Long time ago, the pearl was discovered by the human kind probably in their looking of food in the sea. The pearl has meant a lot to different cultures through history and until nowadays is considered one of the most precious jewel. They were really worthy, for example in Egypt people who owned pearls would be buried with them; it had a big value. In Rome they were a symbol of wealth; in Greek culture, apart from wealth, they related with love, that’s why is common for lovers to gift pearl necklaces or other jewelry. In Europe was also considered very worthy, before only members of the noble class could use them. (Diving Heritage)
Pearl Diving
Many years ago, when Pearl diving was discovered, there were no instruments to do so. People went in look for pearls nude, this was called nude diving. It was commonly to do it in the moths of summer or hot weather more or less at a depth of 48 feet. Sometimes the mud in the water or the clouds in the sky made it hard to see the oysters. (Yirka Tonya)
Nowadays, there is a specific uniform to protect the body and oxygen tanks are used too, unlike early times. There are many different devices used which I will talk about in another post.
Pearls are really common thanks to these devices, which make them easy to find. Now you can buy pearls at a really cheap price, compared with ancient times.
Bibliography:
* Diving Heritage. "Pearl Diving." DivingHeritage - the Worlds Largest Virtual Diving Helmet Museum. Diving Heritage, 28 Feb. 2005. Web. 18 Aug. 2011.
*Yirka, Tonya. "The History of Pearl Diving in Mexico | EHow.com." EHow | How to Videos, Articles & More - Trusted Advice for the Curious Life | EHow.com. EHow, 1999. Web. 19 Aug. 2011. .
I have read your article and is very interesting the topic you chose, before I reak your article I had a little knowledge about Pearl Diving, I think you should add the use of it now a days
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