Handcrafting from abalone shells, or mother-of-pearl, started in the 16th century when Franciscan monks brought their skills from Italy. The Christian population, primarily in the Bethlehem area, worked with the Franciscans to develop religious icons that reflected their faith in God. Initially rosaries and crucifixes made from olive wood with inlaid mother-of-pearl were manufactured and sold. Today Bethlehem is still the center for the manufacture of mother- of-pearl objects, with an immense range of beautiful, luminous designs that include those inspired by Muslim and Christian influences.