Jewel of Kuwait

First Impressions & Dry Down

Jewel of Kuwait opens with a noticeable saffron blast. The bergamot is present, a fleeting citrus counterpoint, but the saffron dominates early. The heart reveals a jammy rose; not a photorealistic rose, but a sweetened, almost candied version. The oud enters, though it leans toward a more approachable, slightly medicinal style, not the barnyard variety. The base is a predictable amber accord, smoothed by musk and a supporting vanilla. Compared to Gissah's "The Jewel," this clone captures approximately 88% of the original's DNA. The original possesses a richer, more nuanced rose and a significantly smoother, higher-quality oud. Here, some of the cheaper aroma chemicals create a slight synthetic edge detectable upon close inspection.

Conclusion

Jewel of Kuwait is a decent approximation of "The Jewel" . If you are seeking the luxurious depth and refinement of the original, you will be disappointed. The differences are evident. However, for those on a budget who enjoy the rose-oud-amber profile, this clone provides an accessible entry point. The original "The Jewel" probably isn't 10x better, so value-oriented consumers may find this a satisfactory substitute.

The Performance Stats

Longevity is moderate. Expect around 6-7 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong for the first hour, forming a noticeable scent bubble, before settling closer to the skin. It projects further on clothing.