In times of endless fashion, luxury bestows a timeless beauty. Pashmina from the traditional whirls of the valley of Kashmir. Belonging to the mountains, rivers, and winds of paradise, Pashmina cherishes every horizon with fineness and luxury. The craft confers to the fashion of eras from royalty to contemporary. Beyond the clouds of purity, the shine of opulence remains radiant. Pashmina shawl in the world around enthrals the lives of its wearers by spreading a charm of fineness all over their presence.

The opulent beginning

Cashmere is obtained from numerous breeds of Goats from around the world. Cashmere confers mostly to the countries like Mongolia, Iran, Tibet, Nepal, etc. It is the fine wool taken from the undercoat of Goats of distinct breeds. Cashmere, from the undercoat of the Changra breed of Goats in the Ladakh region of India, is the finest. The goats of the rare fine wool are quite brilliant in shedding their wool in the times of summer. These Changra goats are found at the feet of Changthanghi mountain of Ladakh. The area is highly cold in winter due to which the goats cover up their bodies with fine pelage. Therefore, Cashmere wool helps them to sustain their lives in harsh winters. When seasons move ahead, the harshness turns into the sunshine of summer. The goats shed off the wool with the help of coarse rocks and trees.

Although, the herders of the Changra breed from the Changpa breed manually pluck out or comb the Cashmere wool diligently. Thus, the fleece obtained is pure. Furthermore, the fleece grows toward the steps ahead for the curation of high-quality Pashmina.

The wool captures the glaze of yarn through the process of spinning. Mostly, done by the womenfolk of the families. The highly skilled women spin the yarn on the yinder, a wheel. Therefore, the finest yarn is diligently picked and moved forward for the process of manual weaving. The weaving commences as soon as the glorified yarn comes to the handloom. The artisans of vivid skill weave meticulously. Thus, the Pashmina Shawl of elegance comes into graceful existence.

In the presence of saintly history

Pashmina, the crafting of the finest Cashmere has a unique journey. It dates back to the 15th century in the Kashmir Valley of India. 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. The saint landed its appearance in the 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 By the beauty of Cashmere wool, suggested making an industry that cultivates this Art in desirable styles. Even the name Pashmina, derived from the Persian word, pashm, meaning "the soft gold" is exquisite in being.

In addition, the emperor Akbar had such a fondness for the Pashmina shawls that he gave them an admirable nickname, parm-name meaning “supremely soft”. It was a craft of desire not only for Mughals and Sikh Maharajas but also for the Iranian nobles, Armenian merchants, and French empresses like Josephine and their ladies. In addition, British aristocrats also were fond of it. Therefore, the Europeans with an accent of Kashmir called the finest wool Cashmere. Though, Cashmere is the finest wool while Pashmina is the way of crafting the finest wool in several moulds of intricacies.

Pashmina moves ahead with heritage

Loads of designs and motifs from the valley are incorporated into the Pashmina. The craft confers to the journey of designs in the cradle of the heritage of the valley. After the hand-looming of pashminas, the Pashmina Shawl is created with premium fineness. Afterwards, the Pashmina Shawls move towards creativity. Therefore, the role of highly skilled artisans comes into play. The edges of the heritage, filled with the frills of luxuriously fine Pashmina give unique ways of crafting it. Similarly, the Pashmina Shawls are crafted endlessly to preserve the heritage and revive the culture.

Treasure of Perfection

Pashmina Shawls are exquisitely divine in their creation. There are distinct versions of Pashmina Shawls. Every style is unique as well as explicit in presence. The highly skilled artisans cater to every style with intricacy.

Solid Pashmina Shawls

The Ladakhi Goat brings the finest premium quality Cashmere. Therefore, the wool is cleaned and woven to give a glamorous finish to the several Shawls. The solid Pashmina shawls give rise to several other styles by designing the intricacies unto themselves. The pigmenting of these takes place in the sphere of the local dyer called Rangur. The exquisite colours are dodged with authenticity on the Pashmina Shawls to scatter an aura of opulence in every direction. Moreover, the warmth of these Shawls in the season of cold feels like it's directly taken from nature i-e., the wool of Changra Goats. Ethically produced handwoven Shawls are thereupon the elegantly simple Pashmina Shawls.

Reversible Pashmina Shawls

The warm undercoat of Changra Goats from the Changthanghi mountain of Ladakh gives the premium Cashmere. From Cashmere wool to its creative craft called Pashmina, the journey is meticulous. Several designs confer its journey of glory. Hence, there are explicit Pashmina Shawls in the pattern of the Reversible style. Also called do-rukha in the local language. The unique weave caters to the bloomed intricacy distinctly. The luxurious appearance of the Reversible Pashmina Shawl confers the beauty of hand-weave on the handloom of the Kashmir Valley. Woven with two different colours from either side of one single shawl. The glorious appearance comes into fashion. Moreover, the authentic reversible Pashmina Shawl is a versatile accessory in the world of fashion.

Printed Pashmina Shawls

The natural and finest Cashmere is tinted with digital prints. From the tales of regions to the stories of religions, the prints depict the traditions. The digital prints scribed as per the design of a particular Pashmina confer the creativity of the artisans. The meticulous prints over the Shawls create a sense of glory in their being. The prints admire it with the wings of colourful patterns. In addition, the explicit prints over the Pashmina shawls touch the distinct colours of nature by indulging in the process of uniqueness. Moreover, the printed Pashmina Shawls are worthy of every eye to pour love over them.

Embroidered Pashmina Shawls

The hand embroideries on the elegant Pashmina Shawl confer the nature of intricacy. The highly skilled artisans from the valley of Kashmir bestow the glory. The different types of embroideries like Sozni, Aari, Paper mache, Tilla dozi, etc. The intricacy and skill of artisans rely on a pattern of well-defined designs with uniqueness. There exist traditional motifs for the exquisite embroideries. The fine embroideries devour a sense of luxurious skill with patience in every masterpiece. Moreover, with some alterations given to the nature of hand-embroidered Pashmina shawls to enhance the living world inside the designs, the fashion explores. With time, the embroiderers have made their way to a level unreached because of the explicit and divine depiction mostly nature from where the Cashmere wool itself is obtained.

Ombre Pashmina Shawls

The premium pellage of the Changra Goats brings forth the rarest Cashmere wool. The fleece, transferred to the valley of Kashmir is the finest. Thereby, the crafting starts with ethical and natural procedures. Hence, the distinct styles are curated. The creation of Ombre Pashmina belongs to the dyeing of distinct colours in grades The Shawl is pigmented with a sequence of shades and tones. The altogether look of beautiful styles prevails in the fashion world as a luxury accessory. The Ombre Pashmina shawls, created by the radiance of different colours are exquisite. The handcrafted Ombre is the path of luxury fashion because of the versatility in its creation.

Patterned Pashmina Shawls

After the production of the finest Cashmere, the handloom weaves the pashminas describing the craft of Pashmina. The highly skilled weavers of the valley of Kashmir weave the patterns with tranquillity. Diverse patterns woven on the high-quality Pashmina Shawl are explicit. The weaves in the variety of pigments create and stylize the luxury of patterns. The different luxurious patterns overview the uniqueness of the Art of Pashmina.

Also read: PASHMINA SHAWL: TESTIMONY OF THE TRAVELERS

Laced Pashmina Shawls

The Changra goats produce premium Cashmere wool. The art of Pashmina curates the Cashmere wool and moulds it into different styles to make luxury out of it. The togetherness of different handicrafts builds uniqueness in appearance. Therefore, the french Chantilly lace incorporated in the handcrafted Pashmina Shawls makes the onlooker awestruck by the intricate designed beauty of these laced Pashmina Shawls. The Laced Pashmina Shawls cater to the luxury of fashion with the diligence of artisans.

Swarovski Crystals Pashmina Shawls

From the finest Cashmere wool of Ladakhi Changra goats, premium Pashmina Art comes into existence. Therefore, a simple elegantly designed Shawl imbibes the luxurious Swarovski crystals with glamour. The handicraft with embellished precious Swarovski crystals gives a glance of authenticity and glamour at the same time. The elegance, and radiance near the creation of these are extraordinarily cherished in the fashion world. Therefore, it identifies a high premium quality Pashmina Shawl on the wearer. The glory confers the luxury of being a meticulous Pashmina Shawl.

Also read: WHERE ARE THE PASHMINA SHAWLS WORN?

Kani Pashmina Shawls

The Kani Shawl craft originated in the era of 3000 B.C.Mughals have been into its intricate designs from that century. The Kani word belongs to the dialect of the Kashmiri language which has roots in the place of Kanihama. The weavers have got the desire and skill to sustain their survival and to create a fashion craving Kani Shawl. Henceforth, the weaving, preceded by the Kanis are the wooden sticks of hand size made of forest wood known to as “poss tul”. The Kanis have a colourful thread around to present their wefts in an already warped Shawl. Thus, the weaving begins by galloping the colourful threads around the Kanis. Moreover, the artisans skillfully do the work with the hands of the heavens. A particular number of Kanis was used for the weaving of one Kani shawl.

Living among the exclusive collection

At pashmina.com, our collection of opulence caters to men and women folk all around the world. The exquisite virtues of each piece in the form of distinct designs are supreme. The diverse styles cherish the opulence of every form of accessory. At the same time, the artisans belong to our community of originality. Moreover, artisans confer to the creation of premium quality in every possible way. Similarly, the sustainability of nature prefers to be in our confinement of authenticity. Therefore, having one of the masterpieces of Pashmina Art will enhance the way of presence.

Also read: IS PASHMINA THE SAME AS SILK?

Oftentimes, Silk and Cashmere are talked about due to the nature of wearable accessories. Pashmina is the crafting of the finest Cashmere wool that is obtained from an animal. Whilst, silk is obtained from the cocoon of silkworm on the mulberry trees. In addition, Silk is worn particularly in the summer and Pashmina accessories are worn in the winter months as well as summer months. In addition, the two different fabrics, Silk and Cashmere are entirely different in their procuring as well in their appearance.

Differences between Silk and Pashmina

There are very evident and huge differences in the two types of fabrics viz; Silk and Cashmere. We have gathered some differences that will vividly clear all the confusion.

Pashmina is the luxurious craft and Silk is the fabric

Pashmina is the crafting of the finest Cashmere procured from Changra Goats of Changhthanghi. Cashmere is the premium wool that is considered the most luxurious fabric in the world due to its fineness. On the other hand, silk is a fabric more course than Cashmere. Also, silk is a fabric procured from the cocoon of silkworms. The silk thread is made thicker on the spinning wheel to make it stronger to survive.

In Pashmina, Cashmere is the finest and Silk is delicate

Cashmere is the finest wool procured from Changra Goats. It is procured by the hands of herdsmen. It is 12 to 16 microns in diameter. Whilst silk is obtained from the cocoon of the moth of the silkworm. It is courser and is very delicate. It is made thicker by spinning it several times to make the strength to make fabric.

Pashmina is the handicraft and Silk fabric is machine made

Pashmina is an Art of handcrafting the finest Ladakhi Cashmere. It is an explicit journey of finest Cashmere recalling its soulful bliss. From the procurement to the handcrafting of the finest Cashmere, the art witnesses the overall arrival of luxurious craft. All the steps in Pashmina are done by hand. Thus, preserving the high quality. On the other hand, the thicker thread made from spinning can be done by hand machines like charkha. In power machines in the factory, it is also done. Also, another material blending is done by adding poly or cotton or anything so that the thread is stronger to survive.

Pashmina is the craft of Kashmir and Silk fabric is crafted in several states

Pashmina is predominately found in the Kashmir Valley. It is the crafting of the finest Cashmere procured from Changhthanghi, Ladakh. It is the journey of Cashmere wool from Ladakh to Kashmir. Also, Pashmina is the hallmark of Kashmir Valley. While, Silk is crafted in several states of India like Banaras, Tamil Nadu, Bengal, etc.

Pashmina is a rare craft and silk is the craft in abundance

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 Cashmere Goat, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Hexi, Zhonghwei, Tibetan Plateau, Luliang breeds, Changthanghi, etc. Therefore, all the breeds produce the Cashmere wool that produces the warmth. The exclusive breed of goats called Changra Goats is rare species of goats. And the production is very low due to this rare species found only in Changhthanghi. While Silk is found abundantly in the country of India as the production is quite high and is not confined to only one region of India.

Also read: PASHMINA CRAFT - WHO FOUNDED PASHMINA?

Procuring the finest Cashmere

It all starts in the region of Ladakh. The temperature in the mountain of Changhthanghi goes to a minimum of 20°C. Nature inhibits many movements. But, a rare breed of goats called Changra Goats dwells in this harsh climate. To combat this winter, they develop thick wool on their bodies. The Changra goats are also called Kashmir Goats. They are medium-sized Goats with two twisted horns. They are mainly grazed for the production of fine Wool. The fine wool they develop in the winter season is naturally shed off against rocks, and trees by them. Moreover, the herders of the Changpa tribe also manually comb out the wool. The fine wool is called Cashmere wool. 

Pashmina Art of Kashmir

The tufts of Cashmere wool leave the Ladakh region to reach the valley of Kashmir. The tufts are packed in small packets. The art of Pashmina caters to these tufts of Cashmere wool. Therefore, the Cashmere wool is cleaned, soaked, and dried in the sunlight to get dirt and grime of any sort apart. Afterward, the Cashmere wool is taken to the households where women folk spin the Cashmere wool into fine yarn. The spinning process is done on a wheel of wool called yinder in the local language. The women spun the Cashmere wool diligently to get the finest Cashmere yarn. The yarn is collected around the spindles for further processes.

Further, the Cashmere yarn is taken to the local karkhanas/workshops where several handlooms are fixed. These handlooms are made of forest wood. The highly skilled artisans work upon the handlooms using their hands and feet in coordination with the process. The process of weaving is to use Cashmere yarn to create warps and wefts. Thus, producing a whole fine Cashmere fabric. The Cashmere produced is given the required dimensions. Thus, crafting the Pashmina shawl.

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

Production of Silk

The process starts with Sericulture which is the process of gathering silkworms and harvesting the cocoon to collect the materials required. Then, after maturation, the silkworm will begin spinning its cocoon by rotating its body in a figure-8 movement around 300,000 times. Afterward, there are the steps of thread extraction, Spinning, Dyeing, Weaving, and Printing. This completes the production.

Cashmere is the luxurious wool and Silk is the fabric of sheen

The fabric of Cashmere for Pashmina is pure and fine. While silk is denser than pure Cashmere. Silk has a sheen because of the silk blending. While Cashmere fabric of like 100% cashmere wool. It is softer and fluffier than Silk.

Also read: WHERE ARE THE PASHMINA SHAWLS WORN?

Is Pashmina Similar to Silk

While both pashmina and silk are used to create high-quality textiles, they differ in terms of their origin, texture, warmth, and overall characteristics. Pashmina is prized for its warmth and softness, while silk is admired for its sheen and smoothness.

Styling up for winter means graceful styling. And since the weather outside won’t help much, we need to find something indoors. Something that bestows a pleasant warmth as well as doesn’t make us look like a pile of warm clothes. Warm scarves made from Cashmere wool are undoubtedly the best winter companions. A Cashmere scarf is as warm as it is lightweight. These are stylish, whether you like them traditional or contemporary. These are versatile, whether you like accessorizing in plains, prints, or embroideries. And above all, they are the perfect companions for the colder days, when all one needs is to keep warm. 

What is a Cashmere scarf made from?

A Cashmere scarf is made from Cashmere wool which is acquired from a few places in Asia. But the best quality Cashmere is found in Ladakh, North India, where the Changthangi goat grows it as an undercoat. Raw wool is sourced in the Spring or summer season. It is cleaned, spun, woven, and transformed into luxury accessories like Cashmere scarves, shawls, or even apparel. 

How is Cashmere Acquired?

Cashmere wool grows as the down coat of an exotic goat species. These goats are found in the upper regions of the Himalayas, and as such are produced by China, Mongolia, Tibet, Ladakh, and other places primarily. Even though China and Mongolia produce around 90 percent of the total Cashmere in the world, it is Ladakhi Cashmere that is considered the best and the finest and warmest of all varieties. So here we discuss the acquisition of Ladakhi Cashmere for the making of a Cashmere scarf because that is what deserves major attention.

In Ladakh, a place called Changthang hosts a rare goat species which grows Cashmere wool as a down coat. This is grown on its body in harsh winters as a defense against the lowest of temperatures. The weather is as cold as -50 degrees C for roughly 6 months. In the Spring-Summer seasons, this coat of fine and warm fleece is naturally shed by the goat, to be collected by its herders. Some portion of the wool left on the body of the goat is professionally combed off gently. All the wool is collected and packed into pouches. These are sent to Kashmir for processing.

Processing Cashmere

The making of a scarf is pretty humble. Cashmere is received in Kashmir in small pouches made by Ladakhi herders, who clean the wool at the first stage. In Kashmir, it is cleaned again and then sent for spinning. Spinning takes place on a wooden spinning wheel which transforms the lumps of wool into yarn. The yarn is fine and is carefully hand woven on handloom (traditional Kashmiri wooden hand looms), to be converted into luxury scarves, shawls, or apparel. This is how Cashmere scarves are made

Characteristics of a Cashmere Scarf

A Cashmere scarf is a luxury by all means. Here are some wondrous features that make it a must-have for women of all ages and lifestyles:

• A Cashmere scarf is handmade which starts from the acquisition of Cashmere wool. Be it cleaning wool, spinning, weaving, embroidery, and design, every step in the process of making a Cashmere scarf is manual. There is no inference of a machine

• A Cashmere scarf is warm and comfortable. Cashmere wool is 8 times warmer than sheep wool, and hence ideal for those who are more cold intolerant.

• Cashmere scarves come in all styles for different occasions. These scarves can be embroidered, printed, patterned, ombre dyed, solid, laced, or else customized for the user preferences too.

• The minimal-looking Cashmere scarf has a deep rich history. These were owned and preferred by royalty all over the world. It was Empress Josephine, however, who owned hundreds of Kani Cashmere and set these to a timeless fashion. Her portraits are still seen in museums across the world wearing Cashmere shawls and scarves. 

• Cashmere scarves are breathable and do not cause a lot of sweat. They are good insulators, and hence feel comfortable rather than a huge burden of hot fabric over you.

• A Cashmere scarf is timeless. Some of these scarves are 25-30 years old and do not feel old and ragged. In fact, these traditional pieces carry a grace of their own. These heirloom pieces are given by mothers to their daughters as the best wedding gifts.

Also read: HOW MUCH SHOULD A CASHMERE SCARF COST?

Concluding

The most beautiful part of a Cashmere scarf is that it is made from fine and smooth Cashmere wool. Who knew that such a humble beginning could lead to the production of such opulent accessories? Be it scarves, shawls, wraps, or apparel, anything made from Cashmere is worth all the attention. If you happen to be living in colder regions or are planning to holiday in such places, do not forget to carry a Cashmere scarf with you. It will be your ideal partner for years to come. 

Also read: HOW DO I BUY GOOD QUALITY CASHMERE?

Cashmere is a luxury in itself. It is one of the most expensive, fine, and warm wool types to be ever discovered. For this reason, it is often discussed with regard to its price and purity. A pure Cashmere shawl is made from Cashmere acquired from the Himalayan goats. Since women all over the world cherish Cashmere shawls, certain traders have started to sell fake or mixed Cashmere shawls. For this reason "how to buy good quality Cashmere" is a worry for shoppers, as pure Cashmere shawls are the least available in today's markets. Let's find out several stops where Cashmere shawls should be found. But first, do we even know what Cashmere is?

What is Cashmere?

Cashmere is the fine hair that is grown on Himalayan goats. All the goats are collectively called Cashmere goats but are found in different regions around the Himalayas. As such, Cashmere is produced by China and Mongolia, which are the largest suppliers of Cashmere in the world. About 90% of the world's Cashmere production comes from China and Mongolia. But the finest and best quality Cashmere is produced by the Ladakhi goat known as the Changthangi goat. It is the Cashmere from Changthangi goat which is processed and converted into the world-famous Cashmere shawls. Cashmere shawls have been cherished by royalty all over the world since ancient times. 

History of Cashmere 

Cashmere was discovered in Ladakh for the first time in the 14th century when a saint from Persia visited the Kashmir valley. The saint on his visit accidentally discovered the fine fleece growing over the body of the Changthangi goat and asked its herders to produce socks out of it. As soon as the socks were complete, they proved to be the warmest and soft socks ever. It was so beautiful and comfortable that it was gifted to the then king of Kashmir. The king, too impressed by the quality of the socks, ordered processing units to be set up in Kashmir, for the processing of Cashmere. Since then Cashmere has been processed in the valley of Kashmir to make luxury Cashmere shawls. 

Sourcing Cashmere

Acquiring Cashmere is one of the toughest jobs ever. The goat grows the wool in the winter season. This is a defense mechanism against the harsh -50 degrees that the region experiences. The extra warm fleece keeps the goat going even in such low temperatures. But as soon as Spring arrives, the same wool causes discomfort to the animal. As a result, the goat sheds some wool naturally, some by rubbing itself on coarse surfaces. The rest, still attached to its body, is combed off by professionals. This is Cashmere wool. It is cleaned, sorted, and packed into small packs and sent to Kashmir to get processed. 

Processing Cashmere

Wool from Ladakh is again cleaned and sorted. It is then spun and hand woven to transform lumps of wool into resplendent Cashmere shawls. These shawls are exported to countries across the globe, especially European nations. 

Where to buy Cashmere shawls?

Cashmere is pricey due to being in high demand. A goat produces just 150 -1200 grams of Cashmere, and as such wool from 3-4 goats is needed to make one shawl. Cashmere is season-dependent, and manufacturers have to wait one full season for just some amount of Cashmere. All these factors make Cashmere shawls worth a careful buy. That is because there are plenty of fake pieces in the markets which claim to be Cashmere shawls but are not. Keep the following points in mind while buying Cashmere shawls.

Also read: THE GRACE OF LUXURIOUS PASHMINA SHAWLS

How do I buy good quality Cashmere?

Finding good quality, original Cashmere is a challenge nowadays. But if one has the proper knowledge and is well read about pure Cashmere, they can easily buy good quality Cashmere shawls, wraps, or scarves. 

If one keeps these points in mind, they might end up buying the best quality Cashmere.

Buying from Reliable Sellers

Always buy from authentic sellers, mostly those who have a reputation for selling pure. See reviews from shoppers. Ask their customers, but always shop from the sellers who have a long-lived reputation of selling pure Cashmere

Checking the Authenticity tag

Check the GI Pashmina tag on the Cashmere shawl when you buy it. A GI (Geographical Indication) indicates that the shawl is pure and that it has been handcrafted using traditional techniques.  

Checking the Certificate of Purity

Ask your seller for a certificate of purity. If he is not able to produce the same, chances are that he is selling fake pieces. All Cashmere products should be certified and the certificate should be available to the sellers of the same. 

Good quality Cashmere is hard to find, but the beauty, softness, warmth, and elegance that Cashmere has always been known for, are only found in pure Cashmere. Fake shawls tend to deplete in a few years, whereas pure Cashmere lasts for a lifetime. 

Also read: WHERE ARE THE PASHMINA SHAWLS WORN?

A hand-crafted Pashmina shawl is indeed the epitome of excellent craftsmanship. Be it spinning fine threads, weaving them together, embroidering the wrap or detailing it, every step of making these opulent wraps is artistic and aesthetic. Even though Pashmina shawls have a humble beginning in the nomadic hills of Changthang, it has managed to make a mark in Indian and foreign markets as well as luxury stores all over the world. 

What are Pashmina shawls?

Pashmina shawls are luxury wrap accessories, which are handcrafted from fine Cashmere wool. It is Cashmere which grows over the body of a Himalayan goat found all over the Himalayas. 

China and Mongolia produce 90% of the total Cashmere in the world. But it is Ladakhi Cashmere which is the winner as far as finesse, warmth, quality and wright are concerned. The wool is obtained from the undercoat of a specific breed of goats found in the high altitude of the Changthang region (sometimes referred to as the rooftop of the world) of the Himalaya ranges. Cashmere produced by the Ladakhi goat is handcrafted to make the world-famous Pashmina shawls, which have been set to a timeless fashion by Empress Josephine in the 18th century. Soon after that, Pashmina shawls made from Ladakhi Cashmere wool fascinated royalty and commoners all over the world, and exports were made in bulk. 

Origin of Pashmina

The word Pashmina originates from the Persian word ‘Pashm’, which literally translates to 'soft gold'. Since it is made from the soft and precious Cashmere fibre, the name goes perfectly with it. Cashmere is unbelievably soft, smooth and warm. It has thus inspired folklores like; a Pashmina shawl is warm enough to hatch an egg! Even if this is not true, it shows how warm a Pashmina wrap keeps a person wearing it. For this reason, Pashmina shawls are worn in the coldest areas of the world, especially Kashmir.

Where can I buy a Pashmina shawl?

Since these luxury wraps are unique and the highest quality ones, these are in turn expensive. Hence buying the original shawl is essential if at all one needs to reap the benefits of a Pashmina shawl. Since traders have introduced fake Pashmina shawls in the markets, one cannot differentiate between pure and fake. But one can definitely keep some points in mind before going out to buy a Pashmina shawl.

• Always buy from authentic dealers. Pashmina is not something where you can try out new vendors just because they have some attractive designs. The seller should have a reputation, and his customers should testify on his behalf.

• If this isn't possible then one should ask the seller for the certificate of purity. Pashmina shawls are made from pure Cashmere, and these wraps are hence certified as pure. The certificate should be with the seller. If he is able to produce the same, there are high chances that this piece is original.

• The final testament for purity is the GI tag. The Geographical Indication is a gift that the government gave to pure Pashmina. A Pashmina shawl with a GI tag, means it is handspun and hand-woven using age-old traditional methods of handcrafting it. 

Also read: KASHMIRI PASHMINA - PURITY TESTING AND THE GI PASHMINA

Where are the Pashmina Shawls worn?

When Pashmina shawls were produced for the first time in Kashmir, the first takers were the locals. Local rulers, noblemen, kings and queens who ruled Kashmir were the ones who were swooned by the beauty of these shawls, and since the weather was favourable for the shawls to be used, their fashion began to spread. Soon Europeans knew about the warmth and softness of Pashmina shawls and travelled all the way from their countries to Kashmir to experience the sheer beauty of these luxury accessories. And after Europeans enjoyed the warmth and luxury of Pashmina in Kashmir, they planned to export the same to their own nations. Soon Pashmina shawls travelled to the US, France, UK, and Australia, hence spreading more and more besides Europe. 

Owing to their warmth and feathery light weight, Pashmina shawls are worn in those regions of the world where temperatures remain low. Women in these places prefer Pashmina to other wraps as it is lightweight and hence easy to carry around. Here are some places in the world where Pashmina is worn

• United States
• Nepal
• Italy
• India
• Bulgaria
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Mexico 
• And more

It is interesting to know that people even in some hottest regions of the world (like UAE where winters aren't freezing, opt for Pashmina shawls. The reason for this is the tourist interests as well as the breathtaking beauty of the shawls which compel visitors to at least buy one. 

Pashmina is a lifetime investment. If not purchased in pure form, it might last for a few years. Original shawls last for a lifetime (at least 30 years). But fake shawls last for a few years and wither with time eventually. 

Also read: PASHMINA CRAFT - WHO FOUNDED PASHMINA?

The creative realms in the world of fashion open doors for luxurious entities. The world is bestowed with the craft of Pashmina. You must be wondering, when is the first time Pashmina came into appearance? A long saga of creations belongs to the heritage of Kashmir Valley. The foundation and origin of Pashmina date back to old eras. The astonishing presence of Pashmina made an impact on local and religious histories.

Pashmina has come into the world with the revere of opulence. From historical eras to the contemporary eras through the window of a saintly era, Pashmina has gathered all along with the elegance of being finest. The mainspring of Pashmina dates quite a long back. It has traveled around the world with the wings of luxury sensing the admirers through its fineness.

Specific Creation of Pashmina

As Cashmere comes from the rarest breed of goats, the specialty reached the skies of royalty. From the time of civilizations like Harappa in the Indus Valley civilization, there are shreds of evidence of woolen shawls. Cashmere, from the fleece of a rare nomadic breed of goats. The breed explicitly found between Mongolia, China, Iran, Tibet, Northern India, and Afghanistan is pure. The Nepalese counted Cashmere with integrity and authenticity. Yet, the finest among all, obtained in the Ladakh region of India is Ladakhi cashmere. Thus, Cashmere Wool awestruck all the universe from the beginning of the history of handicrafts. Thereby, the creation of Pashmina prolongs the journey of Cashmere.

The Cashmere wool grown on the Changra goats is to combat the harsh winter season. To overcome the heat of nature, it naturally sheds off fleece during the moulting season. The fleece is combed or plucked out manually as well. Thereby, cultivated from nature to cherish every part of fleece. The premium quality, preserved by plucking out the fleece manually is a divine process. Furthermore, the fleece grows towards the steps ahead for the curation of high-quality Pashmina Shawls. From there, the fleece makes the yarn of glory. The yarn steps forward for the process of spinning to make glamorous pashms. Thereafter, the pashms get along on the handloom through the process of weaving to form elegant Pashmina Shawls by the Art of Pashmina.

The wellspring of Pashmina

Pashmina, the art of curating the finest grade of Cashmere distinctly has a unique journey. It dates back to the 15th century in the Kashmir Valley of India. 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. The saint landed its appearance in the Changthang Mountain in Ladakh. While perceiving nature, he locked his eyes on the goat of marvelous 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.

Thus, looking at the beauty of Cashmere wool he suggested making an industry that cultivates Cashmere in desirable styles. Further, processes like spinning and weaving of the finest Cashmere are termed the Pashmina Art. Even the name Pashmina, derived from the Persian word, pashm, meaning "the soft gold" is exquisite in being.

Emperor Akbar had such a fondness for the Pashmina shawl that he gave it an admirable nickname, parm-narm meaning “supremely soft”. It was a craft of desire not only for Mughals and Sikh Maharajas but also for the Iranian nobles, Armenian merchants, and French empresses like Josephine and their ladies. In addition, British aristocrats also were fond of it. And, eventually, the wealthy bourgeoisie made the Pashmina their luxurious entity presence.

Also read: HOW MUCH SHOULD A CASHMERE SCARF COST?

Collection of Pashmina as a Craft

Cashmere has been in the world since the 13th century in the region of Kashmir valley. Until the 19th century, the fine Cashmere wool, used by the Iranian rulers for several religious and political gatherings was explicit. In addition, in the 18th century, the glaze captured the Europeans and they started to import it to their countries especially Scotland and France. Afterward, the Pashmina Art came into existence by curating the finest Ladakhi Cashmere. The styles and designs in the craft of Pashmina were enthralling to all the people around the world. Not to forget that there were several woolen Shawls in the eras back. Yet, the elegance and radiance of Pashmina Shawls fell onto the world.

Thus, the exquisite creation of Pashmina Shawls after the weaving process is vividly defined. From the dyeing of the Pashmina Shawls to the intricate process of designing. The several styles catered to both men and women of those eras to the contemporary era.

Pashmina Craft - Revere in the designs

We, at Pashmina.com, support the artisans of the valley to curate the Pashmina of its finest quality. The eras move forward, yet the quality of Pashmina is preserved in the highly skilled hands of artisans. The exquisite designs from luxurious to spectacular fashion are in your way of glamour. Choosing one of our masterpieces, directly from the lap of nature will cater to your presence with opulence.

The premium quality Cashmere beneath the breath of Pashmina Art prolongs the timeless beauty. The unique and meticulous collection on our platform prefers both men and women. The inspiring masterpieces of diligence and patience bloom the fashion world with intricacy and marvelous styles. Having one in your closet brings joy to your occasions with heritage effects and the glorious journey of Pashmina itself. Also, on our platform, we support a large community of artisans, weavers, dyers, and womenfolk who spin the finest yarn. The integrity of Pashmina Craft belongs to the category of genuineness.

Also read: WHERE CAN I BUY AN ORIGINAL PASHMINA SHAWL?

If we are talking about the finest Cashmere Scarf then these are worth every penny of your money. The finest Cashmere in the world is the Cashmere wool from Changra goats. These goats are also called Kashmir Goats. There are several breeds of goats in the world that produce Cashmere wool. All the difference is in the fineness and softness. Typically, the finest Cashmere is 10 to 16 microns in diameter. It is beautifully hand-crafted which adds to its definition of luxury. We, at pashmina.com, use the high grade of finest Cashmere of 15.5 microns in diameter. We craft our Cashmere wool in the realm of Kashmir Valley to revive the culture and handicrafts of Kashmir. Cashmere wool was crafted in Kashmir for the first time. Let's go on a journey to the 13th century.

In the 13th century......

It dates back to the 15th century in the Kashmir Valley of India. 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. The saint landed its appearance in the Changthang 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.

Thus, looking at the beauty of Cashmere wool he suggested making an industry that cultivates Cashmere in desirable styles. Further, processes like spinning and weaving of the finest Cashmere are termed the Pashmina Art. Even the name Pashmina, derived from the Persian word, pashm, meaning "the soft gold" is exquisite in being.

Procuring the finest Cashmere from Changhthanghi

The Changhthanghi plateau extends into the region of Ladakh. It is a high-altitude region in Ladakh. The herders around the Ladakhi Changhthanghi are of the Changpa tribe. The tribe herds the rarest breed of Goats called Changra goats. At high altitudes, the temperature lowers to the minimum. The winters are the harshest in this region of Changhthanghi. Therefore, the Changra goats naturally cover their bodies with thick wool to combat the harsh winters. All along the winters, the thick wool reserves the heat beneath their bodies giving them the warmth of nature.

Thereby, on the seasonal climate change, the goats naturally shed off the wool with the help of coarse rocks and trees. To overcome the heat of summers, they eventually shed off the thick wool mostly from their bellies, neck region, and behind the ears. In addition, the herders also comb out the wool manually. The soft wool is Cashmere wool.

Pashmina Art for crafting of Cashmere Scarf

After combing out the Cashmere wool, it is cleaned from the excess dust and filled into the packets to transfer to the valley of Kashmir. The Cashmere wool is sorted and undergoes several procedures in the valley itself. The cleaning, drying, and soaking make the Cashmere wool vividly clean. Afterwards, it is translated to the finest fibres by the process of spinning. The yarn of fineness is transferred to the handlooms in the valley to weave the yarn into several styles of accessories. The whole process of spinning and weaving the finest Cashmere is called the Art of Pashmina.

The meticulous weaving of Cashmere yarn gives the premium quality accessories like Cashmere Scarves, Cashmere Wraps, and Pashmina Shawls. Therefore, the creation of the finest Cashmere fibre distinctly defines styles like Cashmere Wraps, Cashmere Scarves, and Pashmina Shawls is the Art of Pashmina altogether. The substantial virtue of each process in the Craft of Pashmina belongs to the luxurious fashion. The world around admired the aura of every masterpiece of Cashmere in the Art of Pashmina.

Also read: 5 AMAZING FACTS ABOUT CASHMERE

Premium Cashmere Scarf

There are three main styles in Pashmina Art viz; Cashmere Scarves, Cashmere Wraps and Pashmina Shawls. A scarf is a square piece of clothing draped around the neck or shoulders. The explicit styles with these finest Cashmere. The premium quality Cashmere scarves bring out the aura of colourful and elegant luxury. The versatile styles of unique designs of Cashmere Scarves are examples of high-class fashion. 

The Pashmina Art bestows a glamorous accessory of Cashmere Scarves. The explicit and intricate creation of Cashmere Scarves from the finest Cashmere is tremendous. The different styles and designs confer the unique amalgamation of luxury and Purity. The Cashmere Scarves perform in the realms of Pashmina Art with the most sophisticated of designs. Mainly, Scarves are designed in three different forms. Also, Ombre Cashmere Scarves, Swarovski Crystals Cashmere Scarves and Solid Cashmere Scarves are diverse designs. The intricacy and craftsmanship in the crafting of designs are glorious in themselves.

Moreover, the profound craft feels the dimensions of Cashmere Scarves. Mainly, there are two sizes for Cashmere Scarves. They are; 80in x 14in/2m x 35cm and 80in x 28in/2m x 70cm. The dimensions of each Scarf befit royal fashion as well as contemporary fashion. In addition, the price of a Cashmere Scarf depends on other factors also like the type of design and embellishments. At pashmina.com we confer on each factor of Cashmere Scarf to craft the finesse of Pashmina.

Also read: UNRAVEL THE GLORY OF CASHMERE SCARVES

How much does a Cashmere fabric cost

The cost of Cashmere fabric can vary widely based on several factors, including the quality of the Cashmere, the region it comes from, the intricacy of the design, the skill of the artisans, and market demand. Cashmere is considered a luxury textile due to its exceptional softness, fine fibers, and intricate craftsmanship. Here are some general price ranges to provide you with an idea of the cost:

1. Authentic Cashmere: Authentic Cashmere wraps and scarves, which are made from pure Cashmere, can be quite expensive. A high-quality, hand-woven Pashmina shawl that comes from Cashmere wool coming from renowned regions like Kashmir, India, can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on factors like the design, size, and level of intricacy.
2. Cashmere Blends: Cashmere blends are often more affordable than pure Cashmere. These blends may include a mix of Cashmere wool with silk or other fibers, which can affect the cost. Blended Cashmere products, such as scarves or shawls, can range from around $50 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the blend and design.

The world around us keeps moving and changing in its ways of living and surviving. With the steadiness around, souls feel tempted by grooming themselves with these changes. As far as the unending moldings out in the world, they will always be there with the virtue of remolding. People believing in their own skin develop with the Fashion industry by taking a step forward towards boldness and confidence. Unlike the preconceived notion of taking a step forward towards beauty. Being beautiful is in the nature of humans, beauty is not defined. Beauty is within. In this era of modernism, the aspects that prove to be luxurious are the souls who feel confident within to radiate around a fashion in itself. Thus, Pashmina Shawls is one of the souls.

In addition, fashion is the self-expression of confidence in the specific way of holding the apparel as well as accessories together in your own form of style. At Pashmina.com, there is the curation of Fashion in the form of luxury. Also, the Pashmina Shawls of nature belong to the enhancement of confidence that develops from within a soul.

The dawn of beginning

Pashmina, from the Cashmere obtained from the high-quality hairs of Changthangi Goat from the region of Ladakh in India, is the most cherished and preserved artwork from centuries. The word is derived from the Persian word, pashm, the soft gold or the king of fibers. As the word suggests, it attains royalty in its being.

The journey of the Pashmina dates back to the 15th century in the Kashmir Valley of India. The footprints of a saint from the middle east came to Kashmir with 700 craftsmen to adorn the beauty of the valley and to spread the holy message. The saint landed its appearance in the Changthang Mountain in Ladakh. While perceiving nature, he locked his eyes on the Goat of marvelous wool. Astonished with the softness and fineness of the wool, he made socks out of it and gifted them to the Sultan of Kashmir Valley. Thus, the beauty of Pashmina wool suggested making an industry that cultivates the Pashmina wool in desirable styles.

The Illumination of Luxury

The Cashmere wool dwells on the Changthanghi Goats in Ladakh in the winter season to protect the Goats from the harsh season. The cozy Cashmere wool takes a breath in this season over the body of Changthangi Goats. Towards the spring, the Goats rub against the rocks to shed off the Cashmere wool to let the warmth take off from their bodies. More often, the hairs combed out naturally by hands to preserve the virtue of nature are the finest. Afterward, it's cleaned, and the fleece is obtained from where the pashms have their part of the air.

Twirling upon the skies of creation, pashms weaved over the handloom made of natural wood create the most luxurious artwork in the world- Pashmina. Being culminated from the cradle of nature, Luxury screams for the arrival of Pashmina. It has been a symbol of elucidation and elegance for ages. Likewise, the rarity of the production of Pashmina is enthralled in the eyes of the lovers of Art. For ages, it has been a confidante of fashion for Royals. Being the bold symbol of fashion, Pashmina brings the joy of luxury to the world. Moreover, the contemporary world has been a part of the journey of Pashmina as it adapts its presence in the modernization of the Fashion world. For the past world, and for the world of the present, Pashmina belongs everywhere as its regime over Fashion is unending.

As a Fashion Icon

After the weaving of a Pashmina Shawl, the journey of different fashions take place on the unique path of Luxurious fashion. Several ways of creating these have made the fashion intact in its own way. The various types of Pashmina Shawls are on their way toward being Luxury. Therefore, the different processes they go through with the skilled hand of artisans from the valley adorn the luxury over the face of Pashmina.

Diversity of Pashmina Shawls

Solid Pashmina Shawls

The plain Pashmina shawls weaved from the handloom made of wood. The artisans pour the love and handwork over its creation by simply weaving the pashms in the form of warps and wefts. Also, the exquisite design of plain Pashmina shawls is adorned with the colours of nature. These plain Pashmina Shawls are tinctured by the local dyer called the Rangur with various colours to beautify its luxury. Moreover, the warmth of these Shawls in the season of cold feels like it's directly taken from nature i-e., the fleece of Changra Goats. Ethically produced handwoven Shawls are thereupon the most elegant simple Pashmina Shawls.

Ombre Pashmina Shawls

The Ombre Pashmina shawls are the most elegant pashmina shawls to depict the artwork of radiance. The amalgamation of various shades of color procured on the Pashmina shawl itself with the skilled hand of Rangur, the dyer. Moreover, ombre Pashmina is produced by the variation of colors. The Ombre Pashmina shawls, created by the radiance of different colors are exquisite. The handcrafted Ombre Pashmina is the path of Luxury fashion because of the versatility in its creation.

Reversible Pashmina Shawls

Delicately weaved with two different colors of threads on the handloom, the style of the reversible Pashmina Shawl is unmatched in any of the luxuries. The Reversible Pashmina Shawls belong to the class of utility as well as luxury. These two things going along with each other are the most aspired virtue in the contemporary style of fashion. Woven with two different colors from either side of one single shawl. Moreover, the authentic reversible Pashmina Shawl is the most versatile accessory in the world of luxury.

Patterned Pashmina Shawls

The skill of weavers in the valley is extraordinary. Thus, the handcrafted Patterned Shawl is one of the explicit examples of the skill from the heavens. Relishing various simple and elegant patterns over the Pashmina shawl by weaving various designs in the form of warps and wefts. Moreover, there are diverse patterns like the classic strips, Textured, etc.

Laced Pashmina Shawls

Admiration of frills in laces in the outlooks of our souls, the adornment of the Pashmina Shawls with floral and epic designs of precious laces to embellish the elegance. Therefore, the french Chantilly lace incorporated in the handcrafted Pashmina Shawls makes the onlooker awestruck by the intricate designed beauty of these laced Pashmina Shawls.

Printed Pashmina Shawls

Adorning the base of a simple Pashmina Shawl with the warmth of organic printed designs gives away a look that is most suited for the beautification of love. The explicit prints over the Pashmina shawls touch the distinct colors of nature by indulging in the process of uniqueness. Moreover, the printed shawls are worthy of every eye to pour love over them.

Swarovski Crystals Pashmina Shawls

The embellished forms of Pashmina Shawls drape themselves upon the body as if it be part of fashion before its creation. The handcrafted Pashmina shawls with embellished precious Swarovski crystals give a glance of authenticity and glamour at the same time. The elegance, and radiance near the creation of these Shawls are extraordinarily cherished in the eyes of Art lovers.

Embroidered Pashmina Shawls

The Pashmina shawl is created with the softness of pashm with the indulgence of skill of the artisan who is the server of lifelong Pashmina shawls. They have reserved the integrity of the Handicrafts for ages in the Kashmir Valley. Hand Embroidery, the creation of intricate designs. Some alterations given to the nature of hand-embroidered Pashmina shawls to enhance the living world inside the designs. With time, the embroiderers have made their way to a level unreached because of the explicit and divine depiction mostly nature from where the wool itself is obtained.  

The exquisite nature of hand embroidered pashmina shawls has been an idea of love and beauty for the world. The various exquisite hand embroideries are, Sozni, Aari, Paper Mache, Katha, Tilla Dozi, etc. The handcrafted Pashmina Shawl with hand embroidery is the most aspired journey in the world of luxury. The skill of artisans, the rareness of Pashmina itself, and the intricate hand embroidery done for years make this type of shawl luxurious in the world of Fashion.

Also read: DOES PASHMINA KEEP YOU WARM?

Kani Pashmina Shawls

The Kani Shawl craft originated in the era of 3000 B.C.Mughals have been into its intricate designs from that century of time. In addition, he Kani word belongs to the dialect of the Kashmiri language which has roots in the place of Kanihama. Moreover, the name also satisfies the meaning of small twig-like sticks in the local language. The weaving of the Kani Shawl is very extensive and delicate at the same time. The weavers have got the desire and skill to sustain their survival and to create a fashion craving Kani Shawl. Henceforth, the weaving, preceded by the Kanis that are the wooden sticks of hand size made of forest wood known to as “poss tul”.  

The Kanis have a colourful thread around to present their wefts in an already warped Shawl. The weaving begins by galloping the colorful threads around the Kanis. Moreover, the artisans skillfully do the work with the hands of the heavens. Thus, a particular number of Kanis, used for the weaving of one Kani shawl. Around 70 to 100 Kanis are used up for the design of a Kani shawl.

The Kani Shawls are the most luxurious as the skill of the artisans is far beyond imagination. Also, the time spent on one particular Kani Shawl is extensive. Moreover, there are several patterns in the creation of a Kani Pashmina viz.,

•  Jamawar
• Palla daar
• Chand daar

Shibori Pashmina Shawls

Shibori Pashmina Shawls are a unique category of Pashmina Shawls. It is a Japanese manual resist dyeing technique that produces scattered patterns on a Pashmina Shawl. The technique produces numerous different patterns on the Pashmina Shawl in diverse colours. The process of the Shibori designing technique has steps to create the beautiful array of patterns on the Pashmina. The whole process is done by Rangur or dyer. In addition, the multitude of beauty of Shibori style profuses the rich Tie and Dye patterns on Pashmina Shawls. Thus, making it a unique and modern style of Pashmina Art.

Also read: WHY DO PEOPLE WEAR PASHMINA?

Revere of Pashmina Craft

The world of Pashmina is sorted into several distinctions and mentions every quality on the very certified Pashmina.com. A place for the admiration of Pashmina in every aspect of its being. Moreover, the Pashmina has been a part of the legacy of the valley of Kashmir. With different forms and designs, it represents the whole culture as well as luxurious beauty in its being. Also, it gathers itself around diversity and the versatility of creativity. Henceforth, having one of our rich Pashmina Shawls makes your grace ethereal and luxurious in every season.

Also read: WHERE CAN I BUY AN ORIGINAL PASHMINA SHAWL?

The art of Pashmina is prized and treasured all over the world. There are hundreds of reasons for the popularity of this art. From being rare to extremely labour intensive, Pashmina shawls, wraps, or outfits have reserved a special place in the hearts of art patrons that no other accessory has done till today. It is because of this keen eye and admiration of art lovers which took Pashmina products to the level that they enjoyed once. 

To understand the popularity of Pashmina even better, and the many good reasons for that, we have to know what Pashmina is

What is Pashmina?

The art of handcrafting luxury products (wearables and accessories) out of fine Cashmere wool is called Pashmina. The art surfaced in the 15th century when Cashmere was discovered and processed. The very first product made from Cashmere was a pair of socks that were worn by the then king of Kashmir. It was his decision and order to set up processing units for Cashmere products where Ladakhi Cashmere would be processed to produce shawls, scarves, wraps, sweaters, blankets, and furnishing accessories. The most famous and revered product of Pashmina art was the Pashmina shawls. Pashmina shawls have been worn since then by commoners as well as kings, queens, and royals from noble courts

What is a Pashmina shawl?

Since the ban on Shahtoosh, it is the Pashmina shawl that is used synonymously with the Kashmiri shawl. 

Pashmina Shawl is made out of specialty wool which is an undercoat of the Changthangi goat of Ladakh. The goat grows this wool in order to protect itself from freezing temperatures in Ladakh which can dip as low as -50 degrees in winters. And since this wool is exceptionally soft, warm, and cozy, the goat spends the winter season comfortably

As soon as summer arrives, the goat becomes uncomfortably hot and rubs its body on rough surfaces found in its surroundings. Its herders collect this wool and gently comb the rest of it from the goat's body. This wool is Cashmere. Cashmere is processed in Kashmir which results in the making of Kashmiri shawls.

History of Pashmina Shawls

Pashmina shawls were discovered in Kashmir by a Sufi saint who visited the valley in the 15th century. It is he who introduced the Cashmere wool to the then ruler of Kashmir, who in turn set up factories for the manufacturing of Kashmiri shawls. Soon Pashmina shawls began to be exported to places and the entire world got swooned by its beauty and warmth. 

What made Pashmina Shawls popular?

As soon as Pashmina shawls were discovered, the news of their exquisiteness spread. Kashmir was under Mughal rule at that time and hence the shawls got popular all over India immediately. The reasons behind this royal patronage lay in the making of these shawls. Pashmina shawls are exquisitely handcrafted and are one of the most intricate forms of art. 

The making of Kashmiri Shawls

Ladakhi goats are rare. These are found in the Changthang region, which lies over 15000 feet above sea level. It is the downy undercoat of these goats which is used to make Pashmina shawls. The raw wool is sent to Kashmir and starts being processed. 

• The first step involves its cleaning which takes around a week. As the fibre is extremely thin, removing foreign material from it is cumbersome and time-consuming. 

• Clean and pure wool is mounted onto a wooden wheel (locally called yinder) where it gets spun into yarn. It is again exceptionally meticulous to spin Cashmere, as the fibre is 12-16 microns in diameter. Womenfolk carry this process out for 8-10 hours together.

• This fine yarn is mounted on a handloom which is mostly manual to work over. This also takes 4-5 days and hence a plain shawl is produced. Weavers too sit for 8-10 hours a day weaving the shawl. It takes masterly skill to weave Cashmere, as one cut in the fibre means replacing it completely.

• If the need arises for embroidery, a Pashmina shawl is hand embroidered. Sometimes embroidery takes 4-5 years to complete. The motifs of these embroidery types are labyrinthine and exceptionally beautiful.

• It should be noted that it takes the wool of 3 Ladakhi goats to make one full shawl that is so smooth and soft that it passes through a finger ring.

Why do people wear Pashmina?

From the many reasons why people wear Pashmina shawls or scarves, we have picked the most obvious six. Here are six famous reasons to wear Pashmina,

Pashmina is rare

Apart from the Himalayas, Cashmere wool is hardly found in the world. The goats found in the Himalayas grow Cashmere once a year. Hence this rarity factor makes Pashmina expensive.

The production of Cashmere is less

A goat yields around 150 grams of Cashmere per year. Hence, in order to prepare one Pashmina shawl, wool from 2-3 goats is required. The supply exceeds the demand manifold. This limited supply of Cashmere increases its value even more.

Pashmina shawls are the warmest of all variants

Cashmere is 8 times warmer than sheep wool. This quality makes shawls, even more, in demand, and hence higher in price too. 

Cashmere production depends on winter

Cashmere is not available all year round. It is the winter season when the goat grows and Spring when the same is shed naturally. Hence, processing units have to wait for an entire season to get raw wool. This makes it pricey as well as an obsession among the patrons of this art form. 

Manual labour

No machine touches the processing of Cashmere from its acquisition to its completion. From combing off the wool from the goat's body to spinning and weaving, every process is carried out manually by the artisans themselves. Handcrafted products have huge demand, especially in this era of responsible shoppers.

Also read: WHICH COUNTRY HAS THE BEST CASHMERE?

Properties of Cashmere wool

Cashmere yarn is just 12-16 microns in diameter. It is feathery light and one large Pashmina shawl is just less than 500 grams. The lightweight makes it ideal for those who wear shawls every day.

Pashmina shawls have been worn by Mughal rulers. These were given as gifts by Mughal rulers to the rulers of other dynasties, and hence they grew as far as Europe, America, Iran, and Asia. The most famous narration about shawls is when Empress Josephine was highly impressed by these shawls and she owned a few hundred of them in her lifetime. How honorable!

Also read: DOES PASHMINA KEEP YOU WARM?

There are endless options to buy a Pashmina Shawl. But with the growing production and plenty of availability, the quality of Pashmina Shawls is taken for granted. Although each place claims to be genuine and authentic, there is a forsaking of the quality. Our platform, Pashmina.com is a space where not only there is the genuine crafting of finest Cashmere but there is also the revival of culture. In addition, we live on the term of Sustainability. Therefore, we never forsake any of the qualities of a Pashmina Shawl. Also, we care for the environment and belong to the concept of Sustainability.

Pashmina Shawls are the woven destination of finest Cashmere. Fine wool is procured and crafted thereafter. The crafting includes distinctly defined steps and is called Pashmina Art. Through the eyes of Kashmir Valley, the beauty of finest Cashmere is cherished by the scenic Pashmina Art.

When and how did Pashmina Art come into existence?

The journey begins when a Persian saint was travelling across the world to spread the holy message. 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 in the Changhthangi 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. Even the name Pashmina, derived from the Persian word, pashm, meaning "the soft gold" is exquisite in being.

How to procure the finest Cashmere from Ladakh?

The Changhthanghi mountains of the Ladakh region are at high altitudes. Therefore, the winter in the region goes more than -20°C. The habitat is harsh in winters. A rare breed of goats dwells at the feet of the Changhthanghi Mountain. The breed is called the Changra or Changhthanghi breed. The goats are known as Changra Goats of Kashmir goats. These goats are raised by the local tribe called the Changpa tribe. The herders herd the goats primarily for the collection of thick wool.

The thick wool they develop on their bodies in cold winters to combat the chill of the season. Eventually, in summers they shed the wool off against rocks, and trees to feel the air of summer. Also, the wool is combed out by the herders by hand. This wool is called Cashmere wool. It is the finest Cashmere in all the world around. We bless our warehouse with this finest Cashmere to adorn the premium quality Pashmina Shawls.

In addition, there are diverse breeds that produce Cashmere in the world. But the Ladakhi goats produce the finest Cashmere. In addition, Mongolia, China, and Tibet are the largest producers of Cashmere wool. Yet, the Ladakhi Cashmere has the finest grade but its production is quite low due to the rare goats of Changra. Also, the rarity of Goats produces a very less amount of Cashmere annually. We confer on the premium breed for the finest Cashmere.

How do we craft a Pashmina Shawl?

The Cashmere wool in the valley goes through a very serene process of cleaning. The process is done manually to strain off dirt, and dust from the finest wool. Thereof, the cleaned, dried Cashmere wool is spun across the wheel of wood called yinder in the local language. Hence, meticulous yarn is obtained. The spinning process is mostly done by women of the valley. They excerpt the time from their daily world to properly spin the finest Cashmere wool.

The spinning process moves forward and brings the Cashmere yarn to the handlooms of the valley. The menfolk work over the handlooms with tremendous strength and patience. The beautiful process of weaving takes place by several artisans. Therefore, the Cashmere fabric emerges out of the loom of the Kashmir valley. After the weaving, the woven Cashmere is dyed as per the requirement. A spectrum of colours, naturally made in the sphere of the dyers is elegant. Thus, every colour with each shade and tone confers the Cashmere with more creativity. From these processes, an exquisite accessory speaks out. A Pashmina Shawl!

Also read: THE TRAIL OF INDIA’S CASHMERE GOAT MEN

Where can I find pure Pashmina?

To find pure pashmina products, especially pashmina shawls, scarves, and other accessories, one has to look for reputable sources that specialize in genuine Kashmiri Pashmina. Here are some places you might want to find pure Pashmina at:

1. Kashmiri Shops: If you're visiting the Kashmir, local shops in Srinagar are likely to offer authentic Pashmina products. Be sure to do some research beforehand to identify well-known and reputable stores. check for certificates or the GI tag.
2. Specialty Stores: In some larger cities around the world, you might find specialty stores that focus on selling high-quality pashmina products sourced from Kashmir. These stores often have a reputation for authenticity. But again, ask these sellers for certificates that prove the products are pure and original,
3. Online Retailers: There are several online platforms that sell genuine pashmina products. Look for websites that provide detailed information about the product's origin, materials, and manufacturing process. Pashmina.com is one such organization that provides certifications as well as the GI tagged shawls on their online store.
4. Local Recommendations: If you know people who have visited Kashmir or are familiar with the region, they might be able to provide recommendations for where to find genuine Pashmina.

Our Alluring Pashmina Shawl Collection

We, at pashmina.com, make definite ways to craft a genuine and authentic Pashmina Shawl. We acknowledge the fact that crafting a Pashmina Shawl is in itself meditation and dedication to the culture and heritage of Kashmir Valley. Beautifully crafting every masterpiece leads to the adornment of an endless collection. Pashmina.com is the ultimate place to buy a genuine Pashmina Shawl because we began our voyage near nature and commence our luxurious crafting in your hands. We, along with our customers revive the legacy of luxuriously genuine and pure Pashmina shawl.

Also read: WHY DO PEOPLE WEAR PASHMINA?