Introduction:
You must have noticed celebrities in Bollywood like Shraddha Kapoor and Vidya Balan flaunting a beautiful Paithani saree at one or the other event. Do you also dream of looking timelessly charming in an evergreen Paithani saree? Did online stores selling Paithani sarees at an expensive price disappoint you in the past? You can save yourself from overpaying for these sarees by reading our comprehensive price guide on them.
Paithani saree can turn out as an overpriced option for shoppers who have only shopped blended and synthetic saree options in the past. The zari work and design intricacy of a Paithani saree can further influence its price. Shopping for a handloom Paithani saree in India can be inexpensive compared to overpaying for the same saree abroad.
In this article, we will be exposing the factors affecting the price of a Paithani saree in detail. We will share a detailed breakdown of the price ranges along with features justifying each one of them. From helping you spot a genuinely valuable Paithani saree to unraveling the importance of certifications like Silk Mark tag, this guide is all you need to make informed decisions.
Factors Affecting Paithani Prices:
The price of Paithani sarees is influenced by key factors discussed below.
1. Quality Silk:
○ Paithani sarees made with quality silk are expensive compared to Paithani sarees synthetic silk.
○ Mulberry silk sarees are very lustrous, making them quite expensive. Wearers will cherish Paithani sarees for the appeal and longevity they bring to the table.
○ These handwoven marvels also stand out for their individuality and rarity.
○ The artistic qualities exemplified by a Paithani saree also play a role in the price set for it.
○ The Mulberry silk used in them makes a striking outfit and a long-lasting option, justifying the price to be paid.
2. Zari Work:
○ A traditional Paithani saree has real gold or silver zari work. They will be expensive compared to Paithani sarees that have only imitation zari work.
○ The fine zari work on Paithani sarees is done with metallic threads. The gold or silver work done with these threads can add a touch of grandeur to the Paithani sarees.
○ The genuine zari threads only enhance the opulent texture of the Paithani saree, raising its final cost.
○ The admirable fusion of style and tradition added to the pallu and border of a Paithani saree with pure gold and silver zari certainly makes them a sought-after investment.
○ The gold and silver threads add beauty and sheen to this traditionally made masterpiece.
3. Weaving Complexity:
○ The labor-intensive workmanship that goes into the making of the Paithani saree influences its price.
○ The hard work and time that goes into making them culturally rich and symbolically significant also plays a role in the price set for the Paithani saree.
○ A Paithani saree is woven from pure mulberry silk. The cost of this material is quite expensive also.
○ Paithani sarees are handwoven by artisans on traditional looms with precision and skill along with meticulous weaving techniques.
○ The creation of single Paithani saree can take completion time which also depends on the complexity of the design.
4. Design Intricacy:
○ Paithani sarees with detailed motifs are priced higher compared to ones with small motifs.
○ The iconic motifs with distinctive designs like Radha-Krishna and Lotus make these sarees visually captivating but also expensive.
○ The elaborate designs on a Paithani saree, especially the border and the pallu are inspired by mythological themes and nature.
○ The geometrical patterns and motifs on a Paithani saree make them a rich heritage of Maharashtra region.
○ The common motifs featured on the Paithani saree include lotuses, peacocks, and vines amongst others.
5. Handloom Vs. Powerloom:
○ The cost of Paithani saree made by artisans in the Yeola region of Maharashtra is more compared to powerloom Paithani sarees made with machine-made methods.
○ Handloom Paithani sarees never compromise on quality, but machine-made ones compromise on quality to serve as an affordable option.
○ Handloom sarees cannot be produced fast or sold for a cheap rate, whereas powerloom sarees can.
○ Powerloom Paithani sarees is a six-yard clothing that cannot be personalized. Handloom Paithani sarees can be personalized and rarely be repetitive.
○ Handloom Paithani sarees have an uneven and rugged surface because they are handwoven by quite a handful of artisans in Yeola region of Maharashtra. Powerloom Paithani sarees have a flawless and even texture.
6. Geographical Origin:
○ Purchasing Paithani sarees in Maharashtra can be a cheaper deal compared to buying them anywhere else in India.
○ The sarees handwoven in rest of India will not have too much depth and quite stunning works of art like the Paithani sarees curated specifically by the artisans in Yeola, Maharashtra.
○ These handloom sarees have a rich history, worn by nobility and royalty of Maharashtra. These sarees hold immense cultural value in the region.
○ Paithani sarees were first weaved centuries ago, but their luxurious essence has popularized them among fashion enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
○ Paithani sarees are a combination of the skilled artistry and rich traditions of Maharashtra. These sarees are well-respected and high coveted in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.
Price Ranges and What to Expect:
Don’t overpay for the Paithani saree the next time. Learn about its different price ranges to make up your mind.
Price Range (INR) |
What To Expect |
5,000-15,000 |
● Synthetic Silk ● Imitation Zari Work ● Artificial Coated Threads ● Small Motifs, Less Intricate Designs, Limited Options ● Sometimes Semi-Handloom ● Mostly Powerloom ● Suitable For Casual Wear |
15,000-50,000 |
● Good Quality Silk ● Moderate Zari Work ● Intricate Designs, Medium-Sized Motifs ● Tested Zari Threads ● Handloom ● Suitable For Parties And Events |
50,000+ |
● Premium Quality Silk ● Real Gold or Silver Zari Work ● Large Motifs, Unique Designs ● Handloom ● Months To Complete ● Suitable For Special Occasions, Intimate Gatherings, Family Weddings, etc. |
How to Spot Genuine Value:
a. Tips For Identifying Quality Craftsmanship
▪ Before overpaying for a Paithani saree, check the smoothness as well as the shine of the silk to understand whether or not it is worth the price.
▪ Examine the zari work and design intricacy of a saree to learn whether or not it is worth your money.
▪ Powerloom sarees are an affordable option compared to handloom Paithani sarees.
▪ Check for the Silk Mark tag on the Paithani saree.
▪ A high-quality Paithani saree will drape beautifully and smoothly compared to a low-quality Paithani saree.
b. Red Flags To Watch Out For
▪ A good quality Paithani saree with moderate zari work and intricate designs will never be sold by the seller at a very low price.
▪ Only synthetic silk Paithani sarees will be available at really low prices online.
▪ Unauthentic saree shops online claim to sell handloom sarees when they are actually selling powerloom sarees.
▪ Sellers will not be willing to disclose the Silk Mark certification of the saree.
▪ Handloom Paithani sarees are exclusive and have limited supply, making them expensive. These heirloom pieces hold cultural significance, and that’s why they can never be sold at an inexpensive price unless they are powerloom ones.
Where to Buy Paithani Sarees:
You can shop for them at original Paithani saree price from reputed retailers and trusted showrooms in Maharashtra. Only trusted retailers sell these exclusive and social significant pieces with enduring popularity and consistent demand. You will feel Paithani sarees are priced high but that’s because of their heritage value and also the painstaking hardwork that goes into their production.
Online stores selling handloom Paithani sarees with Silk Mark tags, like Chhunchi.com, are also worth exploring. Chhunchi sells precious Paithani sarees that will make a cherishable lifetime addition and an ultimate prestige investment.
Silk Mark certification can help shoppers differentiate between premium quality and synthetic Paithani silk sarees through labels. All superior quality handloom Paithani sarees will have a Silk Mark tag attached to them.
Conclusion:
Save yourself from overpaying for Paithani sarees by shopping for them with key price factors such as design intricacy, geographical location, and silk quality in mind. Paithani saree shopping after considering the different price ranges, spotting genuine value, and watching out for red flags will help you find a beautiful and valuable option.
Paithani sarees have very complex designs because they are weaved with multicolored, real gold, and silver threads. The immense skill and labor that goes into making the detailed borders, pattern, and pallu of a Paithani saree makes them a prestige investment. Expert weavers put in months and long hours to make them on an old-style loom.
Today, a separate fan base of Paithani sarees exists. Paithani saree collectors and fashion enthusiasts can make the right shopping decisions for themselves by analyzing how genuinely the Paithani saree has been priced at a store online or offline.
You can shop for a Paithani saree that fits in your range by analyzing the intricate details and fabric that supports the price of the saree. The happiness you will enjoy while shopping for the price that supports the overall look of the saree is immeasurable. Learning how to shop them right can sure take some years of practice and knowledge, but the best things do not always come easy, right!