1. What exactly is "Hand Embellishment" and how is it different from machine embroidery?

Hand Embellishment means every bead, sequin, dabka loop, or stone is individually placed and stitched onto the fabric by a karigar (skilled artisan), one motif at a time. Machine embroidery uses computerised stitching — it's uniform, fast, and flat. Hand work has slight natural variations that you can feel — small differences in bead spacing, dabka curl direction, stone placement. These variations are signs of authentic handcraft and add character to the saree.

2. Why are hand-embellished sarees more expensive than other sarees?

A single hand-embellished saree can take anywhere from 1 week to 2 months of karigar work, depending on the design. Our premium Pure Gajji Silk Gharchola Hand Embellishment pieces involve weeks of stitching, premium silk base fabric, plus high-quality raw materials like genuine zardozi threads, real dabka, fine beads, and quality sequins. The price reflects honest craft hours and premium materials, not retail markup.

3. How can I tell if hand-embellishment is genuine?

Look for these signs of authentic handwork:

• Reverse side — Hand stitching shows individual thread loops; machine work shows continuous chain stitching
• Texture — Hand-applied beads and dabka have a slight raised, uneven feel; machine work is perfectly flat and uniform
• Small irregularities — Natural variations in spacing and placement
• Weight distribution — Hand work has slight asymmetry; machine is perfectly symmetric

All pieces in our collection feature genuine hand-embellishment work sourced from karigar workshops.

4. Which hand-embellishment pieces are best for Mayra Ceremony and bridal occasions?

For Mayra Ceremony, our Pure Gajji Silk Gharchola Hand Embellishment sarees are the most traditional and heritage-grade choice. For brides, Pure Chiffon Hand Embellishment sarees and Pure Chinon Bridal Glow pieces are excellent. For reception, Beige Pure Tissue Silk Royal Glow Border and Pink Russian Silk Crystal Glow Border are popular choices.

5. How do I care for a hand-embellished saree?

Hand-embellished sarees are delicate. Proper care is essential:

• Dry-clean only — no hand or machine washing
• Store folded with butter paper between folds to protect beads and dabka
• Wrap in cotton cover for storage (no plastic — fabric needs to breathe)
• Iron on the reverse side at low heat (never directly on embellishments)
• Refold every 6 months to prevent creases from setting
• Avoid perfume or hairspray directly on the work
• Don't pull or rub the embellished areas

With proper care, your hand-embellished saree will retain its beauty for many years.

6. What's included with the saree, and how is delivery handled?

Every saree comes with a matching unstitched blouse piece (approximately 0.80 metres) in the same fabric. For premium pieces, we provide insured shipping with signature-on-delivery and premium packaging. We offer free shipping across India — 3-5 working days to metro cities and 5-7 working days to other areas. Both COD and prepaid options are available, with easy 7-day returns.