As spring comes, and before the goat begins to moult, the herdsmen and their families, dressed in traditional costume (because this is a time for celebration - the reward of their years work) begin the laborious task of combing the precious underfleece from their goats. The combing season lasts six to eight weeks and the amounts produced are small - around 200-250 grams per goat.

The next task is to collect the raw cashmere. And then the trading begins. Dawson's highly experienced management on the ground in China provides extensive knowledge and buying power to ensure top quality and keen pricing from the best source; be that direct from the goat herder, regional co-operative, private individual merchants/manufacturers or trading companies.