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Kanchipuram (Kanjivaram) silk sarees are revered as the queen of sarees. However, with synthetic imitations flooding the market, knowing how to verify authenticity is paramount.
1. **The Silk Mark Guarantee**: Always look for the official government-issued Silk Mark Organisation of India tag attached to the saree fold.
2. **Burn Test (Pure Silk vs Synthetic)**: Pull a single strand of thread from the fringe. Pure mulberry silk burns slowly with a smell similar to burnt hair and leaves a soft black ash.
3. **The Korvai Joint**: Authentic Kanjivaram sarees use the Korvai weaving technique where the body and border are woven separately and interlocked seamlessly.
4. **Zari Scratch Test**: Real gold/silver zari has a red silk core underneath the silver wire electroplating.
5. **Lustre & Weight**: Pure silk feels warm when rubbed between palms and exhibits a multi-tonal lustre under natural light.
Silk Care & Guide
5 Ways to Identify an Authentic Pure Kanjivaram Silk Saree
Master Weaver R. Shanmugam•July 20, 2026•4 min read