This is a 4-ply, very smooth yarn, with very bright sparkles from a strand of Lurex (a nylon) that runs through the yarn. The feel of the yarn is dense and there is no scratchiness. The photo has not been retouched. This is the way the sparkles appear in natural light.

The wool is superwash Merino, so it should be machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle, but to preserve your handiwork I recommend hand washing in cool water and line drying.