Gems and Flowers

There is something so synonymous between fine jewellery and fragrances. They are both constructed from two of the earth’s most exquisite of natural resources; gemstones and flowers. Read Josie Goodbody’s take on where Gems and Flowers meet.

It seems completely natural that Laurence Graff, the so-called king of diamonds, would create a series of scents inspired by, and named after, one of the most important of his diamonds, the Lesedi di Roma diamond.

This 1009 carat diamond when discovered in Botswana in 2015, was the third-largest gemstone quality diamond ever found. It was cut into one large emerald-cut diamond, the Graff Lesedi La Rona, weighing 302.37 carats; and a further 66 satellite (smaller) stones.

This majestic gem is the inspiration for a collection of six unique new scents that offer a partnering grandeur to Graff’s monumental stone. An array of olfactory desserts, from tempting gourmand to luscious chypre. 

The six fragrances each contain the rarest and most precious of ingredients yielded from all corners of the earth, just as Graff sources the gemstones that form their priceless fine jewels. 

Lesedi La Rona I 

“Refined – Timeless – Sophisticated”

The introductory fragrance Lesedi La Rona I opens with a vivid sparkle of citrus and spicy pink peppercorn. It then goes on to exudes a floral bloom of a delicate powdery orris and settles in soft patchouli and sandalwood. 

Top Note: Pink Peppercorn, Bergamot, Mandarin, Grapefruit, Ylang-Ylang. Mid Note: Orris Flower, Rose, Egyptian Jasmine. Base Note: Leather, White Musk, Patchouli, Vanilla, Amber, Vetiver, Moss, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean.

Lesedi La Rona II

“Transparent – Memerising – Complex”

Lesedi La Rona II brings a continuance of its citrus brightness from an infused Moroccan Neroli oil, enriched by a sour Petitgrain Citronnier. Additionally, delicate Peony with Sichuan Pepper, Finally resting in soft luxurious Cashmeran and Vanilla Bean Extract giving an intoxicating sensuality.

Top Note: Moroccan Neroli Oil, Petitgrain Citronnier. Mid Note: Sichuan Pepper, Peony, Orange Flower Absolute. Base notes: Cashmeran, Vanilla Bean Extract, Musk 

Lesedi La Rona III

“Romantic – Opulent – Mysterious”

Lesedi La Rona III radiates with its Bergamot sharpness amplified by addictive Saffron. However, the very heart and soul of the fragrance belongs to the meeting of Violet infused with Rose de Grasse with a slight warm animal Labdanum base. 

Top Note: Saffron, Pink Pepper, Bergamot, Mid Note: Rose from Grasse, Violet, Base Note: Labdanum, Vanilla Bean, Patchouli 

Lesedi La Rona IV

“Magical, Captivating, Addictive” 

Lesedi La Rona IV moves towards the direction of Gourmand, with hits of Brazilian Coffee Absolute and Toasted Marcona Almond. The added botanical aroma of Bulgarian Lavender and Manuka Honey blossom provides an intoxicating addiction to the scent. smell.

Top Note: Bulgarian Organic Lavender, White Rose Petal, Italian Lemon. Mid Note: Manuka Honey Blossom, Tonka Bean Brazilian Coffee Absolute, Toasted Marcona Almond. Top notes: Brazilian Coffee Absolute, Toasted Marcona Almond 

Lesedi La Rona V 

“Solar – Illuminating – Alluring”

Lesedi La Rona V is the meeting of sun-drenched Bergamot and Neroli blossom, augmented it the insertion of soft florals of Ylang rose and violets but dashes of extracted Vanilla bean and Amber create its warming base.  

Top Note: Bergamot, Heliotrope, Neroli Blossom. Mid Note: Turkish Rose, Violet and Ylang. Top Note: Patchouli, Amber, Sandalwood, Vanilla 

Lesedi La Rona VI

“Radiant – Hypnotic – Sensual”

Lesedi La Rona VI dips into the world of woody oriental with wild Orchids. Inspiration of the perfumer came from the rare blossoms which sit closely with sophisticated Jasmine and Orange blossom. Alongside is magnificent Indian Oud with a hint of eastern mystery.

Top Note: Clove, Madagascar Blackberry, Wild Orchid. Mid Note: Egyptian Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Pink Pepper. Top Note: Indian Oud, Vanilla

The flacon of each fragrance is created from lead-free crystal, whilst the inspiration for its design was drawn from the contours of the emerald cut Graff Lesedi la Rona diamond, whose name translates as “Our Light” in the indigenous language of its provenance: Botswana.

And like a diamond, light flows through each long smooth facet of the flacons emanating a different distinguishable shade for each scent.

This is not Graff’s first foray into the world of fragrances; two decades ago there was a limited edition perfume named, Unmistakably, available solely to clients (my mother loved it and reminded her of Lanvin’s Arpège), but this venture, with the Paris based Inter Parfums, is just the foundation of a collection of fragrances that are currently for sale at Harrods. 

Walter Johnsen, perfume creative from Inter Parfums described these scents as “the result of an elemental process – ultimately they are both gifts of the earth.”  Diamond Fragrance; Lesedi La Rona’ is a set of perfumes from the precious stones of the Graff family read here the history.

It is not new for a luxury brand to enter the lucrative world of fragrances, and for someone who dreams of wearing a piece of Graff jewellery, a splash of one of their exquisite scents could be the start of a very sparkling relationship. 

Find more on Jewellerey from JosieGoodbody.com Available exclusively at Harrods.com

If you enjoyed where Gems and flowers meet then why not read Pooka see me, here