Kinds of silk
Mulberry silk is the smooth, lustrous silk used in Kanjivaram, Banarasi and Mysore silk. Tussar (tasar) has a natural golden, slightly textured look. Art silk is a man-made fibre that imitates silk at a lower price. A good listing names the exact fabric.
Checking for pure silk
Pure silk feels smooth and warms to the touch. A thread burnt from the edge smells like burnt hair and turns to crumbly ash; synthetic thread melts into a hard bead. Close-up photos of the weave and border help too — ask the seller if you are unsure.
Care
Dry clean silk sarees with zari. Store them in cotton or muslin, never in plastic, and refold them every few months.
Questions buyers ask
What is the difference between silk and art silk?
Silk is a natural protein fibre from silkworms; art silk is man-made (usually viscose) and costs less. Both can look beautiful — the listing says which it is.
Which silk saree is best for a wedding?
Kanjivaram and Banarasi silks are the classic choices; Mysore silk is a lighter alternative for long ceremonies.