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 Lowe Pearl Lowe Pearl Lowe (born Pearl Samantha Davis), is an English fashion and textiles designer, and former singer-songwriter. She was the vocalist of mid-1990s indie bands Powder and Lodger, which she fronted after a brief period at LAMDA, and as a solo-artist under the name Pearl. Pearl is known for her love of vintage interiors and fashion. In 2001, she launched 'Pearl Lowe', her signature range of lace curtains and cushions. In 2006, Lowe moved to Somerset where she began designing her own bespoke handmade dresses and childrenswear that were sold to Liberty and The Cross in London. She has