FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about shopping with The Saffron House
About The Saffron House
What is The Saffron House?
The Saffron House is a heritage textile company specializing in luxury handwoven silk sarees and ethnic couture. Founded in Bangalore, India, we curate authentic handwoven sarees — including Kanjivaram, Banarasi, Paithani, Patan Patola, Zari Kota, Jamdani, Chikankari, and Kalamkari — sourced directly from master weavers across India. We operate retail stores in Bangalore and Hyderabad, with US operations serving the Indian diaspora across North America.
Where are The Saffron House stores located?
Our flagship boutique is located at No.63, Judicial Officers Layout, Near ISRO, Geddalahalli, RMV II Stage, Sanjaynagar, Bangalore — 560094, Karnataka, India. We also have a store in Hyderabad. For US customers, we offer direct shipping and virtual video appointments from our US operations, reachable at +1 469-369-9100.
Does The Saffron House ship to the USA, UK, and Canada?
Yes! We offer worldwide shipping, including to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and the Middle East. We provide free domestic shipping within India. For international orders, shipping is calculated at checkout. We serve a large community of the Indian diaspora who want authentic handwoven sarees delivered to their doorstep abroad.
Can I book a video appointment to see sarees before buying?
Absolutely. We offer personal video call appointments where our saree consultants walk you through our latest collection in real time. This is especially popular with our US, UK, and international customers who want to see the drape, color, and zari detail up close before purchasing. You can book a video appointment through our Video Appointments page.
Is The Saffron House the same as The Saffron House restaurant?
No. The Saffron House (thesaffronhouse.com) is a luxury handwoven silk saree brand based in Bangalore, India, operated by Urvara Looms Pvt Ltd. We are not affiliated with any restaurant of a similar name. We are exclusively a heritage textile and saree company.
Sarees & Collections
What types of sarees does The Saffron House sell?
We specialize in authentic handwoven silk sarees across India's most celebrated weaving traditions. Our collection includes: Kanjivaram (Kanchipuram) silk sarees — including Korvai, Brocade, Tissue, Kora, and Pastel variants; Banarasi silk sarees — including Pure Silk, Katan, Kora, Georgette, and Organza; Paithani sarees; Patan Patola (double ikkat) sarees; Zari Kota sarees; Jamdani sarees; Chikankari sarees; Kalamkari sarees; Bandhini sarees; Meenakari sarees; Tussar silk sarees; Mysore silk sarees; Gadwal silk sarees; Modal silk sarees; Cotton silk sarees; and our exclusive Eco-Printed sarees — slow-dyed using leaves, petals, and roots on pure silk.
Are your sarees handwoven or machine-made?
Every saree at The Saffron House is 100% handwoven by skilled artisans on traditional handlooms. We do not sell power-loom or machine-made sarees. Each piece is sourced directly from master weavers in Kanchipuram, Varanasi, Patan, Maharashtra, and other weaving clusters across India. Our commitment to authentic handloom ensures that you receive a genuine artisan-crafted saree with the subtle irregularities and rich texture that only handweaving can produce.
What is the Collector's Edit collection?
The Collector's Edit is our curation of rare, museum-quality handwoven masterpieces that honour India's rich textile heritage. These are extraordinary sarees — often taking weeks or months to weave — featuring exceptional zari work, rare weaving techniques, or heritage designs that are becoming increasingly uncommon. Prices in this collection range from ₹90,000 to over ₹2,00,000. Each piece is perfect for bridal trousseaux, milestone celebrations, or discerning collectors who appreciate textile art.
What are Eco-Printed sarees?
Our Eco-Printed sarees are a unique collection born from nature's palette. Each saree is slow-dyed using real leaves, petals, and roots directly onto pure silk — no two pieces are alike. The result is a one-of-a-kind botanical print that carries the quiet elegance of handloom combined with sustainable, chemical-free dyeing. These are ideal for women who value both artistry and environmental responsibility.
What is the price range of sarees at The Saffron House?
Our sarees range from approximately ₹10,000 for cotton silk and simpler weaves to over ₹2,00,000 for rare Collector's Edit pieces like Patan Patola and heritage Kanjivarams. Most of our popular Kanjivaram and Banarasi sarees fall in the ₹20,000 to ₹60,000 range. We organize our collections by price for easy browsing: Under ₹20,000 | ₹20,000–₹30,000 | ₹30,000–₹40,000 | ₹40,000–₹50,000 | Above ₹50,000.
Which Kanjivaram saree should I buy for a wedding?
For weddings, our Bridal Kanjivaram collection is the most popular choice. These feature rich jewel tones — deep reds, magentas, greens, and golds — with elaborate zari pallu and border work. Korvai Kanjivarams, where the border is interlocked with the body using a special weaving technique, are particularly prized as bridal sarees because of their durability and grandeur. For a lighter option, our Tissue Kanjivarams offer a beautiful sheen. Prices for bridal Kanjivarams typically range from ₹30,000 to ₹90,000. You can also book a video appointment for personalized bridal saree guidance.
How do I choose between a Kanjivaram and a Banarasi saree?
Both are iconic Indian silk weaves, but they differ in feel and tradition. Kanjivaram sarees, from Tamil Nadu, are known for their weight, rich zari work, and grand temple-style borders — ideal for South Indian weddings and formal events. Banarasi sarees, from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, are characterized by intricate brocade patterns, Mughal-inspired motifs, and a slightly softer drape — the traditional choice for North Indian bridal wear. At The Saffron House, we carry both, and our team is happy to help you decide based on the occasion, your personal style, and regional tradition.
Ordering & Shipping
How do I order a saree from The Saffron House?
You can shop directly on our website at thesaffronhouse.com, visit our stores in Bangalore or Hyderabad, or book a video appointment for a guided shopping experience. For US customers, you can also reach us directly at +1 469-369-9100. All online orders include secure checkout with shipping calculated based on your location.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes, we offer free domestic shipping on all orders within India. For international orders, shipping charges are calculated at checkout based on destination and package weight. We also offer a flat 10% discount on all orders above ₹1,00,000.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes, we offer eGift Cards that make a perfect gift for saree lovers. You can purchase a Saffron House Gift Card on our website, and the recipient can use it to choose any saree from our collection. This is especially popular for wedding gifts, festivals, and special occasions.
Saree Care
How should I care for my handwoven silk saree?
Handwoven silk sarees are heirloom pieces that last generations with proper care. We recommend dry cleaning for the best results. Store your saree folded in soft muslin or cotton cloth — never in plastic — in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refold the saree every few months to prevent permanent crease lines. Avoid spraying perfume directly on the silk. For detailed instructions specific to each weave type, visit our Saree Care Guide.
Can I iron a silk saree at home?
Yes, but with care. Use a low-heat setting on your iron and always iron on the reverse side of the saree. Place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the silk to protect the fabric and zari work. Alternatively, you can use a garment steamer on a gentle setting, holding it a few inches away from the fabric. Never use high heat directly on silk or zari, as it can damage the fibres and tarnish the metallic threads.
Understanding Handwoven Sarees
How can I tell if a silk saree is genuine handwoven?
Genuine handwoven silk sarees have subtle irregularities in the weave — tiny variations in thread tension that a power loom cannot replicate. Look for the reverse side of the saree: in a true handwoven piece, the pallu design will appear almost as clearly on the back as on the front. The selvedge (side edges) of a handwoven saree will be even but slightly different from machine-made edges. You can also look for the Silk Mark label, a certification by India's Central Silk Board that guarantees pure silk content. At The Saffron House, every saree we sell is 100% handwoven and sourced directly from verified artisan clusters.
What is a Korvai Kanjivaram saree?
A Korvai Kanjivaram is the most traditional and technically demanding form of Kanjivaram weaving. In Korvai technique, the border and body of the saree are woven simultaneously on three separate shuttles and interlocked together — rather than the border being attached separately. This creates an incredibly strong and seamless join that makes Korvai sarees more durable and more valuable. Korvai Kanjivarams are considered the gold standard for bridal and ceremonial wear.
What is a Patan Patola saree and why is it so expensive?
Patan Patola is a double ikkat saree woven exclusively in Patan, Gujarat, by a handful of Salvi family weavers who have preserved this 900-year-old craft. In double ikkat, both the warp and weft threads are resist-dyed before weaving — requiring extraordinary precision to align patterns perfectly. A single Patan Patola saree can take 4 to 6 months to complete. The rarity of skilled weavers, the complexity of the technique, and the use of pure silk and natural dyes make Patan Patola among the most expensive and collectible sarees in India. At The Saffron House, our Collector's Edit features authentic Patan Patola pieces.
What is the difference between pure zari and tested zari?
Pure zari (also called real zari) is made from fine gold or silver wire wrapped around a silk thread. It has a rich, warm lustre that deepens with age and does not tarnish easily. Tested zari uses a copper or alloy base coated with a thin layer of gold or silver — it is less expensive but can tarnish over time. At The Saffron House, we clearly specify the zari type for each saree so you know exactly what you are purchasing.
