Mother-of-pearl carving in Bethlehem Red Sea. Today, however, Australia, California, New Zealand and Brazil are the main exporters. The first exhibition in the west of mother-of-pearl artifacts from Palestine was at The World Fair in New York in 1852. Two brothers, Giries and Ibrahim Mansur, exhibited their work and were a great success. Present day products, include crosses, earrings, brooches and picture frames. 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
Parable of the Pearl writings. Pope Pius XII used the phrase to describe virginity. The pearl itself is a beautiful, single entity, formed through suffering in the heart of the oyster (in the same way that believers endure lack of wealth or comfort) and like the Church, will be put on display in a coming day. Unlike precious stones which must be cut and polished to reveal their clarity and beauty, the pearl is perfect as it comes from the oyster. A version of the parable also appears in the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas (Saying 76): This work's version of the parable of the