Kanchipuram silk is known for its unique quality, fine craftsmanship, and bright colors. However, there are many duplicate sarees in the market. To identify them, there are a few simple tests anyone can do. Here, we explain you detail on how to identify a pure Kanjivaram silk saree.
1.Zari Test
The first step of how to identify a pure kanjivaram silk saree is the zari test. In this test, you just scratch your saree’s zari and if red threads appear after scratch, then you can confirm it as pure gold zari. On the other side, if you scratch a fake one, white threads will appear. By this simple step, you can easily differentiate the original and duplicate kanjivaram sarees.
2.Burn Test
This type of test has been followed since the very beginning of silk saree, and it is a trustable method for how to identify a pure kanjivaram silk saree. To do this test, carefully pick a few loose threads from the kanjivaram silk saree, collect together, and then fire it slightly. Once the some releases, smell it gently. You will notice a smell like rotten eggs, along with a few ashes that indicates your saree is weaved with the original silk.
3.Touch Test
To find an answer for how to identify a pure kanjivaram saree, you can identify it in just a few seconds. For this test, you just rub the saree with your thumb, if you feel smoothness in just a few rubs, then you can confirm it as original kanjivaram saree. When it comes to duplicate anjivaram ksarees, you won’t find smoothness even after rubbing several times. So, with the help of this test you can find your fine kanjivaram silk saree just by touching and feeling the quality.
4. Lustre Test
The primary characteristics of kanjivaram silk sarees is their shining nature and you can’t find this in other fabrics. For this test, take your saree out in the sunlight and observe it from a different angle whether it shines or not. If your saree shines brighter than other fabrics then you find the solution for how to identify a pure kanjivaram saree. This test might seem a simple, but effective way to identify the original silk kanjivaram saree.
5. Weaving Test
Basically, the kanjivaram silk saree is handwoven and has an uneven weaving pattern. So notice this carefully before passing them off as real or duplicate . Whereas, the fake kanjivaram saree are made up of power looms that are even and exactly woven without any mistake. Original kanjivaram saree will be smooth from the wrong side when compared to duplicate saree.
6. Silk Hallmark
In this test, you need to look for hallmark sign where it is authorised by Silk Mark Organisation of India to confirm that the kanjivaram silk saree is 100% pure in nature. The original kanjivaram saree is named for its unique design and high quality silk. After conducting all tests mentioned above, don’t forget to check certification where, it determines the originality of your saree.
7.Ring Test
We know that kanjivaram sarees are made up of mulberry silk and smooth in nature. To make sure that this ring test is very helpful. To conduct this test, first you need to take a ring and slide it through the entire length of silk saree, while doing this you should not find it resistant. In duplicate kanjivaram sarees you feel hard to slide the entire, but in original you won’t.
8. Weight Test
The weight of Kanjivaram sarees are comparatively high with other varieties of sarees. So check the weight, whether it is 500 to 800 grams; if not don’t buy it. Only duplicate sarees are light weighted and less than 500 grams. So, before paying, check the weight and confirm the originality.
To identify the original kanjivaram silk saree you need to be careful while checking and also you need some experience of buying kanjivaram silk saree. But, by following above eight tests, you can easily identify the pure kanjivaram silk saree.
Be patient and take enough time to find the perfect kanjivaram silk saree that you love. Remember, buying a real Kanjivaram saree isn’t just about the cloth; it’s about owning a part of our culture that shows the skill and hard work of Indian weavers.
For your Question: How to identify a pure kanjivarm silk saree. The answer lies in our “The Indian Motif” store. We celebrate India's handwoven heritage by ethically sourcing directly from over 40 artisan clusters across the country.
