... WAVES ON THE OCEAN

The exclusive French Arabian Art Parfum of the LaRoche Collection of Fine Fragrances are masterfully composed signature scents by Sharif La Roche', Perfumer par excellence. Like famous masterpieces of art by the great artists of times past, Art Parfum is Scent-ful Art of unique quality, full-bodied with rich texture, depth and sophisticated classique. Oriental notes of warmth, woodiness and Eastern spice playfully intertwined with the aroma of Classic French Perfumery give birth to one-of-a-kind pieces of long-lasting quality, individuality and irresistible charm.

Amwaj Al Behar - a sophisticated Art Parfum, which carries the oceanic musky sweetness of Ambergris beautifully enhanced with exotic blossoms... truly an Oriental treasure, fresh as the summer breeze which moves the Waves on the Ocean...

WHAT IS AMBERGRIS

Due to the sperm whale's inability to digest squid beaks, it produces ambergris, an intestinal secretion to protect the stomach lining. The secretion hardens within the body and gets expelled as waste, and can be found floating in the waters where the sperm whales reside; off the coasts of Africa, New Zealand, the Middle East and South East Asia. Ambergris has become a rare commodity and one of the most sought-after substances in the world. Since the demand for rare ambergris far outweighs the production - only a mere 1% of the male sperm whales produce ambergris - finding genuine ambergris washed ashore will soon be a thing of the past.

HOW IS AMBERGRIS USED

Ambergris has been used extensively historically and culturally since ancient times. The Egyptians of yesterday burned ambergris as incense, while in modern Egypt ambergris is used for scenting cigarettes. The ancient Chinese called ambergris "dragon's spittle fragrance". During the Middle Ages, Europeans used ambergris as a medication for headaches, colds, epilepsy, and other ailments. At the time of the Black Death in Europe, people believed that carrying a ball of ambergris could help prevent them from getting the plague. This was because the fragrance covered the smell of the air which was believed to be the cause of plague. Ambergris in different forms has also been used as a flavoring for food, and some people consider it an aphrodisiac, and is, therefore, one of the main ingredients in modern perfumery.

WHAT DOES AMBERGRIS SMELL LIKE

Ambergris has an unusual odor which is difficult to explain to anyone who has never had the pleasure of its sensual aroma. Ambergris is often described as being musky and having a sweet earthy aroma unlike any other, or a mossy fragrance reminiscent of the damp forest floor. Depending on the quality of the ambergris there can be a great variation in the fragrance. Poor quality or fresh ambergris (which is black and sticky) is fairly offensive in fragrance. If you can imagine scented cow dung you will be on the right track. Many people expect ambergris to have a very strong or foul odour, but this is not the case. In general, lighter-coloured pieces of ambergris have a subtle, pleasant smell. The base animal (manure) odour fades as the ambergris cures. However, the white and grey varieties, in particular, possess the subtle, sweet addictive aroma that beach combing dreams are made of.