How to know whether your zari is real or fake?

Time of India

6 hours ago

(Image Credits: Pinterest)
Zari is a weaving technique that has passed through generations of elegance and tradition, remaining a cherished part of women's wardrobes. From timeless Kanjeevarams to regal Banarasi silk sarees, zari continues to shine on favorites like organza and tissue sarees as well.
Elevating Indian bridal and festive wear with its rich radiance and heritage, it raises an important question: is the zari you're wearing genuine or a clever counterfeit?
Why is it a rare luxury?
This delicate process is crafted by wrapping a silk thread with high-quality silver and electroplating it with regal gold. This delicate and detailed process is then conducted over multiple stages, making the metal supple enough to be woven into a fabric.
This is one of the primary reasons why it has become a rare luxury, leading to people creating and selling fake zari instead at higher prices.
(Image Credits: Pinterest)
In today's market, inexpensive alternatives for zari are also available, as it can be made from copper-core threads coated with thin silver linings, which is a type of plastic film. It stiffens the fabric and diminishes over time, losing its shine, fading the saree's colour, and stripping the garments of their heirloom quality.
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Unfortunately, the naked eye is unable to spot the real difference. But here are a few ways in which you can spot a fake zari while shopping for it.
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Take a deep look at the glow
Authentic zari is created from gold and silver threads that give it a subtle yet understated shine and elegance. But the metallic threads, on the contrary, will have a deeper and warmer finish that will not be too reflective and will soon indicate that it's a fake.
Assuring the weight
One of the easiest ways to spot a real zari saree is to check its weight.
Pure zari is created from silver and gold metals, which further adds a significant amount of weight to the fabric. Therefore, if your garment feels too light despite the intricate zari work, then you have a fake in your hand.
(Image Credits: Pinterest)
Burn it down
You don't need to burn the entire saree, but a small thread can be easily pulled out and burnt carefully to see whether it's a real zari or not. Real zari will smell of burning metal and will surely leave ash behind.
But synthetic or imitation zari will melt like plastic, giving off a chemical odour. Also, do this test under expert guidance or from an unused thread. Do not burn down your whole saree, and be extra careful.
Rub it for authenticity
Try rubbing the zari saree gently between your fingers. When it starts to fade, revealing a red, green, or even a plastic-like base underneath, you've mostly come across a fake zari. On the other hand, real zari will retain its structure and colour even after light rubbing.
Always ask for a certification
Genuine Zari sarees mostly come with a silk mark and Zari authenticity certificate, which are issued by authorised weavers and organisations. Therefore, make sure you request proper documentation if you're purchasing a higher-value piece.
Evaluate the weaving pattern
In real zari sarees, the metallic thread is absolutely seamless, which will be integrated into the fabric, reflecting uniformity in design. A false zari saree, however, will appear more uneven with a loose finish.
Identifying pure zari can be tricky, but not impossible. Therefore, with these tips and careful observation, you can distinguish the fake and avoid falling for synthetic imitations.