Diving for Pearls...

...is far easier if you have supplemental oxygen. If you have to dive for them without oxygen, every time you don't reach the needed depth, you have to resurface for oxygen and all your efforts are in vain...Every dive tires you out and there is only a limited number that you can do in a day...However, its only with several failed experiences that you learn to hold your breath long enough to find that perfect pearl !

Still, the added oxygen would have been welcome...it would have at least made the memories more pleasant !

P.S. It is said that the ugliest of oysters have the most beautiful pearls inside...