Mother-of-pearl carving in Bethlehem Mother-of-pearl carving in Bethlehem Mother-of-Pearl carving, a traditional handicraft in Bethlehem, is said to have been brought to the city by Franciscan friars from Italy in the 15th century. Bethlehem's position as an important Christian city has for centuries attracted a constant stream of pilgrims. This generated much local work and income, also for women, including making mother-of-pearl souvenirs. According to Weir, Bethlehem women's employment in the mother-of-pearl industry goes back at least to the seventeenth century. It was noted by Richard Pococke, who travelled there in 1727. Previously, most of the oysters for the mother-of-pearl supply came from the
Pearl (given name) the United States in the 1990 census. Authors Pamela Redmond Satran and Linda Rosenkrantz noted in their 2007 book "The Baby Name Bible" that Pearl is in fashion again with hipster parents in the United States. Pearl can also be a surname, one which is common among Jews. Zane Grey, the male American writer of Westerns, was born Pearl Zane Grey. Pearl Buck was a well-known female American author. Minnie Pearl was a country and western comedian and singer. The Poor Pitiful Pearl doll was a vintage doll manufactured by the Brookglad Corp., Gladtoy Company and later by the Horsman