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Reach out for queries or support regarding our handmade pashmina shawls, crafted with care for you and the artisans.

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Tel & Whatsapp +1 302 329 5895

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Authentic Kashmiri Pashmina shawls are renowned worldwide for their luxury, craftsmanship, and heritage. Here's what makes them truly special:

🐐 1. Rare and Exquisite Wool

• Source: Made from the under-fleece of the Changthangi goat, found only in the Ladakh region of Kashmir (at altitudes above 12,000 ft).

• Fineness: The wool is extremely fine (12–16 microns) — much softer and lighter than regular wool.

• Warmth: Despite being feather-light, it provides exceptional insulation.

🧵 2. Handspun and Handwoven

• No machines: Authentic Pashmina is entirely handspun, handwoven, and hand-embroidered — a process that can take weeks to months for a single shawl.

• The craftsmanship is passed down through generations of Kashmiri artisans.

🎨 3. Intricate Embroidery (Sozni, Papier-Mâché, etc.)

• Traditional Kashmiri embroidery styles like Sozni (fine needlework) and Kani (woven patterns using bobbins) elevate the artistry.

• Some shawls feature elaborate patterns that can take months or even years to complete.

🪶 4. Unmatched Softness and Lightness

• A real Pashmina shawl can pass through a wedding ring — a classic test of authenticity.

• The texture is soft like butter, with a natural warmth and drape.

📜 5. Cultural and Historical Value

• Historically worn by royalty and nobility — from Mughal emperors to Napoleon’s wife Josephine.

• Recognized as a symbol of elegance, refinement, and prestige.

🛡️ 6. GI Tag & Certification

• Kashmiri Pashmina has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to protect its authenticity.

• Certified shawls carry a label from the Craft Development Institute (CDI), Srinagar to prove origin and quality.

💰 7. High Value and Longevity

• Due to its rarity and labor-intensive process, a genuine Pashmina shawl is expensive, often costing hundreds to thousands of dollars.

• But it lasts generations if cared for properly — becoming an heirloom.

✅ How to Identify a Real Pashmina Shawl

1. Touch and Feel

• Softness: Genuine Pashmina is butter-soft, lightweight, and has a luxurious feel.

• Warmth: Even though it's thin, it feels warm the moment it touches your skin.

• Fake alert: If it's too smooth or glossy, it's likely a silk or viscose blend.

2. The Ring Test

• A real Pashmina shawl can easily pass through a small ring, like a wedding ring.

• This is because the weave is very fine and delicate.

• ⚠️ Note: Some silk-blend fakes can also pass this test — so it’s not foolproof alone.

3. Check the Weave

• Authentic Pashmina is handwoven, so it will have tiny irregularities in the weave.

• Machine-made shawls are uniform and perfect — which is a red flag.

• Hold it up to light — you should see subtle inconsistencies in the threads.

4. Check for GI Tag or Certification

• Genuine Kashmiri Pashmina often comes with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag or a label from the Craft Development Institute (CDI), Srinagar.

• This guarantees that the shawl was made from Changthangi goat wool and handcrafted in Kashmir.

5. Burn Test (only if you're desperate — not recommended for buyers)

• Pull a tiny thread from the edge and burn it.

  • Real Pashmina: Smells like burning hair, leaves a crisp ash.

  • Fake (synthetic): Smells like plastic, melts into a hard bead.

• ⚠️ Use only as a last resort and preferably under supervision.

6. Embroidery Type

• Sozni embroidery on real Pashmina is done by hand using fine silk or cotton threads.

• Fake versions often use machine embroidery that looks rougher and is denser.

7. Price Point

• Authentic Pashmina is expensive due to the labor and rare wool.

  • Expect to pay starting price INR 10,000 + (or USD 150 +) for a real one.

• Anything too cheap claiming to be "pure Pashmina" is almost certainly fake.

8. Origin

• Ask about the origin: A real Kashmiri Pashmina is made in Srinagar or nearby areas in Kashmir.

• Some retailers also falsely sell products from Nepal or China as "Kashmiri Pashmina."