The Indian Silk Sarees

Silk for Silk sarees must have rich, vibrant colors and wonderful hues. The silks for Silk sarees from Kancheepuram are the finest in the world. Indian silk sarees has been popular the world over - for its sheer variety of designs, weaving and quality. This is largely due to the fact that India has the unique distinction of producing different varieties of silk.

Silk sarees have won the hearts of many women around the world. They are also good for gifting. One can buy online silk sarees to India through online silk saree shopping portals. These online gifts portals have a huge range of products which can be used for purchasing as well as to send gifts to India.

Silk is a protein fiber, produced by the silkworm for spinning around its cocoon. This fiber (filament) is unwound to obtain silk. Yarn is produced by twisting the fiber, which is then dyed, warped and finally woven to produce fabric.

There are four main varieties of silk produced by a distinct variety of silkworm feeding on a specific host plant. They are Kancheepuram, Bandhni, Ikkat and Patola and Thanchoi.
Indian weddings are incomplete without silk sarees. It is an age old tradition to gift silk sarees to families while inviting them for wedding. Silk sarees are an important part

of South Indian weddings. The bridal saree collection is completely of silk. There are designer silk sarees, temple boarder sarees, gold zari sarees, pattu sarees, and many more.

Tips on buying silk sarees

Whether you're buying a saree, or fabric, here are some tips on what to look for when buying silk.
* When you consider the fact that it takes three weavers approximately 7 to 10 days to weave one saree (46" X 168"), it is not surprising that silk is expensive. Watch out for

"throw away" priced silk - it's unlikely to be the real thing.
* Check the weight - the heavier the silk, the longer it will last.
* If there is zari work, ask if the zari is pure. Imitation zari will turn black in a couple of years. Incidentaly, "pure gold" zari is a misnomer - it is not gold thread but

has at its core a silk thread over which silver wire is twisted and then dipped in gold.
* The best way of checking for purity of silk is to take a few threads and burn them. Pure silk will coagulate and leave a black powdery residue - not to be confused with ash.

You will also find a faintly unpleasant odour.
* Of-course, your best bet always, will be to buy silk from a reliable and established outlet.

Silk care

Contrary to popular belief, good silk is not difficult to maintain. Caring for silk is simple - and if done properly, will last for years! Here's how -

* The best way of washing silk is the tried and tested traditional way. Just squeeze a few drops of lime in cold water. Dip the silk and rub gently, remove, wring lightly and

dry away from direct sunlight.
* If using soap, make sure it's mild. Use cold water and do not soak silk in soap water. Dip, rub gently, rinse and dry in the shade.
* Avoid the use of chemicals - these may damage your silk, and end up reducing its life considerable.