How To Identify If The Pashmina Shawl I Am Buying Is Genuine?

With Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Government of India, it has become easier to identify a genuine Pashmina shawl

Since we were kids, we have heard stories about the legendary Pashmina shawls. At that time and even now, one of the common queries is how to identify a genuine Pashmina shawl. The strongest proof available now is the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Government of India. However, it may be possible for counterfeiters to copy this as well. That is where you may need to rely on traditional methods. Let us get complete details on how to identify if the Pashmina shawl I am buying is genuine.

Look for GI tag

A genuine Pashmina shawl is handwoven from ultra-fine undercoat wool sourced from the Pashmina goat, also called the Changthangi goat. These goats live in the high Himalayas, making their wool a rare and expensive commodity. This wool is known for its smooth texture and the ability to retain heat. The Pashmina shawl is made from 100% pure cashmere wool. There are no synthetic blends or machines involved.

The Government of India provides the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for genuine Pashmina shawls. You need to look for a stitched label or hologram that has the GI Tag. Genuine Pashmina shawls could also have a verifiable QR code, although not every genuine Pashmina shawl may have it. You can buy from GI-certified stores or from trusted Kashmiri artisan cooperatives.

Traditional methods to identify a genuine Pashmina shawl

While a GI tag is the best way to identify a genuine Pashmina shawl, there is still the risk of counterfeiting. It is better to use multiple methods to establish the genuineness of a Pashmina shawl. Here are some options you can consider.

Visual and tactile inspection – A genuine Pashmina shawl will feel soft like butter. It will be lightweight and warm to touch. A genuine Pashmina shawl will have a matte or subtle natural sheen. If you hold the shawl against the light, you will notice some imperfections in the weave. This is because a genuine Pashmina shawl is handwoven.

Ring test – This test has been hugely popularized, but it is only a supportive test and not a conclusive test of genuine Pashmina shawl. That is because even shawls made from synthetic materials like viscose or silk blends can easily pass through a wedding ring.

Static electricity test – Synthetic materials will create static electricity when rubbed together. These will attract lightweight items such as small pieces of plastic or tissue paper. In comparison, a genuine Pashmina will not generate any static electricity when rubbed together.

Burn test – This can be a good way to differentiate between genuine Pashmina and synthetic materials. Fibers from a genuine Pashmina shawl will burn slowly like a human hair. They will also have the distinctive smell of burnt hair or feathers. In comparison, fibers from synthetic material will smell like burnt plastic and may form lumps when the fire is put off.

You can rely on the government issued GI tag for identifying a genuine Pashmina shawl. Conventional methods, as described above, can also be useful. A genuine Pashmina shawl will feel much warmer relative to its weight and thickness. It gets softer with age and will last generations if properly maintained.