How to Identify a Pure Kanjivaram Saree

Kanjivaram sarees, hailing from Tamil Nadu are prized for their luxurious silk and intricate craftsmanship. The kanchi pattu sarees are often passed down as heirlooms, making authenticity crucial when purchasing one.

Here is how to ensure you are investing in a pure Kanjivaram saree.

1. Check the Silk Quality

• Pure Kanjivaram sarees use Mulberry Silk which is known for its durability and lustrous finish.
• Rub the Silk gently between your fingers. It should feel soft and slightly heavy.
• You can also perform the burn test (carefully, of course!). Please take a short thread from the saree and burn it. Pure silk leaves a powdery ash when burnt, while synthetic silk smells like burning plastic and leaves a hard residue.

2. Look for Zari Authenticity

• Zari (Metallic threads) in pure Kanjivaram sarees are made of silver or gold. The threads are wrapped around a silk core.
• You Can scratch the zari gently. If the shine wears off easily or exposes a white thread underneath, it is fake.
• Authentic zari will not lose its sheen quickly, even with wear.

3. Inspect the Weaving

• Pure Kanjivaram silk sarees are handwoven. The borders and body of the saree are interlocked using a traditional technique called korvai which creates a sharp contrast between them.
• Check for neatness in the weaving. Machine-made imitations often have uneven patterns or loose threads.

4. Weight of the Saree

• Authentic Kanjivaram sarees are Heavier due to the high-quality Mulberry Silk and Silver or Gold Zari.
• If a saree feels unusually light for its size, it may be a mix of silk and synthetic material.

5. Traditional Motifs

• Pure Kanjivaram sarees from the kanchipuram town of tamilnadu often feature Motifs inspired by South Indian temples, Flowers, and Peacocks.
• Common patterns include mayilkan (peacock eye), rudraksha (prayer beads), and annapakshi (mythical swan).
• Cross-check these designs with traditional catalogues or consult an expert.

6. Certification

• Look for a Silk Mark label, which is a government certification for pure silk products in India.
• Ensure the seller provides authenticity certificates, especially when purchasing costly sarees.

7. Price

• Pure Kanjivaram sarees are an investment. They typically start at ₹7,000 and can go up to lakhs, depending on the zari used and the Quality of the silk.
• A saree priced unusually low is a red flag for fake materials.

8. Seller Reputation

• Purchase from Trusted sellers, ideally those with a long-standing reputation in the industry.
• Many artisans and stores in Kanchipuram offer authentic sarees. Visiting the town itself can be a rewarding experience.

By following these steps, you can ensure if the saree is genuine, making it a worthy addition to your wardrobe or family heirloom collection.

As they say in Tamil Nadu, owning a pure Kanjivaram saree is like holding a piece of tradition woven in silk and zari!