What do we call silk that has not had the gum removed yet?

The term for silk that has not had the gum removed is referred to as raw silk. This is the initial form of silk produced from the cocoons of silkworms, which contains sericin, a natural gum that holds the silk fibers together. The presence of sericin gives raw silk a slightly coarse texture and a more natural appearance compared to processed silk. As the gum is removed through various refining processes, the silk becomes finer and softer, leading to the creation of refined or processed silk. Understanding this distinction is crucial in textile and interior design applications, where the choice of silk can significantly affect the aesthetic and functional qualities of a design project.