On Sat, 22 Nov 2008 23:11:05 -0800, in rec.crafts.jewelry "Rich"
wrote:


This gimp is fine wire in a coil about 1.5mm diameter and 12mm long.

Amost sounds like a somewhat larger version of the "french wire" used in bead
and pearl stringing. That's also a coil of very fine wire, though usually a bit
less in diameter than what you've got. Used to reinforce the thread used for
stringing pearls where it ties around a clasp so the clasp doesn't wear through
it. You thread a small length of the coil onto your thread so when looped
through the metal loop or jump ring on the clasp, and then tied off back to the
thread, etc, what results is a loop of what looks like the metal coil through
the clasp, rather than the stringing thread, which runs inside it.

Wikipedia also mentions a meaning for "gimp" as a form of ornamental thread,
which can be metalized, used in embroidery, lace, or other ornamental sewing
methods as a heavier or ornamental edging. Doesn't say it's a coil, though.
Still, perhaps this stuff was intended for some use like that...

Where'd you get this stuff? Any idea where it comes from or was made? That
might give a clue too. And is it just that single short 12mm length, or do you
have a lot of these pieces? Makes a difference as to how much trouble it's
worth researching it...

Peter