Here’s a TESDA-style, artisan-focused guide on identifying high-resin agarwood suitable for beads, aligned with practical jewelry training and quality assessment.
🌿 Identifying High-Resin Agarwood for Jewelry Beads
High-resin agarwood is the most valuable for bead making because it combines aroma, density, and durability. Selecting the right pieces ensures craftsmanship quality, structural integrity, and market value.
1. Physical Characteristics of High-Resin Agarwood
| Feature | What to Look For | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Dark brown to almost black; streaks of deep amber | Lighter wood often indicates low resin content |
| Weight / Density | Feels heavier than ordinary wood of same size | Drop test: high-resin pieces sink slowly in water |
| Grain / Texture | Fine, tight grain; visible oil veins | Avoid pieces with excessive cracks or gaps |
| Surface Feel | Slightly oily, smooth yet firm | Resin should feel tacky only when warm |
| Aroma | Strong, natural oud scent even when cold | No artificial perfuming; authentic resin smells sweet, earthy, and woody |
2. Visual Inspection Techniques
- Cross-section examination:
Cut or sand a small area to check resin distribution inside the wood. - Vein pattern:
High-resin areas show dark streaks running through the heartwood, often in irregular patterns. - Uniformity:
Pieces with consistent streaks are preferred for even bead drilling and polishing.
3. Sound & Tactile Tests
- Tap test:
Gently tap the wood; high-resin agarwood gives a solid, slightly hollow tone, unlike low-resin wood that sounds dull. - Flex test:
Slight bending (on scrap pieces) can reveal cracks or brittleness; high-resin wood is firm yet resilient.
4. Cutting & Preparation Considerations
- Avoid pieces with large hollow cavities or soft cores — these are difficult to drill.
- Select medium-sized blocks to maximize bead yield and reduce waste.
- Keep the wood dry but not overly desiccated; moisture prevents cracking during drilling.
5. Resin Grades for Jewelry Beads
- Grade A (High Resin):
- Darkest, heaviest, aromatic
- Ideal for premium beads, tasbih, statement jewelry
- Grade B (Medium Resin):
- Good aroma, moderate weight
- Most suitable for bracelets and malas
- Grade C (Light Resin / Craft Grade):
- Lighter color, minimal aroma
- Suitable for decorative pieces or mixed-material jewelry
6. Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing
- Prefer plantation-grown or legally sourced agarwood
- Ensure CITES compliance for trade and training use
- Document provenance to maintain transparency and artisan credibility
7. TESDA-Aligned Learning Outcomes
After training, learners should be able to:
- Identify high-resin agarwood visually and tactilely
- Assess weight, aroma, and grain quality for bead suitability
- Select appropriate pieces for specific jewelry types
- Handle and store agarwood responsibly to preserve resin quality
8. Practical Exercise (Workshop Activity)
- Provide trainees with a mixed batch of agarwood pieces (various grades)
- Trainees inspect, weigh, smell, and tap each piece
- Select the best candidates for bead fabrication
- Discuss rationale for selection in terms of resin content, aroma, and structural integrity
If you want, I can create a visual guide or diagram showing resin distribution and grading for beads, suitable for training manuals or TESDA submission, so learners can quickly identify high-resin agarwood at a glance.
Do you want me to make that?