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Nabil Valiulla holding a large ringed piece of ambergris on a rocky coast above the sea

Any coast, any country - if you've found Ambergris, we are ready to buy!

Send me photos of your find. I'll value it for free and reply within 24 hours.

Sell your find

Not sure it's ambergris? Check your find first

  • Buying since2004
  • Suppliers worldwide70+
  • Countries56
  • Reply within24 hours
A white piece of ambergris held in hand A white piece of ambergris held in hand

The specimen in focus

A white piece of ambergris, held in hand. These are the first things I look at.

  • ScalePalm-sized. Small pieces are worth sending too.
  • SurfaceWaxy and porous, with a weathered white crust.
  • ColourCream and white, with chocolate and charcoal patches.
Nabil Valiulla walking over shore boulders in front of a small wooded island

Twenty years in the field

I'm Nabil Valiulla, founder of Ambergris Canada. Since 2004 I have bought and assessed beach-found ambergris from finders in 56 countries. Send me photos of your find and I'll value it for free and reply within 24 hours. I work from Vancouver, Canada.

My journey began with a $13,000 loss in Madagascar. Since then I've worked with beachcombers, marine scientists and perfumers in 56 countries.

Nabil Valiulla crouching on a pebble beach to pick up a piece, from the founder film

Meet Nabil, the founder

The Scent of Success · Watch the film

 Read my story
An elongated piece of ambergris with a white and brown crackled crust, held in hand outdoors

How do I know if it's real ambergris?

I check every piece by hand. Start with the same 7 checks at home, with your find in front of you.

  1. 1
    Look. Matte black, grey, tan or white.
  2. 2
    Feel. Slightly waxy, softer when warm.
  3. 3
    Weight. Lighter than a rock its size.
  4. 4
    Smell. Marine, then sweet and earthy with age.
  5. 5
    Warm smell. Stronger and musky when warmed.
  6. 6
    Inside. May hold squid beaks.
  7. 7
    Handle with care. Keep it dry, never soaking.
Squid beaks embedded in the broken face of a piece of ambergris
Squid beaks
Close-up of dark swirl lines on a pale piece of ambergris
Swirl lines
A broken piece of ambergris showing its layered tan interior
Layers inside
Identify your find

Matches most of these? Send me photos for a free assessment

How to sell your ambergris

  1. 1 · Share photosClear daylight photos, on WhatsApp or the form.
  2. 2 · Get my offerI review your find myself and make you an offer.
  3. 3 · Get paidIn cash or by bank transfer, once you accept.
Sell your find

What does real ambergris look like?

This is what genuine ambergris looks like. I checked every piece by hand.

White ambergris on a kitchen scale reading 1124 g
White ambergris1.12 kg, chalky white with a brown patchView photo
Large dark ambergris on a scale reading 7736 g
Dark ambergrisA 7.74 kg dark boulder, waxy skinView photo
Light ambergris with a cut face showing round inclusions, a lighter for scale
Light ambergrisCut open to show its round inclusionsView photo
Grey ambergris with concentric rings on a scale reading 11.463 kg
Grey ringed ambergris11.46 kg, covered in concentric ring patternsView photo
The smooth brown inner face of the 7.74 kg dark piece of ambergris
Brown ambergrisThe smooth brown core of the boulderView photo
Aged ambergris slab on a scale reading 9509 g
Aged ambergrisA 9.51 kg slab packed with inclusionsView photo
Grey ambergris slab seen from the side, a lighter on top for scale
Grey ambergrisSide view, with a lighter for scaleView photo
7 pieces · swipe or use the arrows
See every specimen in the gallery
Five small pieces of white ambergris held in an open palm

Frequently asked questions

What finders and buyers ask me most.

Is it legal to sell ambergris?

It depends on where you found it, because the rules differ from country to country. I only buy where the trade is legal. Tell me where you found it and I'll tell you honestly what your options are.

How does selling my ambergris work?

Send clear photos on WhatsApp. I review your find myself, make you a competitive offer, and pay securely in cash or by bank transfer.

How is my find valued?

There's no single per-gram price. I assess each piece by colour, age, weight, purity, condition and scent, and I quote before you commit to anything.

How do I know if I found real ambergris?

Check the key signs: a waxy texture, a distinctive marine smell and its density. Use my identification guide, or send photos for a free assessment.

Which countries do you buy from?

I buy only where the trade is legal. Since 2004, 70+ suppliers across 56 countries have sold their finds to me.

Nabil Valiulla crouched on a driftwood beach, examining a piece of ambergris

Every find has a story

"Ambergris connects people, places and time. Every piece I collect carries the story of the ocean and the hands it has passed through."

- Nabil Valiulla

Tell me about yours. Send photos and I'll reply within 24 hours.

Sell your find

Or follow my journey

Nabil Valiulla, founder of Ambergris Canada
Nabil Valiulla@gris.whisperer

New finds, beach walks and what I learn along the way. Follow along on Instagram.

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Finding pieces often? Read about a career in ambergris