Gem by Van Cleef & Arpels c1987

Gem by Van Cleef & Arpels: launched in 1987. Created by Roger Pellegrino of Firmenich.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a rich woody oriental fragrance for women. A spicy floral merged with blended fruits, amber and chypre. Sweet peach and ripe plum blend with cypress, Tunisian myrtle and patchouli for vibrant diversity in the top notes. Middle notes of Italian jasmine, Indian tuberose, ylang ylang from the Comoros Islands, rose, iris, and the inclusion of spices clove, cardamom and coriander for added richness. Sensuous base notes of patchouli, amber, vanilla and civet.

It begins with a fruity, spicy top, followed by an exotic floral heart, resting on a warm, woody base.

• Top notes: Egyptian armoise, karo karounde, cypress, cardamom, coriander, rosewood, peach, plum, marigold and chamomile
• Middle notes: wallflower, carnation, Italian jasmine, rose, orris, Indian tuberose, Comoros ylang-ylang, sage and cloves
• Base notes: Tunisian myrtle, oakmoss, amber, civet, Java vetiver, cypress, patchouli and vanilla

Bottle:

Presented in an octangular bottle designed by Joel Desgrippes and made by Verrières Brosse. The bottles were housed in dramatic red and black packaging. As part of the Gem launch in 1988, each pack on sale nationally had been numbered and one was designated with the Gem diamond number. The purchaser of that pack would become the owner of a magnificent $50,000 diamond.

1 oz of parfum retailed for $195 in 1988.

In 1996, Van Cleef & Arpels introduced a refillable canister to hold eau de toilette spray bottles for Gem, First and Van Cleef.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown.