Rigaud

“What”, you may well ask, “is Rigaud?”

Years ago, when Robin and I had our “little shop called Chums ….. where you could find all you need for giving”, we found ourselves in a wonderful wallpaper and fabric house, Country Life, ordering some fabric.  As we walked toward its front desk, we were greeted by a scrumptuous aroma.   It was so very delightful that we could not help but ask, “What is that wonderful smell?”  We were told that it was the Rigaud candle that was burning.  Specifically, it was their royal blue one and its scent was breathtaking!

That Christmas, Robin and Randy gave me my very first Rigaud candle and, oh, I have not looked back!

In 1852, Jean-Baptiste Rigaud started a perfumery in Paris with which he enjoyed much success both in France and in England.   International fame came rapidly thereafter, and Jean-Baptiste Rigaud opened warehouses and offices around the world, as for example in New York in 1868.  Down through the years, his family carried on the family business creating wonderful scents for the ladies of their times.

In the 1960’s, Mario Rigaud, the great grandson of Jean-Baptiste Rigaud, along with his wife, Viviane, created the first scented candle.  They developed and patented an innovative wax formula. This was an original formula for a soft wax whose main characteristic was that it perfectly revealed the natural ingredients that make up the Rigaud perfumes and allowed them to be faithfully transmitted.   I think this is where Rigaud candles differ from a lot of other scented candles.  The scent is so true, so lasting.  They are priced on the high side but they are so worth it….at least your Two Chums think they are!

Jackie Kennedy is said to have discovered these candles and loved them.  Very quickly, they were part of the White House experience.

Rigaud makes many different scents….our two favorites are the royal blue one and the bright yellow one.  If you find yourself in a store that sells them, see for yourself.  I think you will all appreciate what we see in them!  They surely have added to the joy, and abundance in our lives!

p.s. Rigaud Candles are available  at Gumps in San Francisco, a variety of on-line vendors including Amazon.com and at Candle Delirium in Los Angeles.  Some scents are discounted at Los Angeles Beauty Supply