The Pure Kashmir Journal
Stories from the Valley
The history, craft, and culture of Kashmiri Pashmina — written for those who want to understand what they are buying, and why it matters.

A Thoughtful Guide to Gifting Pashmina
There is a reason Pashmina has been gifted between royals, diplomats, and loved ones for six centuries. Here is how to choose the right one.
HeritageWhere Pashmina Begins — The Changthang Plateau at 14,000 Feet
Before there is a loom, before there is a thread, there is a goat standing in a snowfield at the edge of the world. This is where our story starts.
Style GuideEight Practical Ways to Wear a Pashmina Shawl
A single shawl, eight distinct looks. From boardroom to beach evening, here is how to get the most from one piece of handwoven Pashmina.
The CraftWhat Happens at the Loom — A Day with a Kani Weaver
We spent a day in a Kani weaving workshop in Srinagar. Here is what we learned about patience, precision, and the coded manuscripts that guide every thread.
Care GuideHow to Look After a Pashmina Shawl So It Lasts Decades
Pashmina gets better with age — if you treat it right. Here are the simple rules that will keep your shawl beautiful for thirty years and beyond.
AuthenticityHow We Think About Authenticity — And How You Can Verify Yours
The Pashmina market has a counterfeiting problem. Here is our honest assessment of every common test — and what actually proves a shawl is real.
Buyer's GuidePashmina, Cashmere, and Merino — Understanding the Differences
These three words get used interchangeably in shops and online stores. They should not be. Here is what each one actually means.
HeritageThe Pattern the World Borrowed — How Kashmir's Keri Became Paisley
The most recognised textile motif in history is Kashmiri in origin. Here is the story of how a mango-shaped ornament travelled from Srinagar to Scotland.