Zari work has long been an integral part of traditional Indian clothing, adding a royal and luxurious touch to sarees, lehengas, sherwanis, and dupattas. Traditionally made from fine gold or silver threads, real zari embroidery enhances both the beauty and the value of garments—making it especially popular during weddings and festive seasons.

However, with increasing demand, fake zari has also flooded the market. Imitation zari, often made from cheaper metallic or plastic threads, is sold at lower prices but lacks the quality, durability, and elegance of the real thing. Unfortunately, many customers fall prey to these imitations.

To help you avoid being misled, here are 5 effective and easy methods to identify whether the zari work on your garment is real or not:

1. Observe the Shine and Color Carefully

• Real zari has a subtle, rich shine due to its gold or silver base, and it retains its luster over time.
• Fake zari tends to be too bright or yellowish, and its shine fades quickly with use or washing.

👉 Tip: Genuine zari has depth in its appearance; fake ones often look flat and too glittery.

2. Conduct a Burn Test (Safely)

If you have a small piece of loose zari thread:

• Real zari will emit a metallic smell when burned and will not turn to ash.
• Fake zari, usually made of plastic or polyester, will melt, smell bad (like burning plastic), and leave behind a sticky residue.

⚠️ Caution: Do not perform this test directly on your garment. Always test a loose or extra thread, if available.

3. Rub the Thread Between Your Fingers

• Real zari is durable and does not break easily when rubbed.
• Fake zari may break, fray, or shed color when rubbed between your thumb and fingers.

👉 Tip: Try this on an inconspicuous part of the garment to avoid visible damage.

4. Use the Magnet Test

• Real zari contains no iron or steel, so it will not be attracted to a magnet.
• Fake zari might contain iron-based alloys, and will stick to a magnet.

🧲 This is a quick and non-damaging way to test zari authenticity.

5. Consider the Price and Shop’s Reputation

• If zari work is being sold at a suspiciously low price, it’s likely fake.
• Real zari is expensive due to the use of gold or silver.
• Buy from reputed stores or trusted brands that provide quality assurance and authentication.

✅ Final Tip: Trust Your Senses

Real zari feels heavier, has a cool metal touch, and exudes a luxurious aura. Fake zari may look close but often lacks that premium finish.

By using these simple tests and staying informed, you can confidently choose genuine zari garments and get full value for your money.