The name cashmere comes from the Kashmir province of India, where the cashmere products of this area first attracted the attention of Europeans in the early 1800s.
Originally from the down undercoat of the Asiatic goat (Capra Hircus laniger) cashmere fibers now also come from 68 breeds of goats in 12 countries, which are classified as cashmere because of a fiber diameter of under 19 microns.According to Cashmere.org, significant supplier countries of cashmere include China, Mongolia and Tibet. During molting season in the spring, the goats have their fine under down hairs combed and separated from the coarse outer hairs in China and Mongolia (the animals are sheared in Iran, Afghanistan, New Zealand and Australia)
At 12-14 microns thick, pashmina is classified as the finest cashmere. Pashmina comes from the same type of goat, except this one only lives in Kashmir and Tibet at heights of 12,000 to 14,000 feet, the harshest weather makes for the best inner coat (pashm means "inside").
What is Cashmere?
It is fine quality wool sheered from a goat called ''Kel''. This goat is found on the higher altitudes of Himalayan mountains or in the inner parts of Mongolia.This wool is the finest quality and each yarn has a diameter of 14 to 14.5 microns.All of the Pashmina and Cashmere products that we offer are made with this very fine grade of cashmere
About Pashmina
Pashmina is the traditional name for the very finest grade of cashmere wool. Because of its unique softness and comforting warmth, pashmina is also known as the "diamond fabric" and the "soft gold of high Asia." Put simply, it is the finest, softest and warmest wool available anywhere.
This amazing cashmere wool comes exclusively from the underbelly of the Capra Hircus goat, in the most remote regions of the Himalayas. Because they live approximately 14,000 feet above sea level, these special goats grow a thin, inner coat of hair that insulates them during the long, harsh Himalayan winters. It is this unique inner coat of hair that is used to produce pashmina. Each hair is about 1/6th the diameter of most other types of hair - but is still surprisingly durable while being stunningly soft and comforting to human skin.
You may be surprised to discover that it takes the entire annual growth of three of these goats to create just one pashmina shawl. But take comfort in the fact that these goats are not harmed during the process of producing pashmina. This is because the wool is collected only after being shed naturally. It is almost like this special cashmere wool is the goats' gift to everyone. And what an amazing gift it is!
Pashmina is also quite unusual in that it actually becomes softer and more comfortable with each use, actually making it gentler on your skin each and every time you have the luck to wear it. With proper care, the "diamond fabric" will last a lifetime or more. This is evident in the fact that Pashminas have been handed down from generation to generation in royal and wealthy families throughout the world. Of course now with The Pashmina Shop you don't have to be royalty to enjoy a pashmina of your very own! We make every effort to qualify the authenticity of each item - spot testing every batch and asking all providers to guarantee they send us the authentic items we order. In the rare event an item is sent out that is not as described, we will exchange the item.
It is interesting to note that Napoleon may have started the pashmina fashion craze over 200 years ago when he presented a pashmina shawl to his wife. She was so pleased with the shawl that she asked Napoleon to get more so she could share them with her fashionable society friends. Two hundred years later pashmina remains an essential part of a fashionable wardrobe, attesting to the durability and widespread appeal of this classic accessory.
How a Pashmina is made
Pashmina Wool from the Capra Hircus Goat
Capra Hircus goat which is the source of Pashmina lives at elevations of 14,000 feet and above, where temperatures rarely rise above minus 30 degrees centigrade in winter. Pashmina is the goat's soft underbelly down, which lies under the coarse outer hair. Each goat produces only about 3 ounces or 90 grams of Pashmina wool each year. One woven Pashmina shawl requires the wool from three goats.
Spinning Pashmina Yarn
The pashmina wool is collected every spring, and is basically spun by hand.The yarn is spun on a spinning wheel locally known as'Charkha'.Hand-spinning is an extremely painstaking task.It requires immense patience, dexterity and dedication.
Weaving Pashmina Fabric
Pashmina yarn is too fragile for the vibration caused by power looms, the weaving of the traditional 100% Pashmina shawls are therefore done on handlooms. The weaving process is in itself an art, which has been passed down over generations, to give you the fabulous pashmina shawls.
Making the Fringes
The making of the distinctive Pashmina fringe is perhaps one of the most interesting stages of shawl making. It takes hours to fringe each Pashmina shawl.
Dyeing a Pashmina
Pashmina yarn is too fragile for the vibration caused by power looms, the weaving of the traditional 100% Pashmina shawls are therefore done on handlooms. The weaving process is in itself an art, which has been passed down over generations, to give you the fabulous pashmina shawls.
