Q Life Magazine Q Magazine (US) May 2016 | Page 45

Qatari Lifestyle: Merging Tradition with Modernity | Did you know? | Cultured Pearls. Underwater Diving Pearl diving was also a flourishing industry in the United States. Much like Qataris, divers in the Tennessee River gathered freshwater mussels in the hopes of finding pearls, which were sold throughout the Americas and Europe. And, much like in Qatar, the U.S. pearl industry has declined significantly in recent years. Almost all pearls from the United States are now man-made, though there are still some active pearl divers in the Tennessee River. 45