Cashmere Knowledge
Cashmere Knowledge Hub
Explore the art, care, and heritage of true cashmere. At Vonoz, craftsmanship begins long before a shawl is worn. This curated collection of frequently asked questions is your entry point into the world of handwoven excellence. For collectors, connoisseurs, and curious minds alike.
1. Cashmere Fibers & Origins
- What is Pashmina?
- Difference Between Cashmere and Wool
- Where Does the Best Cashmere Come From?
- Why Ladakhi Cashmere is So Revered
- Rare Fibers Used in Vonoz Shawls
- What is Vicuña?
- Byssus: The Sea Silk of Ancient Luxury
- Qiviut: The Arctic Luxury Fiber
- How Lotus Fiber is Spun into Yarn
- Further Reading: Pashmina (Wikipedia)
2. Natural Dyes & Sustainability
- Why We Use Natural Dyes
- What is Natural Indigo?
- Using Saffron to Dye Cashmere
- The History of Tyrian Purple
- What is Cochineal Red?
- Dyeing with Osage Orange
- What is Gallnut Black?
- Eco-Dyeing Techniques for Cashmere
- How Color Holds in Natural Dyes
- Learn More: Botanical Colors
3. Craftsmanship & Techniques
- What is Kani Weaving?
- How Sozni Embroidery is Executed
- Making of a Classic Kashmiri Shawl
- What is Double Face Weaving?
- Handspun vs. Machine-Spun Cashmere
- History of the Kani Technique
- The Art of Woodblock Printing for Sozni
- How the Weft is Prepared in Kashmir
- Why Kani Weaving Needs Two Artisans
- Textile Arts at V&A Museum
4. Care, Storage & Longevity
- How to Wash a Cashmere Shawl
- Proper Storage of Cashmere
- How to Protect Cashmere from Moths
- Steaming vs. Ironing Cashmere
- When to Dry Clean Cashmere
- Cashmere and Humidity Care
- Can You Soften Cashmere Over Time?
- Traveling with Cashmere Shawls
- Is Hanging Cashmere a Good Idea?
- Sustainable Fiber Care (Textile Exchange)
5. Ethics, Authenticity & Buying Advice
- How to Identify Real Cashmere
- Signs of True Handweaving
- Cashmere Certifications Explained
- What is Fair Trade in Cashmere?
- How to Spot Fake Cashmere
- Why Handmade Matters
- Understanding the Cost of Quality Cashmere
- Who Makes Your Shawl?
- Cashmere and Slow Fashion
- UNESCO: Pashmina Weaving (Intangible Heritage)
Looking for deeper insights? Discover our extended volume for advanced readers: