Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Authentic Agarwood Bracelets for First-Time Buyers

Oud is a precious wood and its rarity has led to a surge in fake products on the market. For first-time buyers, it's essential to learn the secrets of distinguishing genuine agarwood from its imitations. This knowledge will empower you to make informed purchases with confidence.

Administrator

14 July, 2024

Agarwood bracelets are a popular choice of jewelry due to their purported health benefits, but the prevalence of fake agarwood makes it difficult to find authentic pieces. Learn how to distinguish between real and fake agarwood bracelets with these expert tips!

1Types of Agarwood in the Market

Given its rarity and high economic value, fake agarwood is common. Unless you’re an expert or familiar with agarwood, it can be challenging to differentiate between real and fake.

Fake agarwood is prevalent in today’s market

Currently, there are two types of agarwood available: natural and artificial. Additionally, fake agarwood is also widely circulated.

Natural Agarwood

Natural agarwood is produced from the resin of the Aquilaria tree, a substance with a distinct color and fragrance, secreted to heal wounds on the tree’s trunk.

Genuine agarwood contains a high concentration of essential oils, making it heavy. The wood exhibits distinct grain patterns and a relatively dark color. It emits a subtle, characteristic fragrance that permeates the surrounding environment.

Natural agarwood is derived from the resin of the Aquilaria tree

Natural agarwood is typically soft, making it challenging to work with during manufacturing. Consequently, it is rare and highly valued. An authentic agarwood bracelet can range in price from a few million to a few hundred million VND.

Artificial Agarwood

Artificial agarwood is the most common type available in the market. While it is usually more affordable, its quality is not compromised.

This type of agarwood is produced from grafted and cultivated Aquilaria trees. Artificial agarwood takes approximately five years to develop after grafting, compared to the ten years required for natural agarwood.

Artificial agarwood is grafted to shorten the time required for agarwood formation

However, not all grafted trees produce agarwood, and the annual yield of artificial agarwood is relatively low. Consequently, artificial agarwood is also valuable. Although it may not possess the same fragrance intensity as natural agarwood, it still emits a gentle aroma.

Fake Agarwood

Fake agarwood is typically made from other types of wood, such as sawdust, common wood shavings, plywood, or compressed wood, which is then dyed to resemble genuine agarwood. The fragrance of this type is usually overpowering and lacks the subtle quality of authentic agarwood. Over time, the fragrance fades, and the color may change.

Fake agarwood is primarily made from sawdust

Fake agarwood bracelets that closely resemble the real thing are priced between 200,000 and 500,000 VND and are widely available in the market.

2Distinguishing Real from Fake Agarwood

The production of fake agarwood has become increasingly sophisticated, making it challenging to differentiate between real and fake. Therefore, it is essential to have the knowledge to avoid purchasing counterfeit products. Here are four suggestions and methods to distinguish between real and fake agarwood:

Observation

Natural agarwood bracelets have a matte, slightly rough finish

Natural agarwood bracelets typically have a light brown color and a slightly rough texture, unlike the dark brown, glossy finish of fake bracelets.

You will also notice oil veins running along the wood grain, indicating a higher concentration of essential oils. A genuine agarwood bracelet will feel substantial in your hand.

Smell

Authentic agarwood always emits a subtle, pleasant fragrance that is soothing. In contrast, fake agarwood has an overpowering scent, similar to that of a perfume. This is because it is infused with artificial essential oils or fragrance chemicals, which can be harmful to your health.

Burning

Burning agarwood is a common method to distinguish real from fake

The easiest way to determine if agarwood is real or fake is to burn it. When burned, genuine agarwood emits a pleasant fragrance and produces minimal smoke.

On the other hand, fake agarwood has an unpleasant, overpowering smell, and the smoke it produces is irritating to the eyes and respiratory system due to the presence of toxic chemicals. Therefore, burning agarwood is a popular method for distinguishing between real and fake.

Taste

Each type of natural agarwood has a unique taste, ranging from bitter to sweet, with a tingling sensation on the tongue. This is influenced by the concentration of essential oils it contains—the higher the oil content, the sweeter the taste. Needless to say, fake agarwood does not possess this distinctive taste profile.

Note:

Some people suggest boiling the agarwood in water for 30 minutes to determine its authenticity, claiming that if the water turns brownish-yellow, it is fake.

This method is not reliable, as the nature of agarwood is similar to that of traditional herbal medicine. Boiling it for an extended period will naturally cause it to disintegrate and change color.

Now you have the knowledge to differentiate between real and fake agarwood. Test your skills and good luck!

Frequently asked questions

Agarwood bracelets are made from a rare and precious wood that is formed in the heartwood of Aquilaria trees when they become infected with a type of mold. The wood has a distinct, pleasant fragrance that is highly valued in many cultures, especially in Southeast Asia. These bracelets are believed to bring good luck, protection, and spiritual benefits to the wearer.

Authentic agarwood bracelets are made from high-quality, natural agarwood. They should have a distinct, pleasant fragrance that is long-lasting. The wood should feel smooth and slightly oily to the touch, and the color can vary from dark brown to black. Look for a reputable seller who can provide a certificate of authenticity and offers a money-back guarantee.

Agarwood is believed to have a range of benefits, including improving mental clarity and focus, enhancing spiritual practices, and providing protection against negative energies. It is also said to bring good luck and improve the wearer’s overall well-being.

To maintain the quality and longevity of your agarwood bracelet, avoid exposing it to water or other liquids, as this can damage the wood. Store it in a cool, dry place, and occasionally polish it with a soft cloth to maintain its shine. You can also expose it to sunlight or moonlight to recharge its energy.

Yes, agarwood is graded based on factors such as fragrance, color, and the presence of defects. The highest-grade agarwood, known as ‘Super’ or ‘AAA’, has a strong and long-lasting fragrance, a dark color, and minimal defects. Lower grades, such as ‘A’ or ‘B’, may have a weaker fragrance, lighter color, or more visible defects. The grade directly impacts the price, with higher-grade agarwood being more expensive.