So few of us can actually afford to drop thousands upon thousands of dollars on an expensive piece of jewelry right now (or, quite frankly, ever).

The idea of just dabbing on (and not dripping in) a high-end jewelers' creation is luxury enough these days.

And since so much of it is about owning something from one of the prestigious houses, I suggest treating yourself to one of their much more affordable, yet no less breathtaking, pieces -- a fine fragrance.

Here is a selection of the most brilliant.

Delices de Cartier With big, juicy, ripe notes of iced cherry, this yummy Oriental is spot-on for summer; $60.

Bulgari Omnia Green Jade The Italian jeweler's crisp green and soft jasmine scent is clouded in musk and – get this – pistachio. How very gelato of them; $60.

Chopard Cascade They celebrated the launch of this new Oriental fragrance, which was inspired by red carpet glamour, with a big fête at Cannes. (We can't think of a more appropriate place to debut.)

What's does that smell like? Belle de Nuit, a flower that blooms at night, throws its scent, and closes up in the morning. Leave them wanting more, I guess. Launching later this summer; $79.

Van Cleef & Arpels Féerie I love fantasizing about the jeweler's whimsical Midsummer Night's Dream Collection, but it's this delicate, sparkling floral scent – which has the same lighthearted spirit – which makes the dream a reality; $110.