As the festival of lights is around the corner, the air is filled with the sweet aroma of freshly made mithais and the flickering glow of diyas. Homes are going to get adorned with colorful rangolis and everyone will be preparing for the joyful celebrations with family and friends. It is also the perfect time to flaunt your desi looks on Instagram and Facebook, while the feeds are going to be filled with stunning lehengas and beautiful silk sarees. Wanna stand out among the many? A Kanjivaram silk saree shines as a clear star among the other silk saree ideas this traditional season, especially when bhai dooj is around the corner too. To spice things up, you can style your Kanjivaram silk saree any way you like, traditionally or with a modern twist. Once you step outside while wearing this timeless beauty, the festive lights will be all set to compliment its radiance. But what makes Kanjivaram silk sarees so special? Kancheepuram Silk Zari Woven Beige Saree With Blouse Festive Wear-SASMAC2024044

These beautiful silk sarees date back to the 12th century. It originated from Kanchipuram, a town in Tamil Nadu, India. These sarees are true works of art gently crafted by the artisans. They cast luxury with rich features and beautiful patterns.

But, with so many Kanjivaram saree replicas in the Indian market, it’s easy to get duped. How can you be sure you’re wearing the real thing? Well, it’s essential to know how to identify a pure Kanjivaram silk saree to avoid the scam. We have found six reliable ways for you to identify pure Kanjivaram silk sarees. Let’s explore each of them.Kanchipuram Zari Embroidered Orange Silk Saree For Traditional Women Festive Wear-SADSF7397

Look for the Silk Mark Label

The Silk Mark Label is the certification issued by the Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI) under the Central Silk Board. This certification identifies real silk from the duplicates. Silk Label India also helps local artisans and weavers by promoting genuine silk products.

When checking the authenticity of Kanjivaram Silk Sarees, you should look for this label. It promises the saree or any other silk product is made from pure silk. It is like a hallmark of quality, assuring the customers that the saree meets the highest standards of silk production.Classic Kanchipuram Jacquard Silk Rani Pink Festive Wear Saree Festive Wear-SADSF7699

But how to identify a pure Kanjivaram silk saree with the label? The label attached to the real saree will have a unique logo, including a picture of a silkworm and the words “Silk Mark.” It also includes a QR code that can be scanned for further verification. In a market flooded with synthetic silk, this creates a sense of transparency for the buyers.

Examine the Weaving Technique

The delicate artistry of the weavers is shown in pure Kanjivaram silk sarees. You can witness their exquisite craftsmanship by examining the weaving technique. The craftsman uses a technique called Korvai. If you’re trying to figure out how to find a saree with real craftsmanship, examine the Korvai weaving technique in Kanjivaram sarees.

It is the famous method of Kanchipuram saree handloom. This technique involves weaving the body and the border of the sarees, separately before interlocking them together. This allows for a seamless finish, beautiful designs, and vibrant color contrasts.Kanchipuram Banarasi Silk Zari Woven Teal Saree Festive Wear-SASVS008KATE

You can also look for patterns of peacocks, temples, and flowers on the saree to determine a pure Kanjivaram silk saree. This style is sharply defined and symmetrical. Give the fabric a gentle tug to understand the shape retention. If it bounces back, you have found your gem. If you find an uneven pattern or flimsiness then the saree may not be a genuine one.

Feel The Texture of the Silk

If you still want to flaunt your Kanjivaram silk saree, let your fingers do the talking. Authentic Kanjivaram silk has a soft velvety texture that looks luxurious. To ensure the real deal, run your fingers on the saree’s surface. When figuring out how to identify a pure Kanjivaram silk saree, pay attention to its rich texture, which should feel soft and luxurious.Pink Art Silk Kanchipuram Saree Festive Wear-SASGF358001

If it feels silky and soft with a beautiful shine reflecting light then you are probably looking at pure silk. As Kanjivaram sarees maintain consistency and seamless texture throughout.

Check the Zari Work

The Zari work is the real showstopper in a pure Kanjivaram silk saree. This metallic embroidery is what gives these sarees actual cultural meaning as it uses real gold or silver threads. The real one has a substantial weight due to the heavy thread count and Zari material.

Authentic Zari has a steady smooth feel that does not break easily. Gently rub the threads between your fingers, if it feels rough or flimsy, it’s probably a fake. True Zari will keep its shine even after years.Kanchipuram Zari Embossed Embroidered Red Silk Saree For Traditional Women Festive Wear-SADSF7399

The foolproof trick is to scratch the Zari work to reveal the threads underneath. If it’s white, sorry, you have got a fake. But if it turns out to be a signature crimson color, congratulations, you are holding the real one!

Difference in Price and Craftsmanship

Each Kanjivaram silk saree takes up to days or even weeks to complete. The quality is in the details of handwoven designs, rich texture, and flawless patterns. Subsequently, the price is reflected in the hard work of beautifully designed sarees by the respective skilled artists.

Unlike cheaper imitations, these sarees are more expensive for a reason. Cheaper sarees might look good, but they lack fine detailing. Therefore, it is worth the extra cost to own something special and durable.Kanchipuram Silk Zari Woven Pink Saree With Blouse For Traditional Women Festive Wear-SASMAF8604

Perform the Burn Test

The burn test is to ensure that the silk used is genuine or not. Carefully take a small thread from the edge of the saree. Next, place it near a flame. The real silk will burn slowly and smell like burning hair. Eventually, the remains of the ash will crumble into fine powder. If it is synthetic, then it will melt and smell like chemicals and form hard beads. This test will help you confirm the saree’s authenticity, but please ensure that you do it safely and in a controlled environment.Green Kanchipuram Art Silk Saree Party Wear-SADSF3832

Conclusion

This Diwali calls for a beautiful Kanjivaram silk saree, but the real one. Check the authenticity by looking for the Silk Mark Label, then feel the texture and Zari’s work. If you are still not confirmed, go for the burn test mentioned. Ultimately, go for the one that feels luxurious, smooth, and heavy. These simple checks will help you find a saree that truly enhances your festive look. You’ll also be ensuring the saree is of genuine quality. Once you master the technique, choosing a genuine Kanjivaram silk saree becomes a celebration of heritage.

 

People also ask

  • What is the Silk Mark label, and why is it important?

    The Silk Mark label is a certification provided by the Silk Mark Organization of India (SMOI), which operates under the Central Silk Board. It indicates that the product contains genuine silk and meets strict quality standards. This label is crucial for buyers because it helps differentiate between authentic silk products and imitations.

  • What is the Korvai technique, and why is it important in Kanjivaram Sarees?

    The Korvai technique is a 2000-year-old weaving method that is integral to Kanjivaram sarees. This process involves weaving the saree’s body and border separately, then meticulously interlocking them to create a seamless design.

  • How can I identify a real Zari in a Kanjivaram saree?

    Real Zari in Kanjivaram sarees is typically made from genuine gold or silver threads, which give the fabric its luxurious appearance. You can gently rub the threads between your fingers; if they are rough or break easily, they may be fake. A definitive test is to scratch the Zari lightly; if white threads appear underneath, it indicates a fake, whereas crimson-colored threads signify a real Zari.

  • Can I test the saree fabric to see if it's real silk?

    Yes, you can perform a burn test to check the authenticity of the silk. Take a small thread from the edge of the saree and hold it close to a flame. Genuine silk will burn slowly, produce a smell similar to burning hair, and leave behind fine ash that crumbles easily.

  • Why are pure Kanjivaram sarees more expensive?

    Pure Kanjivaram sarees are more costly due to the extensive time, skill, and artistry required in their creation. Each saree can take several days to weeks to produce, depending on its complexity and the craftsmanship involved. The materials used, such as high-quality silk and genuine Zari, also contribute to the price.