The perfume "Jet Parfume," launched in 1924, coincided with a vibrant era in Parisian history, marked by the culmination of the Belle Époque and the beginning of the Art Deco period. This period saw Paris as a cultural epicenter, known for its grand architectural projects and ornate public spaces, including iconic fountains that symbolized luxury and artistic expression.
Notable landmarks such as the Place de la Concorde with its monumental fountains, the Palace of Versailles with its sprawling gardens and majestic water features like the Apollo Fountain, and the Luxembourg Gardens showcasing the Medici Fountain, exemplify the grandeur and artistic finesse of Parisian fountains during this time. These landmarks served as inspirations for architects, artists, and perfumers alike, capturing the essence of opulence and refinement.
"Jet Parfume," translated from French, means "Perfumed Jet" or "Perfumed Spray" in English. The name itself evokes imagery of a fine mist or spray of fragrance, suggesting a luxurious and dynamic olfactory experience. The word "Jet" connotes vigor, intensity, and modernity, while "Parfume" adds an element of sophistication and elegance.
For women of the time period, a perfume named "Jet Parfume" would have been alluring and aspirational. It would resonate with their desire for sophistication and modernity, aligning with the progressive spirit of the 1920s. The name suggests a fragrance that is not only powerful and distinct but also enveloping and refined, akin to standing amidst the refreshing mist of a grand Parisian fountain.
Women would likely respond to "Jet Parfume" with admiration for its evocative name and the promise it holds. The imagery and emotions it evokes include feelings of glamour, vitality, and being transported to a place of elegance and luxury. It conjures visions of sparkling water caught in the sunlight, the scent mingling with the breeze, creating a sensory experience that is both refreshing and enchanting.
As a name for a perfume, "Jet Parfume" would indeed be unique and memorable. It blends a sense of movement and modernity with the timeless allure of French perfumery and Parisian elegance. The word "Jet" could be interpreted not only as a forceful spray of fragrance but also as a metaphor for speed and innovation, reflecting the dynamic spirit of the 1920s.
In conclusion, "Jet Parfume" launched in 1924 embodies the essence of its time, capturing the imagination with its evocative name and promising a sensory journey reminiscent of Parisian fountains and the era's cultural vibrancy. It stands out as a name that is both distinctive and evocative, appealing to women seeking sophistication, elegance, and a touch of modern flair in their perfume choices.
Fragrance Composition:
So what did it smell like? It is classified as an aldehydic spicy oriental fragrance for women with a "luxurious" leather note.
- Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, lavender, anise, peach, lemon, neroli
- Middle notes: carnation, plum, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, rose, jasmine, orange blossom, orris
- Base notes: labdanum, castoreum, vetiver, leather, vanilla, ambergris, myrrh, frankincense, sandalwood, patchouli, oakmoss, musk
Scent Profile:
In the heart of Paris, where the Seine winds its way through cobblestone streets lined with patisseries and perfumery boutiques, there lies a hidden courtyard adorned with a grand fountain. Its waters dance under the midday sun, casting a shimmering mosaic of light onto the ancient stone walls adorned with ivy. Here, amidst the tranquility of the gardens, a perfume is born.
As you approach the boutique, the aroma of freshly baked pastries mingles with the subtle scent of flowers carried on a gentle breeze. Stepping inside, you are greeted by the crispness of aldehydes, like bubbles of champagne bursting on your skin. The effervescent notes are intertwined with the citrusy zest of bergamot and lemon, reminiscent of a stroll through citrus orchards in bloom.
Moving deeper into the boutique, the air carries a hint of lavender and anise, adding a touch of herbal freshness that harmonizes with the sweetness of ripe peaches and neroli blossoms. The fragrance unfolds like a delicate pastry, layers of aroma blending seamlessly, teasing your senses with their complexity.
In the heart of the perfume, the scene transforms. Carnation petals, velvety and rich, mingle with the warmth of plum and the spicy allure of cloves and cinnamon. Nutmeg and coriander add a subtle depth, while roses and jasmine bloom in abundance, their floral essence intertwining with the sweet orange blossom and the powdery elegance of orris root.
As the fragrance settles, the base notes emerge like a soft caress. The luxurious leather note unfolds gradually, like supple leather gloves held delicately in your hands. Labdanum and castoreum lend a rich, animalic quality, while vetiver adds earthiness and depth. Vanilla and ambergris impart a creamy sweetness, balanced by the resinous tones of myrrh and frankincense.
Sandalwood and patchouli evoke the cool touch of polished wood, while oakmoss and musk linger on your skin like a whispered promise. Each note in the perfume tells a story, evoking visions of Parisian gardens in full bloom, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, the taste of macarons on your lips, and the sensation of silk against your fingertips.
In this olfactory journey through Paris, amidst its fountains and gardens, patisseries and perfumeries, the aldehydic spicy oriental fragrance for women unfolds like a symphony of senses. It captures the essence of luxury and refinement, blending tradition with modernity, and leaving an indelible impression of elegance and allure.
Bottles:
In 1924, amidst the cultural vibrancy of Paris, the fragrance "Le Jet Parfum" made its debut, housed in a stunning bottle designed by Julien Viard. This exquisite vessel, unveiled at the 1925 Art Deco Exhibit, was a work of art in itself. Crafted in the shape of a fountain (jet), the bottle's base was meticulously molded to replicate the graceful contours of water rippling outward, creating circles that radiated from its center. The effect was a visual marvel, capturing the essence of flowing water with intricate detail and precision.
Topping this masterpiece was a tall and slender stopper, elegantly crafted to resemble the upward and downward jets of a fountain. Its aqua green patina mirrored the color of water, adding a touch of realism and allure to the design. Standing at 5.5 inches tall with a diameter of 3.75 inches, the bottle bore the proud inscription "Corday Paris" on its base, a hallmark of luxury and Parisian craftsmanship.
The presentation of "Le Jet Parfum" extended beyond its bottle. Housed in a presentation box adorned with delicate pink roses and green leaves against a lattice trellis pattern, it exuded an air of elegance and sophistication. This intricate packaging mirrored the fragrance within—a delicate blend that promised allure and fascination.
As described in advertisements of the era, "Le Jet Parfum" was more than just a scent; it was an experience. The fragrance itself was noted for its alluring and captivating aroma, delicately perfumed to captivate the senses. Priced at $13.50, it represented a luxury accessible to those who appreciated the finer things in life, embodying the spirit of Art Deco elegance and Parisian chic.
In essence, "Le Jet Parfum" was not merely a perfume but a testament to artistry and innovation in fragrance presentation. Its bottle, reminiscent of a fountain frozen in time, captured the imagination and bespoke the luxury and refinement of its era, making it a coveted piece for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
The 1924 ad below describes "Le Jet Parfum - in a handsome bottle, resembles a fountain of waters in a dainty background of pink, rosebuds and green leaves; delicately perfumed with an alluring fascinating odor....$13.50."
This is the original 1924 bottle for Jet Parfume by Corday, in the shape of a fountain.
This bottle retailed for $13.50 in 1925, but by 1929, the price dropped to $4.35. This bottle is extremely rare to find today.
A 1925 ad reads "The beauty of the glass phial is worthy of the exquisite fragrance in Corday's perfumes with their fantastic names - Jet, Serre Fleurie, Kai-Sang and - so on. These for a gift to hostess or souvenir of a visit. Prices $4.50, $5.50, $7.50."
In 1925, the allure of Corday's perfumes, encapsulated in their beautifully designed bottles, captivated the imaginations of those seeking luxury and elegance. Among them, "Jet" stood out with its exquisite glass phial, designed to embody the essence of a fountain in its graceful curves and aqua-green patina stopper. Adorned with the Corday Paris imprint, these bottles were not just containers for fragrance but pieces of art reflective of the Art Deco era's aesthetic.
Priced at $4.50 to $7.50, these perfumes were positioned as luxurious gifts fit for any occasion—be it a token of appreciation for a hostess or a memento from a visit to Paris. The advertisement underscored their fantastical names like "Jet," "Serre Fleurie," and "Kai-Sang," each promising a unique olfactory experience that matched the beauty of its packaging.
However, by 1929, the price of these coveted bottles had significantly dropped to $4.35. Despite this reduction, their rarity today highlights their status as sought-after collectibles among perfume enthusiasts and collectors of vintage artifacts. Each bottle, once a vessel of sophisticated allure and sensory delight, now stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of craftsmanship and design from a bygone era.
Here is the box for the perfume in this patent document. The presentation box is covered with paper printed with climbing pink roses and leaves against a latticework trellis imitating a gazebo effect.
The relaunch marked a new chapter for "Jet," preserving its legacy while adapting to contemporary tastes and trends. The new bottles, although different in design from the original fountain-inspired masterpiece by Julien Viard, likely retained elements of elegance and sophistication that echoed the essence of the fragrance itself. This revival not only celebrated the timeless allure of "Jet" but also ensured that its loyal patrons could continue to experience and cherish its distinctive scent.
Today, while the original bottles from the 1920s remain rare and treasured artifacts among collectors, the relaunched "Jet" continues to captivate new generations, carrying forward the legacy of Corday's commitment to craftsmanship, luxury, and the art of perfumery.
Orchidee Bleue Bottle:
The bottle below was made by Baccarat, except for the smallest bottle the 1/8 oz. The bottle was first made for the Corday perfume Orchidee Bleue, but was hence used for all of Corday's perfumes well into the 1950s.
Fan-Stoppered Bottles:
Then in the 1930s it was available in a fan stoppered bottle. The lovely glass bottles feature a fluted bulbous base, octagonal foot and fitted with a fan shaped ground glass stopper, much in the style of Guerlain's Shalimar parfum bottle. This bottle was used not only for Parfum, but also the Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette. Note: The flacon was also used for three other Corday perfumes: Possession, Trapeze and L'Ardente Nuit.
The deluxe parfum flacons are made up of clear crystal and have fan shaped glass stoppers. The deluxe parfum bottles were equipped with a silver metal label hanging around the neck of the bottle, much like a liquor tag found on decanters, these fine crystal bottles were made by Baccarat and are acid marked on the base with the Baccarat logo.
The non-deluxe bottles were made up of molded glass and simply had a silver foil or white paper label. If your bottle is molded with "Corday Bottle Made in France" on the base, they were made by Pochet et du Courval. If your bottle is simply molded with "Corday" on the base, they were produced by Wheaton Glass in New Jersey, USA.
Fan Stoppered Bottles:
- 1/5 oz Parfum (acquaintance bottle) mini bottle stands 1.7" tall.
- 1/4 oz Parfum bottle stands approximately 2.5" tall.
- 1/2 oz Parfum bottle stands 3.5" tall.
- 1 oz Parfum bottle stands 4.25" tall.
- 1 oz Parfum deluxe crystal bottle stands 6" tall and was made by Baccarat.
- 2 oz bottle stands 4.75" tall.
- 2.5 oz Eau de Parfum Spray stands 5.25" tall.
- 4 oz Eau de Parfum Splash bottle stands
- 1 oz Eau de Toilette bottle stands 5" tall.
- 3 oz Eau de Toilette Splash bottles stands 5.5" tall.
- Factice (dummy bottle used for advertising) stands 8" tall.
photo from worthpoint
Black Glass Stoppered Bottles:
The 5 dram and the 10 dram bottles are molded with "Bottle Made in France." on the base. These bottles were housed inside of oblong shaped boxes covered with white satin. The top of the box is edged in black, to match the black lettering on the center front of the box. The bottle itself was nestled in a white satin covered holder that was fixed into the black velvet covered base of the box. The underside of the box reads: "Made in France" in gold font. Note: I have also found the 5 dram bottle in the same style box, only it was covered with the white pinstripe embossed paper instead of the white satin.
The 2 dram size bottle was fitted inside of a rectangular box covered with its lid covered in white paper which is embossed with pinstripes with a black border and lettering that reads: "Jet Corday." The base of the box is covered with glossy black paper. The bottle laid down inside the box which was covered with white satin. Inside the lid of the box would be a folded piece of tissue paper that had black lettering with a "CP logo" and lettering that read: "Corday Parfums, 15, Rue de la Paix, Paris."
This modern design lasted until the 1960s.
It was available in five sizes:
- 1 dram bottle stands about 1.5" tall
- 2 drams (7.4ml or 0.25 oz) bottle stands just over 2" tall
- 5 drams (18ml or 0.60 oz) bottle stands 2.5" tall
- 10 drams (36ml or 1.25 oz) bottle stood about 3.25" tall
- 20 drams (73ml or 2.5 oz)
Drug and Cosmetic Industry, 1931
"Corday's Jet fragrance is dramatically packaged in white with black label and jet stopper."
A 1942 advertisement described Jet as the perfume to wear "for witching hours. Corday's Jet casts a spell of "Black Magic" over the lovely lady who wears it and makes her most bewitching. An exotic odeur, heavy and lingering but not heady. A fragrance of sophistication sure to enhance feminine allure. It's the daring, yet subtle essence, that every woman longs to possess - an ideal gift." Per the ad, Jet could be had in Parfum which was still held in the clear "streamlined" crystal bottle with a "mystic" black glass stopper. It was housed in "lustrous white satin boxes."
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Fashions of the Hour, 1940:
"Black magic, subtle as the glint of precious real jet. Corday's Jet perfume catches the dark allure of its namesake. 1/4-ounce bottle, $3"
"For very special occasions when you feel the need of extra glamor, try Jet, Corday's latest. They have what they call a Jet Set that includes a small purse carrier and two refills of Jet perfume."
In 1942, the Eau de Toilette was "Jet in a lighter vein, the essence for your gayest moods." It was housed in a "crystal clear bottle of simple design with extended black stopper top." It was available in 2.5 oz and 5 oz sizes.
In 1942, Jet was available in Eau de Cologne and Talcum Powder. The cologne was housed in a tall, narrow, rectangular bottle with a black cap. It was available in 2 oz and 4 oz splash bottles.The talcum powder was housed in a similar bottle but had a black lacquered sprinkler top. It was available in the 3 oz size only.
c1942 ad
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c1942 ad
The New Yorker, 1942:
"Corday: Jet is for gals who own, or yearn for, sable."
Esquire, 1945:
"And in a dark mood, a perfume yclept "Jet" . . . sparkling, sophisticated bewitchery."
Hearst's Magazine, 1947:
Discontinued, date unknown. Still being sold in 1967.
"BLACK MAGIC FOR YOUR WITCHING HOURS - Wherever you go, have the lovely, tenacious fragrance of JET about you like an enchanted cloak . . . for there's Black Magic in this famous Corday parfum. An elusive, dream-like quality born of French parfumeurs art...bewitchingly blended to proclaim your exciting individuality."
L'Atlantique, 1952:
"Thirty years as a top-selling perfume is the record behind Corday's 'Toujours Moi'; to celebrate such fame a sister perfume was brought out last summer, 'Toujours Toi'. The row of Corday bottles on the dressing table must also include 'Fame', a light perfume, if one is blond, or 'Tzigane', a spicy scent for brunettes. 'Jet' is discreet enough for all complexions."
Fate of the Fragrance:
Discontinued, date unknown. Still being sold in 1967.
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