How to select a Kanchipuram silk saree

Kanchipuram or Kanjeevaram silk sarees are weaved using pure Silk and Zari. Zari means brocade or tinsel thread. Pure zari is made of Gold and Silver, but these days, zari is made of silver with gold electroplating, and even made with copper or metal which is malleable as known as imitation zari. Imitation zari has cut the cost enormously. The zari is made of 3 silk threads twisted with a silver wire making it strong and very elegant. This accounts for the long life of the saree unlike other sarees. Kanchipuram silk sarees weight can be as high as 2 kilos at times depending on the zari used. There are people who sell / buy used / torn kanchipuram sarees for its rich zari.

Recent years, with modernization of garment industry and private players the quality has come down, with compromise in the price too. Mainly there are 3 types of kanchipuram silk sarees irrespective of designs and colours.

The first type is the original and traditional saree with pure Silk (pattu) and with pure zari. The basic saree with a simple border ma cost arround 7000 or more. And may rise upto 2 lakhs of rupees.These are very rich in design and add a lot of elegance to the wearer. 

Second type is silk plus half fine zari, these are available every where now a days. because of less usage of pure zari the cost will be very less compared to original kanchipuram pattu sarees.

The third type is half fine silk(synthetic mix)  with half fine zari, these types are vey light in weight and of low cost of inferior quality in the fabric and zari.

Second and third variety are widely available these days in the market and many are using these due to less price and light weight. However, you will really feel proud wearing a pure silk and pure zari original kanchipuram saree and this will add a lot of elegance to you.