What is the best grade of Cashmere?

Have you ever wondered about what type of Cashmere is of the best grade? It is known that there are various grades of Cashmere around the world. There are several breeds of Goats that produce Cashmere wool. Likewise, there are different types of Cashmere Wool. The fineness of each differs from that of the other. Now the question comes to mind: which of the various types of Cashmere wool is the finest? The beauty of its answer lies in the distinction between the grades of Cashmere wool.

The finest Cashmere wool will have the best grade as the grade is the remark of fineness and softness of the Cashmere wool. Moreover, each grade of Cashmere wool is obtained from a certain breed of Goats. Among all the breeds of Cashmere producing goats, Ladakhi Cashmere is obtained from a rare breed of Goats. They are called the Changra Goats. They are found at the feet of Changhthanghi mountain at the higher altitude of Ladakh. The finest or best-grade wool is predominately procured from the Changra Goats. There is a certain journey that starts from procurement to the crafting of the finest Cashmere wool.

In addition, Pashmina is the crafting of this finest Cashmere wool procured from Ladakh. Also, the versatility and the softness of the wool are predefined in the history of crafts in the Valley of Kashmir. The fine and mushy wool both define nature with the beauty of Kashmir Valley. The heritage and the highly skilled artisans confer the fine Cashmere with the supreme Art called Pashmina. Thus, the diverse features of Ladakhi Kashmir, are truly well-defined in the process of its procurement and its crafting.

What is the best grade for Cashmere?

There are huge variations in the types of Cashmere as per their fineness and quality. As much
as customers dislike the fact that Cashmere does have a lot of variations, which makes
customers puzzled at times. How to choose from these grades of Cashmere? Which grade of
Cashmere is original? What is the best grade for Cashmere? We will come to answers to these
questions when we know the three Grades of Cashmere wool.

Before knowing about the best grade of Cashmere, it is known that Cashmere has diverse variations. The diversity in the quality of Cashmere brings confusion about the authenticity of the Cashmere wool. However, there are several ways to know about the authentic quality of Cashmere wool. Those techniques for determining the quality of Cashmere are purely based on the physical characteristics as well as the composition.

Grades of Cashmere

Cashmere, is known for its softness and fineness as well as for its quality of warmth. Also, it is a
lightweight wool that is a must for all seasons. Cashmere wool has so many kinds that a person
often caught up in confusion about which one is most durable and fine in quality.
Therefore, we have gathered here the three main Grades of Cashmere wool to make you
understand the exclusiveness of high-quality Cashmere.

Grade A

It is the finest quality Cashmere. Grade A reserves under it the fine Cashmere with a diameter of
fibres as low as 14 to 16 microns. In addition, fine quality or Grade A Cashmere is the softest
and longest. The more softness, the more fineness and quality. Therefore, the highest grade of
Cashmere is procured only from the Changra Goats in Ladakh. The Maximum length of the hair
equals the degree of softness. Therefore, the high quality of the Grade A Cashmere makes it
suitable for the crafting of soft luxurious Pashmina accessories as Pashmina itself is the highest
quality craft. Pashmina.com uses Grade A quality Cashmere wool in all the accessories to
recognize the fact of fineness and authenticity in each strand of Cashmere wool.

Moreover, the remarkable journey of Grade A Cashmere from Ladakh to Kashmir is deciphered in the Fashion accessories of Pashmina. Our platform glorifies the fine Cashmere by handing it over to the
The craft of Pashmina reveals the fine luxurious Pashmina Shawls, Cashmere Wraps and
Cashmere Scarves.

Grade B

This is the next soft grade of Cashmere which is thicker than Grade A Cashmere. It has a
diameter of 18 to 20 microns. It can be considered soft and fine but has an average quality when
compared to Grade A Cashmere. Moreover, the durability factor of Grade B Cashmere is also
very low and it is less valuable than Grade A Cashmere. This type of Cashmere can be
obtained from other breeds of cashmere-producing Goats like Mongolian Cashmere Goats and
several other breeds.

Grade C

This is the lowest grade of Cashmere wool with the lowest quality. The fibres are more than 30
microns in diameter. The coarseness of the Cashmere is evident as it is very soft and less
durable. Also, it is the cheapest quality Cashmere wool with minimum softness and fineness.

History of the Finest Cashmere

Before knowing the procedure of procuring and crafting the finest quality or Grade A Cashmere
from Ladakh, there is a need to know about the origin of the finest Cashmere. It began in the
13th century when a Persian saint was travelling across the globe. Mir Syed Ali Hamdani was a
sage from the Middle East. The footprints of a saint Mir Syed Ali Hamdani from the middle east
came to Kashmir with 700 craftsmen to adorn the beauty of the valley and to spread the holy
message. He rested his feet in the region of Changhthanghi Ladakh. Thus, the saint landed its
appearance on Changthangi Mountain in Ladakh.

While perceiving nature, he locked his eyes on the Goat of marvellous wool. Awestruck with the softness and fineness of the wool, he made socks out of it and gifted them to the Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen of Kashmir Valley. Perceiving the beauty of Cashmere wool, suggested making an industry that cultivates the Pashmina in desirable styles. This was the best-grade Cashmere. And to this day, Cashmere acquired from
Ladakh, India is the best grade of Cashmere.

Procuring the best-grade Cashmere

cashmere goats in ladakh — Changra goats with herder in Ladakh

The Changhthanghi mountain has a certain minimum temperature in the winter season. The
breeze of winter is harsh in the region wherein there are surviving fauna of nature. The animals
adapt themselves to these harsh winter days and nights. The temperature goes to about 50°C.
The unique and rare breed of Changra Goats also survives the harsh climate by developing a
thick coat of wool all over their bodies. Also called Kashmir Goats. Medium-sized
with twisted horns are the unique features of Changra Goats. Eventually, when the seasons
change and the climate is moving towards the summertime, the goats tend to Shedd wool from
their bodies to relish the freshness of the season. Also, combed out by the herders
of the Changpa tribe. The beauty of the fine wool is exquisite.

The fineness and softness of the wool are up to the mark. This finest wool is called Ladakhi Cashmere. The wool is softest and mushy in texture. Afterwards, the Cashmere wool, transferred to the Vale of Kashmir to be crafted in the heritage of its beauty is finest.

Pashmina Art is the crafting of the finest or the best-grade Cashmere wool procured from
Changhthanghi for distinct luxurious accessories.

Defining the Art of Pashmina through Cashmere

The Art of Pashmina commences as soon as the tufts of wool reach the Kashmir Valley. The wool is cleaned and dried in the sunlight. Thereby worked upon by the women in the Kashmir Valley. Therefore, fine wool is distributed to households for the process of Spinning. Spinning is the meticulous translation of Cashmere wool to fine Cashmere Yarn. It is done on a wooden wheel called yinder. Spinning is mainly done by women. The process needs high precision and skill. Therefore, the adequate skill of women artisans presents the premium yarn for the next process.

Weaving is the next step in Pashmina Art. It is the process of crafting fine yarn into premium fabric. The highly skilled artisans work on the handlooms set up in the local workshops/ karkhanas. Also, the handlooms are mostly made of forest wood. The artisans, mainly male artisans, work meticulously on the fine yarn. By creating magical warps and wefts using their hands and feet, the fine fabric comes into existence. The supremely premium fabric turned into the further steps of designing is highly versatile.

Designing of the premium Cashmere fabric

The process of designing commences as soon as the faith of the finest Cashmere is adorned.
The marvellous hands of artisans whirl in the designs and sing songs of art on the finest Cashmere. The surrounding aura of the valley signifies the profound design in diverse ways. There are three main styles in Pashmina Art; Cashmere Wraps, Cashmere Scarves and Pashmina Shawls. Also, Pashmina Art is the crafting of the finest Ladakhi Cashmere to a diverse range of accessories in distinct designs.

The distinct designs in the Pashmina Art unravel the premium quality of Cashmere with mesmerizing embroideries, prints, patterns, weaves, embellishments, etc. With definite designs imbibed on the best-grade Cashmere, the collection of Pashmina touches the mark of authenticity. There are humongous types of designs that cater to the fashion world with the utmost luxury. Moreover, the hand-skill of artisans speak of the luxurious collection at pashmina. com is the hues of culture, heritage, and craftsmanship.

Also read: CASHMERE- THE FINEST PATH OF PASHMINA ART

The Exquisitely unique features of Ladakhi Cashmere

There are several breeds in the world around for the production of Cashmere. Australian, Liaoning, Inner Mongolian, Xinjiang, Hexi, Zhonghwei, Luliang, Changhthanghi, etc are some of the breeds. The definite production of Cashmere wool is well-defined by each breed. The large producers are the countries like Mongolia, Iran, and Tibet. Also, the Changhthanghi or Changra breed of goats produces the finest of all breeds. Although, the quantitative production of Changra wool is less than 1% of total production. But, the fineness reaches the marks of authenticity and adequate warmth. We have listed some features to mark the uniqueness of Ladakhi Cashmere.

1. The fine size in microns

The Ladakhi Cashmere is the finest and it has the least coarseness. The Cashmere obtained from the Changra Goats is the finest. It is obtained by combing out manually the fine wool from the Changra Goats. Fine wool is translated into fine and elegant accessories by Pashmina Art. The supremely defined Pashmina Artwork of the finest wool is 12 to 16 microns in diameter. Thus, the finest of all the diverse wools. In addition, the best grade of Cashmere all around. It is thinner than a human hair. Therefore, the finest wool belongs to the clan of softness and elegance.

2. The Warmth

Due to its high fineness and premium quality, the Ladakhi Cashmere is the warmest. The Changra Goats develop a type of wool to combat the harsh temperature. Thus, the Cashmere wool is procured from the Changra Goats and manually crafted in each step. Also, the process of crafting it manually enhances and retains its high quality and fineness. Therefore, the Ladakhi wool has adequate warmth in every style of Pashmina Art.

The quality of best-grade Pashmina is adorned in its adequate warmth. The endless collection not only provides warmth but also proves to be your representative of premium style. The authenticity of the Cashmere wool directly admires the quality of warmth that further describes the luxury of warmth.

3. The Versatility

making of pashmina — Making of Cashmere fabric

From the undercoat of Changra Goats, fine wool is obtained. Then, it is crafted in the horizons
of Kashmir Valley. After cleaning, spinning and weaving, the finest wool explicitly pours into itself
the versatile designs of mesmerizing styles. The collection caters to all genders with its
beauty of fashion and luxury. There are definite three styles in Pashmina viz; Cashmere Wraps,
Cashmere Scarves and Pashmina Shawls. There are endless designs in each of the three styles of
Pashmina Craft. The endless designs are crafted with various techniques including patterns,
prints, Embroideries, embellishments, gradation in hues, etc. Therefore, the Versatile nature of
this wool to the tranquil craft of Pashmina.

4. The Luxurious Appearance

pashmina shawl — Shameer has been crafted out of pure and fine Cashmere, and hand embroidered in the regal realms of Tilla embroidery

The luxurious appearance due to the fine texture of Ladakhi Cashmere is marvellous. Moreover,
the unique designs in every style are luxuriously defined by the look of the finest wool. Thus,
drenching the whole Ladakhi wool in glory signifies its luxurious sense of being. The
appearance significantly defines the softness of the high-grade Cashmere. The high quality
directly appears in the touch and feel of the Cashmere fabric. Whether it is a Shawl, Wrap or
Scarf, the fineness is evident in each fold of the luxury. The masterpieces created under
Pashmina is highly luxurious as the process of crafting is rich and efficient.

The softness of each masterpiece presents you with a marvellous appearance that feels so fine on your shoulders whenever you drape the luxury of a Pashmina accessory. Therefore, the richness of each masterpiece upheaves your presence with the luxury described by high-end fashion.

Also read: WHAT IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE CASHMERE?

Why choose the best grade of Cashmere

It is true that if one does not buy the best Kashmiri (or Ladakhi) Cashmere, they are bound to
pay the price, whether in terms of quality or durability. But many variants of Cashmere are
somewhat beautiful and warm like the original Cashmere. However that does not last long, and
after just a few years, these shawls do wither. It is also very crucial to know about the quality
and authenticity of Cashmere wool. The quality and beauty of the finest Cashmere are
remarkable when it is of the highest Grade. Choosing the finest quality Cashmere will make
your life beautiful by having a luxurious accessory of such high richness and warmth.

In addition, buying high-quality Cashmere is like investing in a luxury that will last long all your life.
Hence, we advise buyers to choose Ladakhi Cashmere apparel and accessories whenever they
require to invest in Cashmere. Many reasons to do so are listed below;

Reasons to buy Pure Cashmere

Cashmere, which comes from Kashmir, is the warmest and soft. Such warmth and softness have not been found in any of its variants.
Cashmere that comes from Ladakh is the highest grade of Cashmere wool. The Changra Goats produce fine Cashmere wool once every year as they are a rare species. Therefore, only around 80 to 170 gms of Ladakhi Cashmere are produced during a year. Therefore, it is considered the rarest.
Also, other breeds of it produce several times more as there are almost 400 million Cashmere eliciting Goats all over the world. Consequently, the production caters to the manufacture of different styles like Pashmina Shawls, Cashmere Scarves, and Cashmere Wraps.
Artisans from Kashmir are exceptionally skilful. They have the perfect skill to turn raw Cashmere into luxury finished products through the process of Pashmina. The skill of the generations of artisans is beautifully defined in each masterpiece of Pashmina Art.
Traditional tools used in Kashmir for the processing of Cashmere are indigenous to the valley. Spinning wheels, which are used to spin lumps of Cashmere to fine threads, are made of wood, yet produce fibre of diameter 12 to 16 microns.

Some more reasons:

The handlooms made of forest wood, which are responsible for weaving fine fibre to fabric, are immensely efficient and take days, months and years together to process fibre to fine shawls, scarves or accessories.
The Cashmere from Kashmir is the best grade, and this is proved by the fact that they last for more than 25 years if they are in pure form.
Ladakhi Cashmere is processed manually. Artisans from the remotest corners of the valley come together and indulge in the processing of Cashmere which at times takes years to complete. Therefore, it is proven by the luxury of Cashmere that Pure is always the best.
There are several grades of Cashmere. But the one that comes from Ladakh is considered the best and the purest form. The best grade of Cashmere is used in the Pashmina shawls, which are famous all over the world.

Pashmina.com serves you with the best grade of Cashmere

We, at pashmina.com, cater to the world with the finest Cashmere hand-procured from Ladakh.
The rare species of Goats of Changra develop the finest wool and the Changpa tribe herders
manually comb out the soft wool of the highest grade. We support the artisans of Kashmir to
craft fine Cashmere to luxurious accessories of Cashmere Wraps, Cashmere Scarves and
Pashmina Shawls. The elegance of each masterpiece speaks of the luxury of fashion. Further, with the
crafting of high-grade Cashmere, we rely on the concept of Sustainable Fashion by which we
continue to sustain the lives of Artisans by providing adequate wages. In addition, the use of
manual ways to procure and craft adds to the fact that pashmina.com is a platform with
Sustainability and Eco-conscious.

Reviving Pashmina

With authentic quality Cashmere wool, the master collection on our platform enriched by the hand skill of artisans who work with precision on every masterpiece at our platform. The endless collection, adorned with the luxury of nature of the Valley of Kashmir is versatile. The revival of the heritage of the handicraft is a forte of our platform where the concept of reviving the traditional craft is a must. Revealing the exuberant collection not only proves to be a fashion statement but also revives the Craft of Pashmina through the hands of people who own Pashmina for generations.

Therefore, we support the artisans of the remotest areas of Kashmir to make your masterpiece rich in the generational craft of Pashmina as well as sustain the livelihood of artisans by providing adequate wages. Therefore, the masterpieces you buy are certainly a part of support to the artisan and a part of our Sustainable fashion.