The spread of Islam is said to have helped expand the appreciation and knowledge of fragrance. It is even suggested that Mohamed had a love of fragrances and Rose water is used throughout the Arabic culture such as flavourings for Turkish delight, the purifying of Mosques and the sprinkling on Guests from a flask called a gulabdan. Rose petals where even used in the making of prayer beads so that when they are rubbed they release a pleasant aroma.

Africa, South Arabia & India started to trade with the Middle East civilizations well before 1700 BC. The Phoenician merchants would trade in Chinese camphor, Indian cinnamon, pepper and sandal wood. The Yamane's supplied true myrrh & frankincense and this finally reached the Mediterranean countries by 300 BC via Persian traders.

By the 1st Century AD, Rome was consuming over 8,000 tones of imported Frankincense and over 500 Tones of myrrh per year. These goods where so popular during this period that Nero, the Roman Emperor in 54 AD threw a party and spent over $100,000 on just scent!

The Arabic trade route in Fragrance remained buoyant for 30 centuries until the Portuguese discovered a way round the Cape Of Good Hope.

"Uncommon Scents"

Fragrance Do's and Don'ts

• DO wear more perfume if you have dry skin. Scent needs oils to last.

• DO wear stronger scents in cold weather. Cold reduces a scent's strength.

• DO wait 10 minutes before deciding to buy a new scent.

• DO purchase a new scent late in the day, when your sense of smell is sharper.

• DO try scents on your own skin, as everyone's skin chemistry is different.

• DO choose what complements your natural body odour.

• DO apply perfume right after you shower or bathe. Your pores will be open and soak up the scent.

• DON'T use deodorant soap where perfume is applied.

• DON'T use perfume near pearl or costume jewellery The alcohol in perfumes can cause pearls to yellow and can strip the coating off jewellery.

• DON'T sample more than two or three new scents at a time. Your olfactory senses will become confused.

• DON'T stick to one fragrance all year long. Temperatures affect the intensity of fragrance.