed richness and bright green freshness. Orchid introduces a creamy, almost abstract floral softness—true orchid blossoms rarely yield perfume oil, so their scent is recreated through blends of floral and vanilla-like molecules that evoke their delicate sweetness. 

Jasmine, whose finest oils come from Egypt and India, lends a radiant sensuality, creamy and slightly indolic, suggesting blossoms warmed by evening air. Tropical richness arrives with ylang-ylang, distilled from star-shaped flowers grown in the Comoros Islands and Madagascar. These blossoms produce an oil famous for its lush, almost custard-like scent with hints of banana, cream, and warm petals.

Within this heart appears rhubrum lily, a lush lily note recreated through modern floral molecules to evoke the creamy scent of blooming lilies in humid summer air. Since many lilies yield little extractable oil, perfumers rely on synthetic materials to recreate their intoxicating aroma. Gentle spice notes weave quietly through the bouquet, adding warmth and subtle intrigue—suggesting the faint bite of clove or cinnamon hidden among petals. The result is a heart that feels vibrant and jewel-toned, where florals bloom with the brightness of sapphire hues.

As the fragrance dries down, the scent becomes softer and more sensual, settling into a warm, glowing base. Ambergris, historically produced in the ocean by sperm whales and aged by sun and saltwater, lends a unique mineral warmth with faint marine sweetness. Because natural ambergris is extremely rare and ethically restricted, modern perfumery typically recreates its effect with synthetic materials that capture its smooth, diffusive glow. 

Sandalwood, traditionally sourced from the revered forests of Mysore in southern India, adds creamy depth—soft, milky, and gently woody, with a smoothness unmatched by many other sandalwood varieties. The presence of vetiver, often distilled from roots grown in Haiti, contributes an elegant earthiness. Haitian vetiver is particularly prized for its clean, smoky dryness and subtle citrus facet, giving the base a refined structure.

Finally, the fragrance is wrapped in the warmth of musk, which provides a soft, skin-like sensuality. Natural animal musk is no longer used; instead, modern synthetic musks recreate its warmth while adding a clean, diffusive softness that allows the scent to linger gently on the skin. These musks enhance the natural ingredients, smoothing their transitions and extending their presence. Together with the ambergris warmth and sandalwood creaminess, they create a finish that feels velvety and intimate—like the lingering warmth of skin after a long evening.

In its entirety, Diamonds & Sapphires moves from sparkling fruit and cool greenery into a luminous floral heart before settling into a soft, sensual warmth. The interplay between natural essences and carefully crafted synthetic materials allows each note to shine clearly, much like facets in a gemstone. Bright, colorful, and elegant, the fragrance mirrors the jewel combination suggested by its name—crystalline brilliance layered over rich, velvety depth.

Bottle:

The bottle used for Diamonds & Sapphires is the same one used for White Diamonds. The bottle was conceived by New York designer Susan Wacker of Parfums International, with the final prototype refined and crafted by designer George Utley, resulting in a vessel that visually echoes the elegance and brilliance associated with Elizabeth Taylor herself. The bottle takes the form of a rounded teardrop, its clear glass body gently tapering toward the neck, allowing the pale golden fragrance within to glow softly through the transparent surface. The silhouette is graceful and fluid, suggesting both a drop of perfume and the smooth contour of a polished gemstone. 

At the top of the bottle rests a gold-toned metal bow, an ornamental detail that feels both feminine and theatrical. The bow is pavé-set with simulated diamonds and sapphires, creating a subtle sparkle as light catches its tiny stones, much like the glitter of Taylor’s legendary jewelry collection. This decorative flourish transforms the bottle from a simple container into a miniature piece of jewelry, reinforcing the fragrance’s central theme of diamond-like brilliance and timeless glamour.

Dupe?

If anyone is unaware, Avon's answer to Diamonds & Sapphires is said to be their Rare Sapphires fragrance, a fruity floral, launched in 2000. Try both fragrances side by side and see if you can figure out the similarities and differences.

• Top notes: fig and grapefruit 
• Middle notes: gardenia, lily and snowdrops 
• Base notes: fig tree, cedar and vetiver 

Fate of the Fragrance:

Diamonds & Sapphires appears to have been discontinued by 1999.

Diamonds & Emeralds by Elizabeth Taylor (1993)

Diamonds & Emeralds, introduced in 1993, was part of Elizabeth Taylor’s expanding fragrance line that followed the extraordinary success of White Diamonds. Like its sister fragrances Diamonds & Rubies and Diamonds & Sapphires, the name drew directly from Taylor’s legendary love of fine jewelry. Few public figures were as closely associated with gemstones as Elizabeth Taylor. Over the course of her life she amassed one of the most celebrated private jewelry collections in the world, including the famed Taylor–Burton Diamond, the Krupp Diamond (later renamed the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond), and a number of spectacular colored gemstones. Emeralds in particular held a special place in her collection. Among her most famous pieces was the extraordinary Bulgari emerald and diamond suite, which included a necklace, earrings, and brooch set with large Colombian emeralds surrounded by brilliant diamonds. These jewels became synonymous with Taylor’s glamorous image—deep green stones glowing dramatically against her violet eyes.

The name “Diamonds & Emeralds” carries rich symbolism. Diamonds represent brilliance, clarity, and timeless luxury, while emeralds evoke depth, vitality, and lush green life. Emeralds have long been associated with royalty, romance, and renewal, their deep green color suggesting nature, spring growth, and exotic opulence. Together, the pairing creates a striking contrast: the icy sparkle of diamonds set against the velvety green glow of emeralds. The phrase conjures images of velvet jewelry boxes opening to reveal dazzling stones, candlelight glinting off faceted gems, and elegant women adorned with glittering heirlooms. Emotionally, the name suggests sophistication balanced with lush sensuality—luxury softened by natural richness.

The fragrance emerged during the early 1990s, a moment of stylistic transition in fashion and perfumery. The dramatic glamour of the 1980s power era, known for bold silhouettes, statement jewelry, and opulent fragrances, was gradually giving way to the sleeker minimalism that would characterize the mid-to-late 1990s. Yet in 1993 many traces of that earlier glamour still lingered. Jewel tones—especially deep greens, blues, and reds—were fashionable in evening wear, and sparkling accessories remained symbols of elegance. In perfumery, this period saw the rise of fruitier, lighter florals that softened the boldness of 1980s perfumes while still retaining a sense of richness. Within this environment, Diamonds & Emeralds felt both familiar and modern: it maintained Taylor’s glamorous aesthetic while embracing the softer, more approachable scent profiles gaining popularity at the time.

For women of the early 1990s, a perfume named Diamonds & Emeralds would have carried a strong sense of fantasy and aspiration. The name promised a touch of luxury—an echo of Elizabeth Taylor’s legendary jewels—while also suggesting freshness and vitality through the emerald imagery. It hinted at a fragrance that was elegant but also lush and feminine, something that could be worn confidently yet still feel romantic. For many women, wearing the perfume meant briefly inhabiting the glamorous world associated with Taylor herself: shimmering diamonds, vibrant emeralds, and timeless Hollywood elegance.

Olfactorily, the concept of “Diamonds & Emeralds” translates into a fragrance that balances brightness and lushness. Classified as an oriental floral fragrance, it opens with a gently fruity, luminous introduction. The top notes evoke freshness and vitality, with the creamy sweetness of living gardenia, the cool watery freshness of water lily, and the delicate softness of white rose. These notes feel luminous and fresh, like the gleam of diamonds catching the light.

The fragrance then unfolds into an exotic floral heart where richer blossoms begin to bloom. Lily of the valley adds a clean, slightly soapy freshness, while jasmine contributes warmth and sensuality. Carnation, with its subtle spicy edge, gives the bouquet character and depth. Throughout the composition, leafy green notes weave through the florals, reinforcing the imagery of emeralds—lush, vibrant, and alive with natural vitality.

As the scent settles, it becomes softer and warmer, forming a gentle oriental-style base. Amber adds golden warmth, while vetiver introduces a dry, earthy elegance. Patchouli contributes a deeper herbal richness, grounding the sweetness of the florals. Finally, vanilla and soft musk provide a smooth, comforting finish that lingers on the skin with quiet sensuality. The base feels warm and enveloping, like velvet beneath the sparkle of jewels.

In comparison to other fragrances on the market in 1993, Diamonds & Emeralds largely followed prevailing trends rather than radically redefining them. The early 1990s favored fragrances that blended fruity brightness with soft florals and warm bases, a style that would soon dominate the decade. While the perfume retained the luxurious imagery associated with Elizabeth Taylor’s brand, its composition was lighter and more contemporary than the powerful florals of the previous decade. As a result, Diamonds & Emeralds captured the spirit of its era—combining the glamour of classic Hollywood with the softer, more approachable fragrance style that women of the early 1990s increasingly embraced.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Diamonds & Emeralds is classified as an oriental floral fragrance for women. It begins with a fruity top, followed by an exotic floral heart, layered over a sweet floral base. The floral bouquet which includes leafy green notes. Its top notes consist of living gardenia, succulent water lily and white rose which move to a heart of soapy lily of the valley, jasmine and spicy carnation. Its base consists of touches of rich amber, vetiver, earthy patchouli, balsamic vanilla and softened musk.

• Top notes: bergamot, tangerine, apricot, peach, cherry, strawberry, sage, hyacinth, orange blossom, leafy green note complex, living gardenia, water lily and white rose
• Middle notes: jasmine, lily of the valley, carnation, damascena rose, tuberose, magnolia, wild lily, orris
• Base notes: tonka bean, ambergris, cedar, vetiver, patchouli, vanilla and musk

Scent Profile:

Diamonds & Emeralds unfolds with a vibrant, jewel-like brightness, the fragrance opening in a burst of luminous fruit and fresh greenery that immediately evokes the vivid color and vitality suggested by its name. The first impression sparkles with bergamot, traditionally cultivated along the sunlit coast of Calabria in southern Italy, where the Mediterranean climate produces the world’s most refined bergamot oil. Calabrian bergamot is prized for its balanced aroma—bright citrus with subtle floral sweetness and a slightly aromatic bitterness that gives the opening elegance rather than sharpness. Beside it glows the cheerful sweetness of tangerine, a softer citrus note whose oil offers a honeyed, juicy freshness reminiscent of freshly peeled segments.

Quickly, a cascade of ripe fruits appears. Apricot lends a velvety softness with faint honeyed warmth, its scent often recreated through delicate lactone molecules that mimic the creamy skin of ripe stone fruit. Peach adds a lush, almost silky sweetness—again enhanced by peach lactones that capture the sensation of warm, sun-ripened fruit. Cherry and strawberry introduce playful brightness, their aromas typically constructed from a blend of fruity esters and aromatic molecules because the fruits themselves yield little usable perfume oil. The result is a vivid, juicy sweetness that feels both youthful and radiant.

A gentle herbal-green edge runs beneath the fruit. Sage, often grown in Mediterranean regions, introduces a dry aromatic note—slightly camphorous and herbaceous—that prevents the fruits from becoming overly sweet. The cool floral freshness of hyacinth follows, recreating the crisp scent of spring flowers just opened in cool morning air. True hyacinth extract is extremely rare and difficult to obtain, so perfumers recreate its distinctive green floral scent through carefully blended synthetic materials that evoke crushed stems and damp petals. Orange blossom, distilled from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree—often grown in Tunisia or Morocco—adds a honeyed, luminous floral note with hints of citrus and warm sunlight.

Woven through the opening is a leafy green note complex, a blend of aroma molecules designed to mimic the scent of freshly cut foliage. These synthetic green notes—often including materials related to cis-3-hexenol—smell vividly like crushed leaves, sap, and dew-damp stems, reinforcing the “emerald” character suggested by the perfume’s name. Within this verdant brightness bloom the creamy petals of living gardenia, recreated through modern fragrance technology because gardenia flowers produce little extractable oil. The accord captures their lush, creamy sweetness with hints of coconut and white petals warmed by tropical air. Water lily adds a cool aquatic softness, again recreated synthetically to evoke the watery freshness of a flower floating on still water. White rose, delicate and softly luminous, rounds out the opening with a gentle floral sweetness that glimmers like pale silk.

As the fragrance deepens, it blossoms into a lush and exotic floral heart. Jasmine emerges first, creamy and intoxicating. The finest jasmine oils traditionally come from Egypt and India, where blossoms are harvested at night when their fragrance is strongest. Its scent is warm, slightly indolic, and deeply sensual. Alongside it floats lily of the valley, a flower celebrated for its cool, soapy freshness. Because these tiny bell-shaped blossoms cannot yield essential oil through distillation, their scent is recreated entirely through aroma molecules such as hydroxycitronellal and related materials that capture their crystalline floral purity.

The bouquet grows richer with carnation, whose natural clove-like spiciness adds warmth and intrigue. Damascena rose, derived from the famous Rosa damascena cultivated in places like Bulgaria’s Rose Valley or Turkey’s Isparta region, contributes a velvety, honeyed richness with subtle green freshness. Tuberose introduces an intoxicating floral intensity—lush, creamy, and slightly narcotic—traditionally harvested in India or Mexico, where warm climates encourage its opulent fragrance. Magnolia brings a lemony floral softness with creamy undertones, while wild lily adds a luminous white floral brightness reminiscent of blossoms warmed by sunlight.

The heart is given a cool powdery elegance through orris, derived from the aged rhizomes of iris plants traditionally cultivated in Tuscany, Italy. After harvesting, the roots are dried and aged for several years to develop irones, the molecules responsible for their distinctive scent—powdery, violet-like, and softly woody. This note lends refinement and texture to the floral bouquet, giving it a velvety, cosmetic elegance.

As the fragrance settles, the composition moves into a warm and sensual base that anchors the airy florals above. Tonka bean, harvested from trees native to Venezuela and Brazil, introduces a rich, almond-like sweetness with nuances of vanilla, hay, and warm spice. Its key molecule, coumarin, gives the base a soft gourmand warmth that feels comforting and enveloping. Ambergris, historically produced in the ocean by sperm whales and aged by saltwater and sunlight, contributes a uniquely smooth marine warmth with faint sweetness. Because natural ambergris is rare and ethically restricted, its effect is now recreated through modern aroma chemicals that capture its diffusive glow.

The woody structure of the base is shaped by cedar, which contributes a dry, pencil-wood clarity that sharpens the sweetness of the surrounding notes. Vetiver, often distilled from roots grown in Haiti, adds an earthy, smoky dryness reminiscent of warm soil and sun-dried grass. Haitian vetiver is particularly prized for its refined, clean character compared with heavier varieties grown elsewhere. Patchouli, cultivated primarily in Indonesia, deepens the base with its dark, earthy richness—slightly herbal, slightly chocolate-like, and grounding.

The final softness of the fragrance comes from vanilla and musk. Vanilla, originally derived from orchids grown in Madagascar, contributes a creamy sweetness with balsamic warmth. Much of modern perfumery uses vanillin, a synthetic molecule that reproduces vanilla’s comforting aroma while enhancing longevity. Musk, once derived from animal sources but now recreated through modern synthetic musks, provides a soft, skin-like warmth that diffuses the entire composition and allows the fragrance to linger gently on the body.

Together, these notes create a fragrance that moves from bright fruit and leafy green freshness into an opulent bouquet of white flowers before settling into a warm, velvety base. Natural materials and modern aroma molecules work together seamlessly—the synthetics amplifying brightness, freshness, and longevity while the natural extracts provide depth and richness. The result is a scent that feels both luminous and lush, echoing the contrast suggested by its name: the sparkling clarity of diamonds paired with the deep, living green glow of emeralds.

Bottle:

The bottle used for Diamonds & Emeralds is the same one used for White Diamonds. The bottle was conceived by New York designer Susan Wacker of Parfums International, with the final prototype refined and crafted by designer George Utley, resulting in a vessel that visually echoes the elegance and brilliance associated with Elizabeth Taylor herself. The bottle takes the form of a rounded teardrop, its clear glass body gently tapering toward the neck, allowing the pale golden fragrance within to glow softly through the transparent surface. The silhouette is graceful and fluid, suggesting both a drop of perfume and the smooth contour of a polished gemstone. 

At the top of the bottle rests a gold-toned metal bow, an ornamental detail that feels both feminine and theatrical. The bow is pavé-set with simulated diamonds and emeralds, creating a subtle sparkle as light catches its tiny stones, much like the glitter of Taylor’s legendary jewelry collection. This decorative flourish transforms the bottle from a simple container into a miniature piece of jewelry, reinforcing the fragrance’s central theme of diamond-like brilliance and timeless glamour.

Dupe?

If anyone is unaware, Avon's answer to Diamonds & Emeralds is said to be their Rare Emeralds fragrance, an oriental floral musk, in 1999. Try both fragrances side by side and see if you can figure out the similarities and differences.

• Top notes: geranium, bergamot and orange
• Middle notes: jasmine and white rose
• Base notes: cedar, sandalwood and musk

Fate of the Fragrance: 

Diamonds & Emeralds seems to have been discontinued in 1999.