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: The Best Collection Pearl: The Best Collection Pearl: The Best Collection (stylised as pearl ～The Best Collection～) is Kokia's first greatest hits album, released on February 1, 2006. It was released simultaneously with her first video clips collection, "". The album featured material from her time with Mother Land management under Victor Entertainment (2003-2006). In this time, Kokia had released two albums ("Remember Me" and "Uta ga Chikara"), along with seven singles. After working with Mother Land, she set up her own personal management company, Anco & Co., and has worked with them ever since. Three singles were released after "Uta ga Chikara",