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Female mink are smaller and have softer, lighter pelts than the males. Consequently, more female skins are needed for a coat than male skins. It is just as warm, however, although the weight may be less. Mink is worked in many ways, and every part of the skin is used. It is a very durable fur that can last thirty years or more with care, depending on the quality. Prime quality skins will wear the best. Lesser quality skins can often be camouflaged by dying them dark colors but they wont last as long and won't wear as well.
Natural ranch mink: The guard hairs should be silky and even in length, while the underfur should be dense and compact and paler in color. The mink should have a naturally lustrous sheen. The price depends on the availability - and popularity - of colors.
Pieced mink: A coat may be made, wholly or partially, of paws, gills and tails. It may also contain other pieces of mink. If the coat is patterned, such as to give a chevron effect, look for evenness of pattern and texture throughout the coat. Pieced coats may not wear as well as whole skin coats, because of the many seams. A good pieced mink coat should be reinforced on the leather side with nylon or ribbon at points of wear. Pieced mink coats can be very attractive, and they are much less expensive than natural mink coats that are let out or skin-on-skin.
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Fur Coats & Shawls
Fur Coats & Jackets
