Raw Forms | Bark Tea | Leaves | Seedlings | Chips | Beads | Powder
Agarwood beads are one of the most iconic and high-value products derived from resin-rich Aquilaria wood, widely used in jewelry, prayer items, and luxury fashion accessories. Their natural scent, spiritual significance, and rarity make them highly desirable across Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
What They Are
Beads carved from resinous agarwood heartwood, typically shaped into spheres and strung into:
- Prayer beads (mala, tasbih, rosary)
- Bracelets
- Necklaces
- Amulets or talismans
Types of Agarwood Beads
| Type | Description | Typical Use | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resin-Rich Beads | From wild or high-grade plantation wood | Luxury prayer beads, collectors’ items | |
| Mid-Grade Beads | From moderately resinous cultivated wood | Jewelry, casual prayer use | |
| Compressed or Powder-Pressed Beads | Made from ground agarwood + resin binder | Affordable accessories | |
| Coated/Infused Wood Beads | Non-agarwood core infused with oud oil | Entry-level market |
Key Value Drivers
- Resin content: More resin = deeper color, better scent, higher value
- Origin: High-quality plantation sources
- Scent longevity: High-grade beads emit aroma for decades
- Aging: Beads darken and become glossier over time with use and body oils
- Size: Common sizes range from 6mm to 16mm; larger = more valuable
Applications
1. Spiritual & Religious Items
- Buddhist malas (108 beads or multiples)
- Islamic tasbihs (33, 66, or 99 beads)
- Catholic rosaries (beads with metal crosses)
2. Luxury Accessories
- Bracelets (often combined with silver, jade, or gold)
- Necklaces or pendants
- Collector-grade display items in cases
3. Fragrance & Wellness
- Natural body scent diffusers (beads warm on skin, release fragrance)
- Meditation support (aromatic calming properties)
Production Process
- Selection of resinous wood
- Hand or machine carving into bead shapes
- Drilling and stringing
- Polishing with natural oils or minimal treatment (no synthetic varnish)
- Optional scent reinforcement (in lower grades)
Note: High-end beads are NEVER coated or glued—only pure heartwood.
Packaging & Presentation
| Product | Suggested Packaging |
|---|---|
| Premium prayer beads | Lacquered wooden box or velvet pouch |
| Bracelets | Bamboo tubes, fabric pouches |
| Gift sets | Custom boxes with scent certificates |
Include:
- Certificate of authenticity (especially for wild or high-grade wood)
- CITES documentation for international sales
Suggested Product Naming
- OudMystic™ Prayer Beads – Crafted from the Heart of the Tree
- SacredResin™ Agarwood Bracelet – Aroma You Can Wear
- AethriWood™ Luxury Oud Beads – Fragrance That Endures
Market Potential
| Region | Demand Highlights |
|---|---|
| Middle East | Islamic prayer beads, luxury accessories |
| China | Feng shui charms, Buddhist malas, collectors |
| Japan & Korea | Minimalist aromatherapy jewelry |
| USA & EU (niche) | Exotic bracelets, spiritual gifts |