Mother of pearl cross pendant in oval shape This beautiful Hand Carved Items Help Support skilled  Artisans in the Holy Land city of Bethlehem Mother of Pearl carving is a traditional art form practiced only by artisans in the areas of Bethlehem and Beit Sahour (Shepherd's Field). In most cases, these artisans are descendants of other Mother of Pearl carvers who have maintained this tradition from before the 17th century.