The Truth about Jewelry Grade Agarwood
We notice that in general people’s expectations for the aroma of natural untreated Agarwood have been overblown and ruined by the abundance of artificially enhanced Agarwood products on the open market. Deceptions that range from the entirely synthetic and artificial, to the non-disclosure of natural enhancements of Agarwood aroma such as treatment with agarwood resin or essential oil.
People have become used to scent-enhanced products which will simply always smell stronger than natural raw untreated Agarwood.
The truth is that most natural untreated Agarwood including 100% wild Agarwood does not project aroma consistently or persistently. The aroma tends to be light and intermittent. It tends to produce slightly more aroma when rubbed or warmed. But will not fill a room with its aroma or perfume one’s skin to the same degree that an Oud oil or burned Agarwood incense would.
Even the very best and most expensive raw untreated Agarwood such as Kinam (Kynam, Kyara) does not produce a constant room-filling aroma at room temperature.
We find that public expectations have been ruined by fakery in the Agarwood business.
We notice that in general people’s expectations for the aroma of natural Agarwood have been overblown and ruined by the abundance of artificially enhanced Agarwood products on the open market. Deceptions that range from the entirely synthetic and artificial, to the non-disclosure of natural enhancements of Agarwood aroma such as treatment with resin or oil.
Outright Fraud?
Many, if not most, of the “natural agarwood” products on the open market today are chemically enhanced works of outright fraud.
Others are naturally enhanced products with natural resin or Oud oil. For example: Its a very common traditional practice to rub some Oud oil into a fine piece of Agarwood jewelry to protect and care for the wood as well as to enhance the scent. There is nothing wrong with this as long as vendors disclose the practice to their customers.
Many people have become used to scent-enhanced products which will simply always smell stronger than natural raw untreated Agarwood.
Natural Scent Enhancement
Natural Agarwood resin is a byproduct of the essential oil distillation process in the cultivated Oud (Agarwood essential oil) industry. Natural Agarwood resin imparts an aroma that is more prominent and persistent when compared to what natural untreated Agarwood would normally offer. Natural Agarwood resin isolates and intensifies primarily the leather, wood, and tobacco aromatic base notes that feature prominently in the aromatic spectrum of most Oud and Agarwood. It also protects the wood from the rigors of wear; moisture and friction, and also deepens the color of the wood. We think these naturally enhanced resin-infused agarwood beadworks offer an affordable and high-quality option to our customers. But honesty and clarity is essential in operating ethically and educating our customers. Of greatest importance; the aroma of resin-treated agarwood will not be nearly as refined and complex as authentic high-grade untreated wild. The aroma, while stronger, bludgeons you with intensified base notes and not much else.
Natural Enhancements Only
We believe that certain natural enhancements are acceptable, but that it is essential that vendors and crafters in the industry are honest about such enhancements. We accept only certain natural enhancements such as treating wood with natural Agarwood resin or natural Oud oil, and we will always disclose the specific practice to our customers. As well we will always be crystal clear on Wild, Semi-Wild, or Cultivated designations for all our Agarwood products.
Our Preference; Untreated Wild
We prefer the real thing. Pure, untreated, wild agarwood is a natural wonder. One must become present to its subtleties and moods. The delicate aroma will ebb and flow. Wearing this wood on the body will expose it to warmth and friction, intermittently releasing an ethereal, pure, and completely natural aroma. An unadulterated direct experience of an authentic, rare, and exquisite gift from nature enjoyed by the initiated for millennia.
Offering exclusively 100% Wild Agarwood would be our true preference, but the availability of such high-quality items is sporadic and the price is ever-increasing and prohibitively expensive for many.
As such, we offer a variety of untreated or naturally enhanced options for the various needs and preferences of our customers. Our promise is absolute clarity on the quality and authenticity of our offerings.
We would love to hear your thoughts regarding these products so we can better serve you.