Fleurs Precieuse by Caron c1910

Fleurs Precieuse by Caron, launched in 1910, is often misunderstood as a single fragrance. In reality, it was a collection named "Les Fleurs Precieuses," encompassing three distinct floral fragrances: Violette Precieuse, Rose Precieuse, and Jacinthe Precieuse. These exquisite scents were crafted by the renowned perfumer Ernest Daltroff, who brought his expertise to the creation of these luxurious fragrances.

An advertisement from 1913 highlights that these fragrances were elegantly presented in "artistic opaque bottles," emphasizing their refined and artistic packaging, which added to their allure. This collection not only showcased Caron's commitment to high-quality perfumery but also their dedication to artistic presentation, making "Les Fleurs Precieuses" a memorable and cherished part of Caron's storied history.

Fragrance Composition:

Given the historical significance and scarcity of Caron's "Les Fleurs Precieuses" collection, detailed notes on the compositions of Violette Precieuse, Rose Precieuse, and Jacinthe Precieuse are challenging to find. However, we can make some educated guesses based on common practices and ingredients used in early 20th-century perfumery, as well as Caron's general style and the nature of these floral fragrances.

Violette Precieuse:

As the name suggests, Violette Precieuse would likely focus on violet as the central note. Traditional violet perfumes often include:

• Top notes: Bergamot, citrus notes
• Heart notes: Violet, iris
• Base notes: Musk, sandalwood, vanilla

Rose Precieuse:

Rose Precieuse would emphasize rose, another classic floral note, often composed with:

• Top notes: Bergamot, aldehydes
• Heart notes: Rose, jasmine, lily of the valley
• Base notes: Musk, amber, patchouli

Jacinthe Precieuse:

Jacinthe Precieuse, highlighting hyacinth, might include:

• Top notes: Green notes, bergamot
• Heart notes: Hyacinth, lily of the valley, narcissus
• Base notes: Musk, oakmoss

General Characteristics:

Given the era and Caron's style, these perfumes would likely feature:

• Natural Ingredients: High-quality essential oils and absolutes, characteristic of early 20th-century luxury perfumery.

• Complex Blends: Multi-layered compositions that develop over time, typical of Ernest Daltroff's creations.

• Powdery Notes: Common in vintage fragrances, adding softness and elegance.

Opalescent Bottle:

The conical amphora type perfume bottle created for Caron's "Les Fleurs Precieuses" collection is a stunning example of early 20th-century perfume bottle design. Crafted from pressed molded bluish opalescent glass, the bottle features shoulders molded with stalactites or icicles that extend down the sides. This icicle motif was a signature element in early Caron bottles and was also used in the unique designs for Parfum Radiant and Rarissime.

Designed by Julien Viard, a renowned artist in perfume bottle design, and produced in France by both Cristallerie de Pantin and Cristal Romesnil, the bottle measures 6 inches in length. It is topped with an opalescent glass stopper molded in the shape of an ancient Egyptian scarab, adding an exotic and historical touch to the design. The neck of the bottle is adorned with a molded floral design, painted with gold enamel, and the name "Caron" is prominently molded into the neck.

This exquisite bottle was available in several opalescent glass colors, including amber, as well as an unusual marbled opalescent glass in shades of amber, blue, pink, and green. These different colors likely served to differentiate the various floral scents within the "Les Fleurs Precieuses" collection: Jacinthe Precieuse may have been housed in the yellow glass, Rose Precieuse in the pink/amber/blue/green glass, and Violette Precieuse in the blue glass.

The bottles were elegantly housed in an oval-shaped poplar wood box, covered with gold leather, enhancing the luxurious presentation of these precious fragrances. This design not only reflects the artistic sensibilities of the time but also Caron's commitment to creating unique and memorable perfume experiences.

 

The conical amphora type perfume bottle designed for Caron's "Les Fleurs Precieuses" collection also came in amber shaded opalescent glass. This variation added to the diversity and appeal of the collection, further showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and aesthetic variety that Caron was known for.

Design and Features:

• Material: Pressed molded glass with an opalescent finish.
• Shape: Conical amphora, with shoulders molded to resemble stalactites or icicles that extend down the sides.
• Stopper: Opalescent glass molded in the shape of an ancient Egyptian scarab.
• Neck: Molded floral design, painted with gold enamel, with the name "Caron" also molded into the neck.
• Colors
• Bluish Opalescent Glass: Likely used for Violette Precieuse.
• Amber Shaded Opalescent Glass: Added a warm, rich hue to the collection.
• Marbled Opalescent Glass: Available in combinations of amber, blue, pink, and green, potentially used for Rose Precieuse.
• Amber Colored Opalescent Glass: Possibly used for Jacinthe Precieuse.
• Packaging
• Box: Oval-shaped poplar wood box covered with gold leather, emphasizing the luxurious nature of the fragrances.

The use of different colors for the opalescent glass bottles not only enhanced their visual appeal but also served a functional purpose, likely helping to differentiate the various floral scents within the "Les Fleurs Precieuses" line. This thoughtful and artistic approach to both design and functionality is a testament to Caron's devotion to excellence in perfumery and presentation.

The opalescent glass bottle designed for Caron's "Les Fleurs Precieuses" collection is exceptional and rare, particularly in its unique marbled versions. These bottles feature a mesmerizing blend of amber, bluish, and green tones, creating a striking visual effect that enhances their allure and desirability among collectors and enthusiasts.

Design and Features

• Material: Pressed molded opalescent glass.
• Shape: Conical amphora with shoulders molded to resemble stalactites or icicles extending down the sides.
• Stopper: Opalescent glass molded in the shape of an ancient Egyptian scarab.
• Neck: Molded floral design painted with gold enamel, with the name "Caron" molded into the neck.
• Unique Characteristics
• Marbled Opalescent Glass: The rare and exceptional model features a beautiful marbling of amber, bluish, and green tones. This intricate pattern adds depth and character to the bottle, making each piece unique.
• Amber Shaded Opalescent Glass: Another variant of the bottle, offering a rich, warm hue that complements the fragrance within.
• Packaging
• Box: Oval-shaped poplar wood box covered with gold leather, providing a luxurious and protective casing for the precious bottle.

The marbled opalescent glass bottle is a testament to Caron's dedication to artistic excellence and innovation. The interplay of colors in the marbled design not only makes the bottle a collector's item but also reflects the brand's faithfulness to creating visually stunning and high-quality products. This rare and exceptional model stands out as a highlight in the history of perfume bottle design.

Other Bottles:

In addition to the exquisite opalescent glass bottles, Caron utilized a variety of bottle designs for their "Les Fleurs Precieuses" collection and other fragrances. One notable design was the "curved square" colorless crystal flacon, which became a standard model for various Caron fragrances.

• Curved Square Crystal Flacon
• Material: Colorless crystal.
• Shape: Curved square, a versatile and elegant design.
• Stopper: Molded with the name "Caron."
• Dimensions: Approximately 3 1/4 inches tall and about 3 inches wide.
• Usage: This bottle was regarded as a standard model and was used for various Caron fragrances, not limited to the "Les Fleurs Precieuses" collection.

Availability of "Les Fleurs Precieuses" Fragrances

Violette Precieuse:

• Sizes for Parfum (Extrait): Available in two sizes.
• Other Products: Face powder, Lotion (hair groom), and Eau de Toilette.

Rose Precieuse:

• Size for Parfum (Extrait): Available in one size.
• Other Products: Face powder.

These variations in product offerings highlight Caron's attention to different customer needs and preferences, providing a range of formats for enjoying their luxurious fragrances. The use of multiple bottle designs, including the iconic opalescent glass bottles and the standard curved square crystal flacon, demonstrates Caron's versatility and dedication to both aesthetic beauty and practical elegance.

Violette Precieuse: The Rare Baccarat Boudoir Bottle

Historical Significance:

In addition to the various opalescent glass designs and the standard curved square crystal flacon, a particularly rare and prestigious version of Violette Precieuse was housed in a bottle made by Baccarat, one of the most renowned crystal manufacturers in the world. This collaboration highlights the luxury and exclusivity associated with Caron's fragrances. 

The Baccarat perfume bottle designed for Caron's Violette Precieuse was made with the intention of being a luxurious addition to a lady's boudoir. Boudoir bottles were crafted not just to hold fragrance but also to serve as elegant decorative pieces, reflecting the opulence and refinement of their owner's personal space.

Crafted from fine Baccarat crystal, known for its superior quality and clarity, the crystal allows the intricate details and the shimmering gold enamel to be showcased beautifully. Its rectangular base that provides a stable foundation for the bottle. The bottle tapers upwards towards the shoulders, which are cut into downward sloping facets. This design adds a sophisticated and dynamic element to the bottle’s silhouette. The sides of the bottle are adorned with hand-painted gold enamel, these decorations feature flourishing swags in the Victorian manner, adding a touch of historical elegance and luxurious detail. The bottle is topped with a cut glass lapidary stopper, pointed in shape which complements the overall design of the bottle, enhancing its refined and cohesive appearance.

The combination of the rectangular base, tapered body, and intricate gold enamel swags gives the bottle a visually striking and elegant appearance. The downward sloping facets on the shoulders add a dynamic quality to the bottle’s profile. The pointed stopper not only complements the design but also ensures a secure closure, preserving the fragrance inside.

Baccarat bottles were produced in limited quantities, making them highly sought after by collectors and perfume enthusiasts. Due to their rarity and the prestige associated with both the Caron and Baccarat names, these bottles are considered valuable collector's items. They represent a pinnacle of luxury in early 20th-century perfumery. As with other historical perfume bottles, the preservation of these Baccarat bottles is crucial, not only for their aesthetic and monetary value but also for their historical significance in the world of perfumery.

The Baccarat perfume bottle for Violette Precieuse, designed for the boudoir, is a testament to the artistry and luxury that Caron and Baccarat represent. Its detailed design, featuring a rectangular base, tapered body, hand-painted gold enamel swags, and a pointed lapidary stopper, makes it a distinguished and highly coveted collector's item. This bottle not only encapsulates the elegance of the early 20th-century perfume industry but also stands as a symbol of the enduring legacy of Caron’s exquisite fragrances. Its presence in a boudoir would have added a touch of sophistication and opulence, reflecting the refined tastes of its owner.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The luxurious packaging further emphasizes the premium quality of these perfumes. The opalescent glass bottles, with their intricate designs and gold enamel details, complemented the richness of the fragrances inside.

Despite the lack of specific composition notes, the legacy of "Les Fleurs Precieuses" lives on through their exquisite presentation and the artistic vision of Caron's founder, Ernest Daltroff. This collection remains a testament to the golden age of perfumery and the timeless appeal of finely crafted floral scents.

Violette Precieuse: Historical Overview and Modern Reinterpretation

Historical Background:

• Original Launch Date: 1910 as part of the "Les Fleurs Precieuses" collection.
• Discontinuation: The original Violette Precieuse persisted until 1937, likely discontinued due to the onset of World War II.
• Relaunch: Reformulated, repackaged, and relaunched in 2006.
• Withdrawal: The 2006 version was withdrawn from production by 2011.

Original Composition (Speculated):

While exact details of the original 1910 composition are unknown due to the rarity of samples, we can make informed guesses:

• Key Ingredients: Likely based on ionone, violet leaves, and orris root, which were commonly used to create a violet scent.
• Modifiers: Additional notes to round out the fragrance and make it seem more natural, though these specifics are not documented.

2006 Reformulation Notes:

• Top notes: Violet leaf, violet, iris, orange blossom
• Middle notes: Lily of the valley, jasmine
• Base notes: Vetiver, nutmeg, sandalwood, raspberry

Comparison of Original and Reformulated Versions:

Similarity: Without a sample of the original, the exact resemblance is unknown. However, the reformulation aims to capture the essence of the classic violet scent using a blend of traditional and modern notes.

Differences: The reformulated version includes modern notes such as raspberry and nutmeg, which may not have been part of the original composition. These ingredients introduce a contemporary twist, possibly making the scent more complex and layered compared to the simpler, more straightforward formulations typical of early 20th-century perfumes.

Conclusion:

The original Violette Precieuse from 1910 was likely a blend of violet leaf, orris root, and ionone, creating a rich, authentic violet fragrance. The 2006 reformulation added modern elements while retaining the core violet theme, reflecting both continuity and innovation in Caron's approach to perfumery. Despite the challenges in obtaining and comparing the antique scent, the 2006 version offers a glimpse into the timeless appeal of Violette Precieuse.