The making of Pashmina involves collecting the fine hair of the Pashmina goat, sorting raw Cashmere, spinning, weaving, and creating a world-class shawl. Indeed, the entire process is both extensive and thorough.
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How do we get pashmina shawl?
In the spring (the moulting season), the Pashmina goats naturally shed their under fleece, which regrows in winter. The Pashmina goat or Changthangi as it’s called in Kashmir, sheds its winter coat every spring. This under fleece is collected by combing the goat, not by shearing, as in other fine wools.
How can you tell if a shawl is pashmina?
Genuine pashmina will leave a burnt hair smell and there’ll be some powdery residue behind. If it’s a synthetic fibre, you may smell burnt leaves and it will burn more brightly and leave a small bump behind. These are some of the most common and simple ways to know if your Pashmina is a genuine one.
Where do we get pashmina from?
The pashmina obtained from Jammu and Kashmir is known as Changthangi pashmina whereas that obtained from HP and Uttaranchal is known as Chegu pashmina. Best quality pashmina is produced in Changthang region of Ladakh and is economic mainstay of nomadic people of Changthang.
What is so special about pashmina shawl?
Pashmina shawls are the highest quality shawls crafted from very fine silk like fiber. A pure pashmina can be identified by testing the warmth and softness of the shawl and also by its color to some extent. The best of Pashmina shawls have a natural cream color.
Why is Pashmina so expensive?
Every spring, they shed their winter coat and it is collected for the weaving process. One goat produces only about a few grams of Pashmina each year. In addition to this, a single Pashmina shawl requires wool from about three goats. Hence the exorbitant price becomes obvious.
What is the cost of Pashmina shawl?
Usher Beacon Price List
| Usher Beacon | PRICE (RS) |
|---|---|
| TAROOB Men Tan Brown Woven Design Pashmina Wool Shawl | Rs. 5999 |
| WEAVERS VILLA Women Maroon & Beige Woven Design Shawl | Rs. 962 |
| MODARTA Orange & Grey Checked Pashmina Shawl | Rs. 4990 |
| MODARTA Blue & Yellow Handwoven Plaid Check Pashmina Shawl | Rs. 4990 |
Can pashmina be washed?
A: Yes, Pashmina is washable. The preferred method for washing a Pashmina is dry cleaning. However, one can even wash it at home, after following a set of guidelines. Pashmina should be hand washed in cold water.
Is pashmina illegal?
Pashmina is not banned and has never been. It is sold all over the world openly. But it has been confused with the Shahtoosh shawls as both are called Kashmiri shawls. But Pashmina is ethical, sustainable, and of course the most beautiful creation of human hands.
Is cashmere same as pashmina?
Cashmere shawls are those that are made of the wools of the Himalayan goats but Pashmina is exclusively made from a specific breed of mountain goat called Capra Hircus. So, we can say that Pashmina is a variety of Cashmere. Another difference, between these two materials, is the diameter of the fabric.
Is Pashmina silk or wool?
Pashmina (/pʌʃˈmiːnə, pæʃ-/, also US: /pɑːʃ-/) refers to a fine variant of spun cashmere, the animal-hair fibre forming the downy undercoat of the Changthangi goat. The word pashm means “wool” in Persian, but in Kashmir, pashm referred to the raw unspun wool of domesticated Changthangi goats.
What is pure Pashmina?
A pure Pashmina shawl, scarf, or wrap is one that has been handmade from pure Cashmere threads acquired from the Himalayan goat. A rare species of goat is found in the Himalayas which grow special wool as a down coat. This down coat is shed by them in summers, which is collected and processed.
Which animal hair is used for Pashmina shawl?
Pashmina shawls are made from the fur of Kashmiri sheep.
How many types of pashmina are there?
There are three main fibres from which Kashmiri shawls are made. The most expensive one is Shahtoosh the ‘ring shawl’, which is not available now, since its global ban in 1975. The second most beautiful and prized Kashmiri shawl is the Pashmina – known for its softness and warmth.
Which state is famous for pashmina shawls?
Jammu and Kashmir state
For centuries the Pashmina shawls have been woven on handlooms from wool hand-spun from the shaggy coat of a goat, which lives in the heights of the Himalayas in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir state. Thousands of Kashmiris are associated with the ancient trade.
What is the point of a pashmina?
Changthangi goats, as a defense mechanism, naturally grow Cashmere wool over their underbelly, behind their ears, around their neck, and other smaller portions of their body. This helps protect them against one of the harshest climatic conditions in the world.
What is the difference between a scarf and pashmina?
Pashmina scarves are generally larger than a typical scarf, often referred to as a shawl and nearly as long as a stole. A pashmina is the perfect accessory to protect from winter’s chill while maintaining a high end look. A Pashmina these days can legally be 100% Pashmina as “A Pashmina” is also a style.
Which is the most expensive pashmina shawl?
We also know that Pashmina is expensive. But have you ever heard of a shawl that costs Rs 5 lakh? Well, don’t be shocked. A weaver from Pahroo in Jammu & Kashmir has put an “antique” Pashmina shawl on display at the ongoing National Handloom Expo at the exhibition ground here.
Which shawl is expensive?
Kashmiri Pashmina
Kashmiri Pashmina is naturally an expensive fibre
The raw Cashmere used to make Pashmina shawls has been called the ‘king of fibres’ for a reason since it is the most luxurious and treasured of all yarns. The journey of Pashmina begins in the highlands of Kashmir, where indigenous Capra hircus goats reside.
What is 100% Pashmina made of?
Cashmere wool
Pashmina shawls are made of the finest Cashmere wool which comes from Ladakh. Changthang region of Ladakh hosts an exotic variety of goats, which grow Cashmere as down fibre. This down fibre is acquired in the Summer season and processed to make Pashmina products.
Which animals produce Pashmina wool?
Pashmina, internationally known as “cashmere”, a fine luxury fibre, is being produced from Changthangi goats bred in the Ladakh region of India.