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How to Identify Authentic Indian Handicrafts When Shopping Online

by H&M Pvt Ltd

Shopping for Indian handicrafts online can feel like stepping into a treasure house. India has centuries-old traditions of weaving, carving, painting, and jewellery-making. Each state has its own craft that tells a story of culture and heritage. But in today’s online marketplace, one big challenge remains—how do you know whether the handicraft you are buying is authentic or just a machine-made replica?

This guide will help you recognise the signs of genuine craftsmanship, identify the red flags to watch out for, and shop confidently for authentic Indian handicrafts online.

Why Authentic Handicrafts Matter

Handicrafts are not just items; they are a piece of culture, heritage, and human effort. When you buy authentic Indian handicrafts:

  • You support local artisans who depend on their craft for a livelihood.

  • You help keep centuries-old traditions alive.

  • You get products that are handmade, unique, and often eco-friendly.

Fake or machine-made handicrafts may look attractive, but they lack the soul, durability, and cultural story of the real ones.

Challenges of Buying Handicrafts Online

Unlike a physical store where you can touch and see the craft, online shopping depends on pictures and descriptions. This makes it easier for fake products to be sold as “handmade.” Common problems include:

  • Over-polished, mass-produced items are marketed as handmade crafts.

  • Cheap imitations of tribal jewellery and home décor.

  • Lack of product details leaves buyers confused about the origin and material.

That’s why knowing how to spot authenticity is so important.

Tips to Identify Authentic Indian Handicrafts Online

1. Check the Seller’s Background

Start by learning about the website or seller. Reliable platforms usually:

  • Share details about artisans and the origin of products.

  • Work directly with local communities.

  • Provide transparency in pricing and materials.

If the seller focuses solely on “cheap prices” without providing any background information, it’s a red flag.

2. Look for Handmade Imperfections

Handmade items are never 100% perfect—and that’s the beauty of them. Slight variations in:

  • Size

  • Shape

  • Color

  • Pattern

…are clear signs of authenticity. Machine-made items look too uniform, polished, and identical.

3. Read the Product Description Carefully

An authentic handicraft listing will usually mention:

  • The material used (e.g., banana fibre, bamboo, brass, beads).

  • The technique (handwoven, hand-carved, hand-painted).

  • The place of origin (Nagaland, Rajasthan, Gujarat, etc.).

If the description is vague or overly generic, the product may not be genuine.

4. Study the Price Range

Authentic handicrafts require time, skill, and effort. If something looks too cheap, it’s probably mass-produced.
 For example:

  • Handwoven baskets from Nagaland take hours to make and can’t be sold at rock-bottom prices.

  • Beaded jewellery made by hand has detailing that factory products cannot match.

While price alone doesn’t prove authenticity, it’s a strong indicator.

5. Customer Reviews and Ratings

Check if past buyers mention the craftsmanship, packaging, and originality. Genuine handicraft buyers often appreciate the cultural value of the product, not just the “look.

6. Certifications and Artisan Associations

Some handicrafts in India carry GI (Geographical Indication) tags, such as:

  • Madhubani paintings (Bihar)

  • Pochampally Ikat (Telangana)

  • Nagaland bead jewellery

Websites that mention these certifications or artisan cooperatives are more trustworthy.

7. Ask Questions Before Buying

Many genuine sellers are happy to answer questions about their products. You can ask:

  • Who made this product?

  • How was it crafted?

  • Where is it sourced from?

If the seller cannot provide details, it may not be a genuine item.

8. Pay Attention to Product Images

Zoom into the images. Genuine handicrafts show handwork marks like:

  • Uneven brush strokes in paintings.

  • Natural fibre threads in baskets.

  • Slight differences in bead shapes for jewellery.

If the product looks too “factory-perfect,” it’s likely not handmade.

Runway Nagaland – A Trusted Destination

If you want to buy authentic Indian handicrafts online without worrying about fakes, Runway Nagaland is one of the best platforms.

  • They work directly with artisans from Nagaland.

  • Their collections include beaded jewellery, banana fibre products, home décor, and tribal crafts.

  • Every product comes with a story of culture and tradition.

By shopping here, you are not only decorating your home but also empowering skilled artisans from India’s Northeast.

👉 Explore Authentic Indian Handicrafts on Runway Nagaland

Final Thoughts

Buying Indian handicrafts online should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. By paying attention to details such as imperfections, seller background, material description, and pricing, you can easily distinguish between authentic and fake products.

Remember, every genuine handicraft you buy is not just a purchase—it’s a way to celebrate India’s heritage and support the artisans who keep it alive.

If you want to start your journey with authentic tribal crafts, explore Runway Nagaland’s collection today.

👉 Shop Authentic Handicrafts Now

FAQs on Identifying Authentic Handicrafts Online

Q1: Are all handicrafts expensive?
 Not always. Some small handmade items are very affordable. However, if the price appears “too cheap to be true,” it is usually a factory-made copy.

Q2: Can handicrafts be identical in design?
No. Genuine handicrafts often exhibit minor variations due to their handmade nature. Identical pieces usually mean machine production.

Q3: How do I trust an online seller?
 Look for artisan details, customer reviews, and transparency in product descriptions. Trusted sellers like Runway Nagaland give clear product origins.

Q4: Do authentic handicrafts last longer?
 Yes. Handmade crafts are typically crafted with natural materials and skilled techniques, which enhance their durability compared to mass-produced items.

Q5: What makes Nagaland handicrafts special?
Nagaland is renowned for its beaded jewellery, bamboo crafts, and banana fibre products, all of which are deeply rooted in the tribal culture and traditions.

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