A natural protein fiber, silk is obtained from the cocoons of silkworms. About 3,000 cocoons are used to make just one yard of silk, making it a precious material that has been coveted for centuries. First used to make fabric in Neolithic China, today silk still makes a statement, whether it is used in garments or in textiles for interiors. One of the strongest natural fibers, it is noted for its luster and drape.