In the shadows of beauty, fashion witnesses the arrival of Cashmere. Among the gallops of nature, Art is observed. Cashmere is the wool from the undercoats of Goats that are bred specifically for the production of quality wool. The term “cashmere” is basically the anglicization of the word “Kashmir”, the northernmost region of India. It is a valley where luxurious Pashmina Art was made for thousands of years. There are mainly three grades viz; Grade C, Grade B, and Grade A. Around the world, types of Cashmere wool come under these three grades. Quite often, it is a question asked if there are grades. We will uphold the reflection in detail.

The three grades of Cashmere

Mainly, there are considered three grades of Cashmere wool. These three grades are profoundly procured and crafted for numerous accessories around the world. In addition, there are diverse breeds of Cashmere producing goats. Each breed has a specific percentage of production in the total production. The several breeds viz;  Australian Goat, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Hexi, Zhonghwei, Tibetan Plateau, Luliang breeds, Changthanghi, etc. Therefore, all the breeds produce the wool that produces the warmth. The exclusive breed of goats called Changra Goats is rare species of goats. All the production from each breed of goat is upheld in these three grades.

1. Grade C

Grade C is of the lowest quality Cashmere wool. It is 30 microns in diameter and the fiber is thicker compared to other grades. The quality is considered to be quite low. Therefore, the expensiveness is to the lowest and the production is ethically more due to the non-rarity of breeds around the world. As Cashmere wool is known for its fineness and softness, the grades have different grades of softness too. The softness is low and the property of retaining shape is also on the lower side.

2. Grade B

Grade B is the medium-quality Cashmere wool with a diameter of 19 microns. It is fairly good quality wool. Yet, the fineness is incomparable with the highest grade of Cashmere. Therefore, the quality of Grade B Cashmere wool is of average quality. The softness and fineness of the wool is considered to be fairly average and good. Also, the property of retaining the shape is partially high.

3. Grade A

It is the highest quality grade of Cashmere wool with 10 to 16 microns in diameter. The fibres of the wool are the longest as well as the softest. This is the highest and premium quality around the world. The fineness and softness are up to the mark. It defines the luxurious nature of Cashmere wool. Therefore, the Changra goats of Ladakh belong to the breed of highest quality wool.

Why is Cashmere expensive?

There are several reasons why Cashmere wool is expensive. The Goats produce fine wool once every year. Therefore, only around 80 to 170 gms of Ladakhi Cashmere are produced during a year. Therefore, considered the rarest. Also, other breeds of it produce several times more as there is almost 400 million Cashmere eliciting Goats all over the world. Consequently, the production caters to the manufacture of different styles like Pashmina Shawls, Scarves, and Wraps. In addition, the luxurious appearance caters to the quality of wool. Also, the low production of Cashmere wool befits the expensive nature of the finest Cashmere wool.

Procuring the best grade of Cashmere wool

The Changhthanghi plateau is a high-altitude region. The minimum temperature goes more than minus 20°C in winters. The rarest breed of goats called the Changra goats dwells at the feet of the mountain Changhthanghi. In the harsh winters, the Changra goats meticulously develop a thick layer of wool on their bodies. Thus, to overcome the cold. With the changing of seasons, the Changra goats shed off the thick wool by rubbing against rocks and trees to comfort the heat of summer. Also, it's manually done by the Changpa tribe who are the herders of the Changra goats. They manually comb the thick wool out. The wool is called Cashmere wool.

Crafting the finest Cashmere from Ladakh

The finest Cashmere wool is transferred to the Valley of Kashmir in small packets. The tufts of wool are hand-cleaned, and hand sorted. Thereafter, the wool is spun across a wheel called yinder. Then, the magical yarn of Cashmere is whirled upon the wooden stick called thonchur by the process called pranch. Afterward, the yarn is taken to the local workshops where a handloom moves ahead with the process. The handlooms are made of forest wood. The highly skilled artisans work upon the handloom with their hands and feet to curate the finest fabric.

Also read: TURNING THE WAYS FOR THE PLEDGE OF FINEST CASHMERE

Luxurious Pashmina Art

There are three main styles in Pashmina Art viz; Wraps, Scarves, and Shawls. In these elegant styles, there are innumerable designs in the creation of Pashmina Art. The different styles in Pashmina Art cater to all the people around the world. The modern and contemporary designs in the Art of Pashmina befit all genders for ages. From early times till the age of contemporary, Pashmina Art has enthralled the unique masterpieces of the finest Cashmere. All the styles and designs confer the fashion of luxurious value. The eloquent ways to cater to the genders are in the creation of each masterpiece. With the advent of time, modern motifs, and designs are inculcated in the styles.

The processes are done specifically with profound knowledge of intricacy. The contemporary styles of donning the accessories have created an aura of modernism in the dimensions of Pashmina Art The Pashmina Art performs divinely on every masterpiece. Modern prints, patterns, and motifs contribute to the elegance of Pashmina Art accessories. The styles that make the Pashmina Art evident are; Wraps, Scarves, and Shawls.

We, at pashmina.com, belong and befit the originality of the finest Cashmere. We relish the beauty of Pashmina Art accessories. Thus, having one of the masterpieces defines the soul of luxury around your presence.

Also read: WHO INTRODUCED PASHMINA SHAWL IN KASHMIR?