Most Precious by Evyan c1951

Launched in 1951, Evyan’s Most Precious was a fragrance that embodied the sentiment of its name—a nod to a book that Evyan's husband happened to be reading at the time. The title "Most Precious" suggests a sense of rarity and value, evoking images of timeless elegance and cherished beauty. It conjures emotions of exclusivity and refined taste, painting a picture of a fragrance that is both delicate and highly esteemed.

The name "Most Precious" evokes the allure of something extraordinarily valuable and rare, much like the perfume itself. The concept of "preciousness" resonates with the idea of an exquisite collection of the finest elements, in this case, a carefully curated blend of the most beautiful white flowers.

In the context of 1950s fragrance trends, Most Precious was both a reflection of and a departure from contemporary norms. During this period, floral fragrances were immensely popular, but Most Precious distinguished itself by featuring a composition of twenty-two of the rarest white flowers. This dedication to a singular, refined floral theme was notable for its time, as it emphasized purity and sophistication amidst a market filled with more complex and varied scent profiles.

c1962 ad

The 1950s fragrance industry saw a rise in perfumes that celebrated floral notes, often combined with a range of other ingredients to create intricate scents. Most Precious, with its singular focus on white flowers, offered a unique and elegant alternative. Its minimalist, yet luxurious approach highlighted the beauty and complexity of each floral note, setting it apart from other perfumes of the era that often blended multiple fragrance families.

In essence, Most Precious by Evyan was not just a fragrance; it was a celebration of the sublime, a testament to the allure of simplicity and the intrinsic value of nature’s finest blossoms.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women. It was reportedly composed up of twenty two of the most precious all white flowers.

Totally created from spring flowerings - involving both the exotic as well as the more delicate white blooms divulged by mother nature. The exquisite perfume appeals to the young and the young at heart. Its bouquet - divine; its lasting - forever.

• Top notes: peach, lily of the valley, wisteria, hyacinth, honeysuckle, narcissus, magnolia, freesia, calla lily, lotus, bergamot, aldehydes, orange
• Middle notes: pear, snowdrops, lily, white rose, peony, white carnation, white jasmine, gardenia, tuberose, orange blossom, orchid, bouvardia, white lilac, clove
• Base notes: heliotrope, tonka bean, sandalwood, cedar, vetiver, musk, oakmoss, amber, vanilla, benzoin, orris, galbanum

Scent Profile:

Most Precious opens with a vibrant symphony of top notes, starting with the juicy sweetness of ripe peach, which immediately captivates with its lush, succulent aroma. This fruity introduction is enriched by the delicate, green floral essence of lily of the valley, offering a fresh and airy quality. Wisteria adds a touch of romantic elegance with its sweet, slightly woody fragrance, while hyacinth introduces a rich, heady floral note, reminiscent of blooming spring gardens. Honeysuckle brings a warm, honeyed sweetness, and narcissus contributes a narcotic, creamy floral depth. Magnolia imparts a luxurious, citrus-tinged floral note, and freesia offers a fresh, slightly spicy aroma. Calla lily and lotus add a touch of exotic elegance, with their smooth, creamy scents, while bergamot and aldehydes introduce a bright, effervescent quality. The fragrance also includes a hint of orange, which lends a vibrant, zesty freshness.

In the heart of Most Precious, the fragrance evolves into a rich bouquet of middle notes. Pear adds a juicy, fruity touch, enhancing the floral richness. Snowdrops bring a crisp, clean floral note, while lily and white rose offer classic, romantic floral aromas. Peony adds a lush, velvety quality, and white carnation provides a spicy, clove-like hint. White jasmine contributes a rich, heady floral depth, complemented by the creamy, intoxicating scent of gardenia and tuberose. Orange blossom imparts a delicate, citrusy floral note, while orchid and bouvardia introduce exotic, sweet nuances. White lilac adds a touch of powdery softness, and clove brings a warm, spicy kick.

The base notes of Most Precious ground the fragrance with a warm, sensual finish. Heliotrope offers a creamy, almond-like sweetness, while tonka bean adds a rich, vanilla-like warmth. Sandalwood and cedar provide a smooth, woody foundation, and vetiver adds an earthy, smoky depth. Musk contributes a soft, animalic richness, and oakmoss lends a touch of earthy green. Amber introduces a warm, resinous glow, and vanilla enhances the sweetness with its rich, creamy notes. Benzoin and orris add a touch of resinous sweetness and powdery elegance, respectively, while galbanum provides a green, slightly resinous edge, tying the fragrance together with its complex, multifaceted finish.

Bottles:

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown.

Most Precious was discontinued for years before the trademark was purchased by Irma Shorell/Long Lost Perfume, who then reformulated and relaunched their own version of the fragrance in 2000. Most Precious by Evyan is now made and distributed in the USA by Evyan Perfumes.

• Top notes: tarragon, heliotrope, anise oil, lemon
• Middle notes: lily of the valley, ylang ylang, jasmine, orange flower, gardenia, rose
• Base notes: tonka, coumarin