The market for luxury candlesis one of this year's holiday winners.

People are dropping $50, $100, or even, in the case of a particular candle from Cire Trudon of France, close to $500.

What makes them so expensive?

It's a little like pricey wines, with descriptions of scents "steeped in earth notes of vetiver and temple incense," and explanations about the proper blending of wax and fragrance.

A quote from a marketing exec at one company might be worth bearing in mind, however: "It's not to say that a more expensive fragrance makes for a better scent experience, but it makes for a great story."