To identify a pure Kanjivaram silk saree, there are several key aspects to check:
- Fabric Quality: Pure Kanjivaram silk feels soft, smooth, and luxurious with a natural sheen. It has a substantial weight due to its high thread count and handwoven texture which may have slight irregularities. Synthetic sarees often feel too smooth or light.
- Borders and Pallu: The borders and pallu (decorative end) are typically heavier and intricately woven with traditional motifs, not printed. Colors are rich, vibrant, and blend seamlessly without color bleeding.
- Zari Test: Genuine Kanjivaram sarees have high-quality zari made from real gold or silver threads woven tightly into the fabric. Scraping the zari gently should not flake or show white threads; instead, pure zari may reveal red threads for silver zari or yellow for gold zari.
- Burn Test: Burning a small thread from the saree will produce a smell like burnt hair and leave fine ash if the silk is genuine. Synthetic fibers melt and smell chemical-like.
- Touch and Sheen: Rub your hands on the saree edges; pure silk will feel smooth with a slight grip and have a natural shine when viewed in sunlight from different angles.
- Silk Mark Tag: Look for the Silk Mark certification tag which confirms the saree is made from authentic silk.
- Weaving Intricacy: Authentic Kanjivaram sarees have finely detailed handwoven designs like temple borders, peacocks, and traditional motifs.
Using these tests together ensures the authenticity of a pure Kanjivaram silk saree and protects from buying counterfeit or blended fabrics.
