Pashmina Scarves, Ltd.

History of Pashmina

What is Pashmina?

Pashmina is the Indian/Persian name for cashmere, which is collected in the high plateau regions of Kashmir, Nepal and the central plains of Inner Mongolia. There is absolutely no difference between pashmina and cashmere. They are the same. Cashmere is the down of the Capra Hircus goat, which is found 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 cashmere wool each year. One woven Pashmina shawl requires the fiber from three goats.

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What Are The Different Grades Of Cashmere?

Cashmere is available in several grades, including "Grade-A", "Grade-B" and so on. We offer only the highest quality cashmere products made with "Grade-A" cashmere. The best grade of cashmere is 14-15.5 microns in diameter and all the pashmina and cashmere products that we offer are made with this very fine grade of cashmere.

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How Many Ply's Are Your Pashmina & Cashmere Products?

Ply's are strands of yarn twisted together to make one piece of yarn. Two-ply is thicker than one-ply, and so on. Our products are offered in the following ply's:

Pashmina, Silk Shawls, Wraps and Scarves are 2 ply.
Pure Pashmina Shawls and Wraps are 3 ply.
Cashmere Scarves are 3 ply.

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What Is The Difference Between The Pure Pashmina & The Pashmina With A Silk Blend?

Our pure pashminas are made with 100% pure cashmere and do not contain any silk in them. The pure pashmina is softer, warmer and heavier than the pashmina-silk blends.

The pashminas with silk are woven with silk running the length of the weave, and cashmere on the width of the weave. Hand-weaving gives the shawl its distinctive character and produces
its slender drape, elegant silk sheen, and soft, delicate feel. It's no wonder the shawl has become a fashion favorite.

This weave, combining silk and pashmina, was first produced in the 15th century, and has been hand made in India and Nepal ever since.

The content of our pashminas with silk blends ranges from 55% to 70% pashmina with 30% to 45% silk. Shawl-making in Nepal and India is not a science but an art—a craft involving many hand processes. As such, the exact content of pashmina and silk may vary slightly from shawl to shawl.

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What Is The Fringe Like On Your Shawls & Scarves?

All of our pashmina shawls, wraps, scarves have tassels at both ends. The tassels are about 3" to 4" long and are twisted and knotted at the end. The length of the tassels is not included in the given dimensions of these items.

Where are your pashmina and cashmere products made?

Pashmina wraps and shawls are all made in Nepal. Cashmere scarves are made both in Nepal and China.

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How To Care For Your Pashmia

Handwash in cold/lukewarm water using a mild detergent such as Woolite. The pashmina should then be rolled into a towel to press out excess water and then laid flat to air dry to avoid creases.

To remove creases from your pashmina either steam press or carefully iron with the added protection of a pressing cloth. However, if it becomes badly wrinkled it is advised you have your pashmina dry-cleaned so as not to lose the vitality of the fabric. Do not put your pashmina in a tumble dryer.

Not sure if your gift will be used as a scarf? Pashmina’s are the perfect length and width to make a beautiful table runner for your table or buffet! We offer gift wrapping too! Please see our check out menu for gift wrapping information and pricing.