How to Buy an Authentic Kanjivaram Silk Saree Online: A Complete Guide

Buying an authentic Kanjivaram silk saree online requires knowing how to verify the weave, check the zari quality, and distinguish handwoven from power-loom imitations. This guide covers everything — from how Kanjivarams are made, what to look for when buying online, how to verify Silk Mark certification, to what different types cost in 2025. At The Saffron House, we source every Kanjivaram directly from weaving families in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.

By Meera, Founder & CEO of The Saffron House. Our Kanjivarams are sourced directly from handloom weavers in Kanchipuram and authenticated with Silk Mark certification.

What Makes a Kanjivaram Saree Authentic?

An authentic Kanjivaram saree is handwoven on a traditional pit loom in or around the town of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, using pure mulberry silk and real zari (gold or silver thread). The defining feature is the three-shuttle technique — the body, border, and pallu are woven on separate shuttles, with the border interlocked to the body. In the finest Kanjivarams, this interlocking is done in the korvai style, creating a seamless, extremely durable join.

The silk used in genuine Kanjivarams is thick and tightly twisted, giving the saree its characteristic weight and stiffness (it softens beautifully with wear). The zari — either pure gold/silver or tested — is wound around a silk core, never a synthetic one. A genuine Kanjivaram will weigh between 600 grams to over 1 kilogram depending on the zari content.

How to Identify a Genuine Handwoven Kanjivaram

Here are the key checks to make whether buying in-store or online:

1. Check the reverse side. In a genuine handwoven Kanjivaram, the pallu and border designs appear almost as clearly on the reverse as on the front. Power-loom sarees typically show a messy back with loose floating threads.

2. Look at the selvedge (side edges). Handwoven Kanjivarams have slightly irregular selvedge — it will be even but not mechanically perfect. Power-loom sarees have uniformly machine-cut edges.

3. Inspect the border join. Run your finger along where the border meets the body. In a korvai Kanjivaram, you will feel a subtle ridge where the two weaves interlock. In cheaper variants, the border is stitched or glued on — which you can identify by a visible seam.

4. Test the zari. Real zari (pure gold or silver) will feel smooth and slightly cool to the touch. It does not tarnish easily. Tested zari (copper-based) will eventually darken. Imitation zari (polyester) feels plasticky and is very light.

5. Check for Silk Mark certification. The Silk Mark is issued by India's Central Silk Board and guarantees that the saree contains pure silk. Look for the Silk Mark label — a small tag stitched or attached to the saree. At The Saffron House, our Kanjivarams carry Silk Mark certification.

6. Feel the weight. Authentic Kanjivarams are heavy compared to other silk sarees. This comes from the dense weave and real zari. If a "Kanjivaram" feels light and flimsy, it is likely a power-loom imitation or uses synthetic zari.

Types of Kanjivaram Sarees and Their Prices in 2025

Kanjivarams come in several styles, each with a different price range based on the weaving technique, zari content, and design complexity:

Korvai Kanjivaram (₹15,000 – ₹60,000): The most traditional form with interlocked borders. Shop Korvai Kanjivarams

Brocade Kanjivaram (₹25,000 – ₹90,000): Features elaborate all-over patterns woven with zari, creating a rich, textured surface. Shop Brocade Kanjivarams

Tissue Kanjivaram (₹30,000 – ₹80,000): Woven with a high proportion of zari, giving a metallic, luminous quality. Shop Tissue Kanjivarams

Kora Kanjivaram (₹20,000 – ₹50,000): Uses slightly unfinished silk for a textured, raw feel while retaining the Kanjivaram structure. Shop Kora Kanjivarams

Pastel Kanjivaram (₹20,000 – ₹50,000): Contemporary colours — lavender, mint, blush, powder blue — for modern styling while keeping the traditional weave. Shop Pastel Kanjivarams

Bridal Kanjivaram (₹30,000 – ₹2,00,000+): The most elaborate — heavy zari, intricate pallus, jewel-toned silk, often with pure gold zari. Shop Bridal Kanjivarams

Silver Zari Kanjivaram (₹18,000 – ₹50,000): Uses pure silver zari for a cooler, more understated shimmer. Shop Silver Zari Kanjivarams

Checks & Stripes Kanjivaram (₹15,000 – ₹40,000): Classic geometric patterns that are versatile for both formal and semi-casual occasions. Shop Checks & Stripes

Borderless Kanjivaram (₹15,000 – ₹35,000): A modern take — removing the traditional contrasting border for a clean, contemporary look. Shop Borderless Kanjivarams

Tips for Buying Kanjivaram Sarees Online

1. Buy from sellers who source directly from Kanchipuram weavers. This ensures authenticity and fair pricing without middleman markups. At The Saffron House, we maintain direct relationships with weaving families in Kanchipuram.

2. Ask for close-up photos of the border join and pallu reverse. A trustworthy seller will happily share these. If buying online, look for detailed product images showing the weave texture, zari quality, and reverse side.

3. Use video shopping when available. The Saffron House offers video appointments where our consultants show you the saree in real time — its drape, colour in natural light, and zari shine. This is especially valuable for international customers.

4. Verify Silk Mark certification. Ask the seller if the saree carries a Silk Mark label. This is the only government-backed guarantee of pure silk in India.

5. Understand the return policy. Reputable sellers offer a clear return or exchange window. The Saffron House offers a 5-day return policy for online purchases.

6. Be cautious of prices that seem too low. A genuine handwoven Kanjivaram with real zari is unlikely to cost less than ₹12,000–15,000. If you see "Kanjivaram silk sarees" priced at ₹3,000–5,000, they are almost certainly power-loom with synthetic zari.