Pashmina is a specialty wool from Kashmir in the country of Tibet. If you're not sure where Tibet is, it lies in the center of Asia. It has the world's highest mountains with an average altitude of 14,000 feet above sea level. Why is that important? Because, 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. This underfur keeps the animals warm at this highest country in the world.

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,exotic prints, beads, precious metals and stonework, Pashmina shawls are available in all shades ranging from floral prints to tropical prints. For instance, it's 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". Through out history only the wealthy would own such beautiful pashmina garments. Like stated above, they would be worn to special events like weddings, funerals, public functions and special dinners.

So, you now have your beautiful shawl. Now what? How do you keep new looking with it's beautiful sheen? Here's some hints to help keep your shawl and scarf looking gorgeous. 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.

Remember, a high quality pashmina shawl will last for generations, and can be used and enjoyed many times over. The secret is to take wear it properly, clean it the right way with the correct shampoo and store it properly when not in use.