Pashmina, pashmina shawls...do you know what is is? Many people don't. In fact, I talked to a woman the other day and she'd never heard of it and wanted to know what it was. Pashmina is a specialty wool from Kashmir in the country of Tibet. Pashmina is derived from the persian word 'Pashm' which means wool. This wool refers to the underfur from most of the Tibetan animals, particularly goats. Pashmina shawls are actually a blend of silk and cashmere usually (80% silk or cashmere / 20% pashmina), (70% silk or cashmere / 30% pashmina), or even a (50% silk or cashmere / 50% pashmina). A fine quality (high percentage of pashmina) Pashmina shawl can pass through a finger ring, and can cost anywhere from US$300 to US$3,000. Every pashmina shawl is known for its softness and warmth. Especially the ones with the higher percentage of pashmina. Pahmina shawls have gained immense reputation and embroidered Pashmina shawls are exported from Kashmir to many parts of the world. With intricate embroidery, beads, precious metals and stonework, Pashmina shawls are available in all shades ranging from floral prints to tropical prints. It is not just lightweight softness that has made Pashmina shawls so popular. But, also the glorious colors and designs that seem to perfectly match any fashion look. Many powerful and elegant women throughout history have preferred Pashmina shawls. Whether for a big event or a special ceremony, Pashmina shawls have always adorned the "important ones". To ensure life long of your Pashmina shawl, it's always best to wash it by hand in cold water with a low pH shampoo. Woolite products or dry-cleaning are meant for silk products and not for fine woolens like Pashmina. Drying a Pashmina shawl after a gentle washing involves hanging it over a curtain rod or on a flat surface and ironing it by covering it with a sheet of newspaper. To prevent moths from your Pashmina shawl, it should be stored in a covered metallic container with cloves wrapped in muslin. A high quality Pashmina shawl will last for generations, and be enjoyed many times over. |
