What Is Meant by the Royal Grade in Oud?

The "Royal grade," or "Royal," is a name applied to the finest grades of oud, evoking meanings of luxury and kings. But — like the "Super" names — it is a marketing name, not a fixed standard. In this article we explain what is meant by the Royal grade, its indicators, and why it relies on luster more than others, so it needs stronger verification.

Where does this article sit? This is from the articles of oud grades and classification, and it comes after what does "Triple Super" mean?

What is meant by "Royal"?

"Royal" is a name applied to the highest and finest grades at many sellers, as an alternative to the "Super" chain or above it. And it means an exceptional oud: rich in resin to its utmost, sinking, with a fine, rare scent. And the name is inspired by the historical association of fine oud with the gatherings of kings and the courts, so it carried the meaning of "the finest."

But "Royal" — like the others — is not a standardized grade with numeric specifications. It is a name the seller places on the peak of their oud, and its meaning may differ greatly between one house and another; indeed, it may be at one seller modest by the measures of another.

The name that relies on luster

What distinguishes "Royal" is that it relies on emotional evocation more than the other names. For the word "Super" describes a height, while "Royal" evokes an image of luxury, distinction, and status. And this evocation is beautiful when it is met by an oud that deserves it, but it is a double-edged sword: for the brilliant name may be used to raise the price more than to raise the quality.

And so "Royal" is most in need of verification. So when you hear "Royal oud," do not let the name dazzle you; rather ask: what are its actual indicators? Is it sinking? And what is its color, its scent, and the degree of its resin? For the luster does not dispense with the indicators.

Did you know? Fancy names tempt more exaggeration

The more luxurious and evocative the name of the grade — like "Royal" — the greater its temptation to raise the price. And so meet the luster with a question about the indicators, for the true Royal oud is testified to by its qualities, not by its name alone.

How do you deal with the "Royal grade"?

Treat "Royal" as you treat "Triple Super": as the highest at this seller, not the highest in the market absolutely. And ask for the indicators, and test with a sample before you pay the high price. For the true Royal oud deserves its value when its qualities are actually exceptional, not when the name alone is the exceptional thing.

And in the following article we move to a name close to it in meaning: what is meant by rare oud?

Did you know? Oud was historically associated with the gatherings of kings

For the costliness and fineness of oud, it was historically associated with the high classes and the gatherings of kings, and from here came the name "Royal." And this is a beautiful cultural context, but it does not dispense with verifying the qualities of the piece you buy today.

A "Royal" testified to by its qualities, not its name

We state the indicators of every high grade, so you pay for the quality, not the luster. Begin with a sample by which you assess the oud yourself.

Browse natural oudRequest a sample
Read also

This is from oud grades and classification, and it is preceded by what does "Triple Super" mean?

And for rare oud see what is meant by rare oud?

Back to blog