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 (drag queen) Pearl (drag queen) Pearl, occasionally known as Pearl Liaison, is the stage name of American drag performer and record producer Matthew James Lent. Lent garnered fame through competing on the seventh season of "RuPaul's Drag Race", finishing joint runner-up. Lent grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida with his mother and two sisters. He spent time drawing "rich old ladies with big diamond rings and furs", which eventually morphed into his drag persona. After moving to Chicago, Lent began performing in drag in 2012, alongside Kim Chi, using the stage name Pearl. He has described Pearl's persona as a "stepford wife