Kanchipuram saris to have less gold and silver

With gold and silver prices competing to achieve higher

price-points, Kanchipuram’s traditional silk sari weavers were in dilemma over whether to reduce the use of gold and silver in making zari, the decorative lace that defines saris made there, or continue prefixing saris with the name Kanchipuram. But now they have breathed a sigh of relief since now they can use less of gold and silver metals without fear of loss of the Kanchipuram identity.

Since 2005, Kanchipuram silk saris have been protected by Geographical Indication label, which not only certifies their geographical origin but also confirms adherence to some production standards. One of these standards is the mix of silver and gold in a zari, the sari’s decorative lace. So, without 57 per cent of silver and 0.6 per cent of gold in a zari, a silk sari made in Kanchipuram can’t be called a Kanchipuram.

But with prices of both the metals touching the roof, the state government has now eased weavers’ worries a bit. The government has approved to silver content of 40 per cent and gold content of 0.5 per cent to weave the Kanchipuram sari without losing its identity.