Even if authentic furs are less widespread today than a few decades ago, there are still many ladies who want to have an item of this kind in their wardrobe; perhaps a sable fur. Sable fur is among the most renowned for making elegant and classy furs, perhaps even more than the well-known mink and fox furs. So much so that those who are not true experts could confuse one type with another. Yet, knowing how to recognize a sable fur can make the difference in a choice.
Sable and the famous Russian furs
Sable was one of the most widespread animals in Europe in the past centuries, almost completely extinct in the twentieth century. Its end was caused precisely by the excessive use of its fur, especially for making coats and jackets in Russia; a nation where the cold of winter does not give discounts and made it mandatory to wear very warm clothes. Some subspecies of sable have survived today, moving to Asia; they are currently protected animals. With very thick fur of light brown or reddish brown color, sables are about half a meter long; to make a fur coat you need to use a few dozen specimens. In Russia, hunting for this animal was abolished in 1940; in other parts of Europe, however, it continued for some years. Sables for fur therefore grow in farms linked to the textile industry. Also for this reason, it is difficult to recognize authentic sable fur.
How to recognize a sable fur
The color of the sable fur
The sable fur has a warm brown color that is not so easily identifiable; it can resemble that of other animals. The characteristic that makes it truly unique to the eye are the reflections: a blue-silver reflection in the undercoat, other yellow-golden or reddish on the surface depending on the sunlight. Sable is one of the furs with the most variable color and therefore, for an expert eye, it is impossible to confuse it. Therefore, it is already possible to understand with a careful look what type of fur we are looking at. Mink fur has a color tending towards dark brown, except in the ash gray or light gray versions. Ermine fur is usually chestnut brown, with a golden undercoat; it is also possible to find it in a grayish-white version. Those who wear fox, on the other hand, will show off a very soft fur with long hair and bright colors.
Sable fur compared to other fur
As for the touch, sable fur is very soft, and to the touch it is very smooth, almost like silk; in this it is very different from mink, which is harder, and it resembles fox more. The fur also does not get damaged; it always maintains the same volume, whichever way you stroke it, and it does not fall if it is crushed. It is also very light; wearing a sable fur you will immediately feel the difference in wearing it, compared to for example a mink one. Despite this, it is really very warm. These characteristics make it a luxury fur. Prices can vary from 8000 euros up to over 100 thousand for exclusive items. If you recognize it and wear it, treat it like a precious treasure.