Post by vimala on Jun 21, 2008 13:56:27 GMT 5.5
Silk Saris: watch before you buy
saris would come under some of the most favorite possessions of any Indian woman. This outfit enhances a woman's femininity more than anything else. Demure yet seductive, this outfit is almost always in great demand. The problem is that fakes also abound in the market. In fact, it is said that recognizing pure silk is one of the greatest skills a shopaholic woman can pick up. But what if you can't tell cheap fakes from pure silk saris? Read on to find some tips below.
1. Mind the price tag: Remember that a silk sari is not easy to make. Three weavers working full-time would need around 7-10 days to weave a silk sari from scratch. This is the reason pure silk saris are so expensive. So, if you find a silk sari that is really cheap, always have second thoughts about buying it.
2. Weight-watch: Silk saris are composed of densely woven threads. This results in these saris being heavy in weight. If you find a silk sari that is really lightweight, you can be sure that it is either low-quality silk with a blend of other fabrics (like nylon or rayon), or in worst cases, a complete fake. Whenever possible, compare the weight of it with a cotton sari of similar size. The silk sari will be almost double the weight of the cotton sari.
3. Zari in sharp focus: Always ask the dealer if the zari is pure. Also, beware of dealers claiming the zari to be 'pure gold zari'. Pure gold can never be used to create zaris, or it would break too easily to have any practical use. Zari is created by twisting silver wire over silk or cotton threads. Finally, the combination is dipped in molten gold to create zari.
4. The 'burn' test: If possible, collect a thread from the silk sari you intend to purchase and burn it. Pure silk thread will twist, coagulate and emit a faintly unpleasant odor. There will be very little smoke and a powdery residue left behind instead of ash. This is a sure-shot way of spotting pure silk, as any cheap alternative will emit a lot of smoke and leave ash behind.
5. Authorizing the purchase: Always buy from authorized dealers and outlets. You have a greater chance of getting good quality silk that way. Some dealers are affiliated to business guilds that put their stamp of quality on the saris. This will ensure a greater chance of getting good products. Last, but not the least, insist on getting a cash memo. Your deal will be more secured that way.
Silk saris retain their charm over the years. So, go out there and get yourself one that will adorn your wardrobe for years to come.
saris would come under some of the most favorite possessions of any Indian woman. This outfit enhances a woman's femininity more than anything else. Demure yet seductive, this outfit is almost always in great demand. The problem is that fakes also abound in the market. In fact, it is said that recognizing pure silk is one of the greatest skills a shopaholic woman can pick up. But what if you can't tell cheap fakes from pure silk saris? Read on to find some tips below.
1. Mind the price tag: Remember that a silk sari is not easy to make. Three weavers working full-time would need around 7-10 days to weave a silk sari from scratch. This is the reason pure silk saris are so expensive. So, if you find a silk sari that is really cheap, always have second thoughts about buying it.
2. Weight-watch: Silk saris are composed of densely woven threads. This results in these saris being heavy in weight. If you find a silk sari that is really lightweight, you can be sure that it is either low-quality silk with a blend of other fabrics (like nylon or rayon), or in worst cases, a complete fake. Whenever possible, compare the weight of it with a cotton sari of similar size. The silk sari will be almost double the weight of the cotton sari.
3. Zari in sharp focus: Always ask the dealer if the zari is pure. Also, beware of dealers claiming the zari to be 'pure gold zari'. Pure gold can never be used to create zaris, or it would break too easily to have any practical use. Zari is created by twisting silver wire over silk or cotton threads. Finally, the combination is dipped in molten gold to create zari.
4. The 'burn' test: If possible, collect a thread from the silk sari you intend to purchase and burn it. Pure silk thread will twist, coagulate and emit a faintly unpleasant odor. There will be very little smoke and a powdery residue left behind instead of ash. This is a sure-shot way of spotting pure silk, as any cheap alternative will emit a lot of smoke and leave ash behind.
5. Authorizing the purchase: Always buy from authorized dealers and outlets. You have a greater chance of getting good quality silk that way. Some dealers are affiliated to business guilds that put their stamp of quality on the saris. This will ensure a greater chance of getting good products. Last, but not the least, insist on getting a cash memo. Your deal will be more secured that way.
Silk saris retain their charm over the years. So, go out there and get yourself one that will adorn your wardrobe for years to come.