Unveiling the Elegance: A Layman’s Guide to Identifying Genuine Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
Identifying Genuine Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
Throughout history, a woman’s elegance has often been reflected in her choice of clothing. In the realm of Indian ethnic wear, the magnificent Kanjivaram Silk Saree has reigned supreme, symbolizing the epitome of grace and luxury. But, the question often arises – how does one identify the authenticity of Kanjivaram Sarees? Fear not! In today’s post, we’ll dive deep into the distinguishing hallmarks of genuine Kanjivaram Silk Sarees.
Identifying Genuine Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
A Dive into the Roots: Understanding Kanjivaram Silk
Before we jump into identifying, it adds value to understand what exactly a Kanjivaram Silk Saree is. Originating from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, these sarees are meticulously woven by skilled artisans using pure mulberry silk thread and have intricate gold-dipped silver thread designs.
Authenticity is in the Details
Identifying authentic Kanjivaram silk involves closely examining these details:
Material: Genuine Kanjivaram Silk has a unique, rich sheen due to the high-quality Mulberry silk. It should feel soft and smooth to the touch.
Zari Work: In authentic sarees, the Zari work is usually made from a silk thread, that’s carefully twisted with a thin silver wire, and subsequently dipped in pure gold.
Weight: Authentic Kanjivaram silk sarees are usually heavier than their duplicated counterparts, owing to the purity and weight of the silk and zari used.
Price: Genuine Kanjivarams demand a high price due to the quality of material and intensive labor work involved in its creation.
Color Bleeding: Rub a wet cloth on the saree. Genuine ones won’t bleed color.
Identifying Genuine Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
Differentiating the Genuine from the Imitations
Imitations are designed so perfectly that they can easily fool an amateur eye. Here’s how to separate the original from the fake:
Burn Test: Pluck a few loose threads from your saree and burn them. Authentic silk will smell like burning hair and leave behind a powdery ash.
Threadwork Test: If you carefully examine the reverse side of the saree, you will notice that in a genuine Kanjivaram, the Zari work will not have any loose ends or knots.
Weight comparison: A fake Kanjivaram saree weighs considerably less when compared to an authentic one.
“Remember, all that glitters isn’t gold. And all that shines isn’t silk.”
Identifying Genuine Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
What to Avoid When Buying a Kanjivaram Silk Saree
Beware of these marketing ploys:
Art Silk or Synthetic Silk: Despite the attractive sheen, these sarees are made using artificial fibers. Don’t get swayed by their initial appearance.
The lure of Discounts: Scratch your head if you’re offered large discounts. A superior quality Kanjivaram is never on heavy discounts, given the high cost of production.
Erroneous branding: Names like ‘Kanjivaram style’, or ‘Kanjivaram design’ are usually attempts to misguide customers into buying replicas.
Identifying Genuine Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
Nest in Authenticity: Where to Buy Genuine Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
Are you wondering where to buy your next precious Kanjivaram Saree from? Here are some renowned places trusted by many:
Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu: The birthplace of the Kanjivaram silk sarees is the best place to buy it.
Government Emporiums: Outlets like Cooptex, Poompuhar, etc. offer a variety of authentic weaves.
Authentic Online Stores: Trusted online stores such as Nalli, and Sundari silks, among others.
As long as you are aware of these factors and alert during your purchase, nobody can fool you into buying a counterfeit. In the end, your Kanjivaram Saree isn’t just a piece of clothing, it’s an experience, an investment, and an heirloom.
Identifying Genuine Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
Finally decked up in your chosen Kanjaram, you’d indeed feel like royalty, celebrating a tradition that’s centuries old. Who knew that the art of recognizing authenticity could be so enriching, right?
“The measure of a saree isn’t its cost, it’s the elegance it encapsulates. And to be truly elegant, it must be authentic, just like you.”
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