by Elizabeth Taylor
Diamonds and Rubies is a deeply layered, opulent floral oriental with a rich structure centered around a warm, spiced rose, peach, and vanilla backbone. The initial impression is bold and intense—a powerful burst of peach, rose, and cinnamon that feels nearly sticky and intense, with a signature floral and aldehyde-like note reminiscent of a vintage, heavily perfumed makeup or lacy dressing table. This opening can be jarring for some, often described as me too much or like a cloud of hairspray or fumes. However, it settles into a softer, more complex evolution where the peach evolves into a rich, creamy, slightly syrupy fruit note, woven together with powdery heliotrope, lily-of-the-valley, and ylang-ylang, creating a soft, romantic, and elegant core. The dry down settles into a warm, velvety, slightly damp or musky note with hints of vanilla, sandalwood, and benzoin, giving a comforting, deeply feminine, and slightly vintage quality. It's a scent of glamour, sophistication, and presence, reminiscent of old Hollywood actresses or high fashion boudoirs. It performs best in cooler weather and is exceptionally strong in sillage—projecting noticeably without being overwhelming. This is a perfume meant to be worn by women who appreciate depth, warmth, and a confident, laid-back elegance. It has an enduring quality, unaffected by age, matching a classic, timeless aesthetic of a woman with a sense of style and history.