Quintessence was created by Leah Solomon, B.A. in Literature from Columbia University in NYC and perfume aficionado.

Why Quintessence

Quintessence, or the Fifth Element as it is sometimes called, was believed to be a component of the universe along with Earth, Water, Air and Fire. Æther or ether, was believed to be an other-worldly material which filled the universe above the terrestrial plane. The Greeks believed that æther was the pure essence inhabited by the Gods and which they breathed in the manner we breathe air.

In medieval times, alchemists believed that the heavenly bodies were comprised of quintessence, a bit of which was contained in all things on earth. This fostered the belief that things on earth could be affected by what happened in the heavens. As above, so below.

In physics, quintessence is a hypothetical form of dark energy and has been proposed by some physicists to be a fifth fundamental force. Quintessence can be either attractive or repulsive depending on certain ratios.

Much like a painting or a symphony can captivate and move us, fragrance can enrich our lives by imparting beauty, which while fleeting, is completely personal and transportable. Fragrance can be selected to match our moods, or even alter them, and give us confidence and comfort. With the exception of a handful of books and a number of excellent online resources, little has been devoted to the exploration of fragrance as an art form. And yet, in terms of its ability to grant us immediate access to beauty, it is second only to nature.