Eau de Parfum
Created in 2011

Precious Oud Van Cleef & Arpels

For Women
Eau de Parfum
Year: 2011
Strong
Sillage
Excellent
Longevity
Winter
Best Season
Evening
Best For

Fragrance Story

Precious Oud by Van Cleef & Arpels is a Oriental Floral fragrance for women. Precious Oud was launched in 2011. The nose behind this fragrance is Amandine Clerc-Marie. Top notes are Pink Pepper and Bergamot; middle notes are Tuberose, Incense and Jasmine; base notes are Agarwood (Oud), Sandalwood, Patchouli, Ambergris and Vetiver.

Composition Profile

white floral 100%
woody 85%
amber 70%
tuberose 60%
warm spicy 50%
oud 40%
balsamic 35%
animalic 30%
patchouli 25%
smoky 20%

About the Perfumer

Painting That Reflects Precious Oud Van Cleef & Arpels

The Demon Seated by Mikhail Vrubel

The Demon Seated by Mikhail Vrubel, 1890

This evocative painting captures the complex, mysterious aura of the fragrance. The rich textures and contemplative mood mirror the fragrance's depth and striking presence, while the bold use of color reflects its distinctive character.

Classic Song That Matches Precious Oud Van Cleef & Arpels

Song album cover

"Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin, 1924

Like Precious Oud Van Cleef & Arpels, Gershwin's masterpiece seamlessly blends contrasting elements into a harmonious whole. The composition's elegant transitions between dynamic and serene passages mirror the fragrance's evolution on skin. Just as this scent brings together traditional and modern elements, "Rhapsody in Blue" merges classical structure with jazz improvisation, creating something sophisticated yet accessible—an auditory parallel to this fragrance's olfactory journey.

Fragrance Notes

Top Notes

The first impression, lasting 15-30 minutes

Pink Pepper
Bergamot

Heart Notes

The core character, lasting 2-4 hours

Tuberose
Incense
Jasmine

Base Notes

The lasting impression, 4+ hours

Agarwood (Oud)
Sandalwood
Patchouli
Ambergris
Vetiver
Unique Character

Precious Oud Van Cleef & Arpels by Van Cleef & Arpels offers a distinctive olfactory experience that stands out from other fragrances in its category.

Artisanal Creation

Crafted with the finest ingredients and a blend of traditional and modern perfumery techniques, this fragrance represents the pinnacle of the perfumer's art.

Signature Style

Precious Oud Van Cleef & Arpels embodies the distinctive style of Van Cleef & Arpels while adding a unique chapter to their fragrance portfolio.

Character Profile

Precious Oud Van Cleef & Arpels is Ideal For

The Sovereign Alchemist: A Portrait of the Precious Oud Wearer

Archetype: The Ruler

This is a person who commands presence without raising their voice, whose aura is one of quiet authority. The fragrance Precious Oud by Van Cleef & Arpels is not merely a scent but a statement—an olfactory crown. It is rich, deep, and layered, blending the regal warmth of oud with the opulence of vanilla and spices. The wearer is, above all, a Ruler—not in the tyrannical sense, but as one who naturally assumes leadership, who values order, excellence, and legacy. They are the architect of their own world, shaping reality with precision and intent.

The Essence of Their Being

Their tastes are refined but never ostentatious. They prefer the weight of history in their possessions—a well-bound book, a tailored suit, a timepiece that whispers craftsmanship rather than screams wealth. Their style is deliberate: structured, elegant, with a hint of the exotic. They are drawn to textures that age beautifully—leather, wood, silk—because they see themselves in these materials: enduring, deepening with time.

Philosophy is not an abstract exercise for them but a lived discipline. They believe in the power of will, in the necessity of self-mastery before one can influence the world. Stoicism appeals to them, but so does the mysticism of the East—the idea that power and wisdom are not opposed but intertwined. They are drawn to paradoxes: strength in restraint, control in surrender.

The Light of the Ruler: Mastery and Magnanimity

They are the one others turn to in crisis, not because they are the loudest, but because they are the calmest. Their confidence is not arrogance but an earned certainty, the result of years spent refining their judgment. They value loyalty and reward it generously; their inner circle is small but fiercely protected.

In relationships, they are not given to frivolity. Love, for them, is a covenant—something built, not stumbled upon. They seek a partner who is both an equal and a complement, someone who understands the weight of their ambitions but also softens their edges. Their affection is not effusive but profound, expressed in acts rather than words.

Their lifestyle is one of controlled indulgence. They appreciate the finest things but are never enslaved by them. A glass of aged whiskey, a meticulously prepared meal, the silence of a private library—these are their luxuries. They do not chase pleasure but curate it.

The Shadow of the Ruler: The Weight of the Crown

Yet, every ruler risks becoming a tyrant—if not over others, then over themselves. Their greatest strength—their discipline—can harden into rigidity. They may mistake control for wisdom, forgetting that life’s richest moments often come from surrender. Their high standards, though admirable, can isolate them; not everyone can meet their expectations, and they may grow impatient with those who lack their resolve.

There is also the danger of solitude. Their self-sufficiency can become a fortress, making it difficult to admit vulnerability. They may resist asking for help, seeing it as weakness rather than wisdom. And when they do falter—for even rulers stumble—they judge themselves more harshly than they would ever judge another.

The Alchemy of Their Existence

They are, in essence, an alchemist—turning the raw materials of life into something rare and enduring. Their fragrance, Precious Oud, mirrors this: a blend of fire and depth, of intensity and refinement. They walk through the world as if it were their court, not with arrogance, but with the quiet assurance of one who knows their worth.

Yet the question lingers: Can they ever lay down the crown? Can they allow themselves to be simply human, flawed and fragile, without seeing it as failure? Perhaps that is their final test—to rule not only their world but their own heart, with both strength and mercy.

Pros

  • Exceptional longevity that lasts throughout the day
  • Complex evolution offers a rewarding sensory journey
  • Versatile enough for various occasions and seasons
  • Unique composition stands out from mainstream fragrances
  • High-quality ingredients ensure a premium experience

Cons

  • May be too intense for casual everyday wear
  • Higher price point reflects premium positioning
  • Bold projection might be overwhelming in close quarters
  • Certain notes may polarize some noses
  • Not ideal for those who prefer subtle, skin-close scents

Fictional Characters Who Would Wear This

👔

Harvey Specter

from "Suits"

Confident, polished, and always in control – this scent matches his sophisticated persona.

🕶️

James Bond

from "007 Series"

Elegant yet dangerous, with a complex character that unfolds over time, just like the fragrance.

👑

Daenerys Targaryen

from "Game of Thrones"

Commands attention with a powerful presence that balances fiery intensity and regal grace.

🧠

Sherlock Holmes

from "Sherlock Holmes"

Appreciates complexity and nuance, with a distinctive signature that's easily recognized.

💼

Miranda Priestly

from "The Devil Wears Prada"

Exudes authority and refined taste, with an unapologetic boldness that demands respect.