Zari refers to a tinsel thread of gold/silver that is woven into a fabric. The ancient art of zari involved the weaving of real gold or silver thread! Today, we use cotton wrapped in gold or silver metallic yarn.
Brought to India by the Persians during the Age of the Rig Veda (1700 and 1100BC), zari became an exclusive weave and embroidery; considered a true embodiment of elegance.