The natural elasticity of sprang makes it suitable for stockings, hair nets, sleeves, bags, scarves, and other purposes where pliant material is required.
Archaeological evidence indicates that sprang predates knitting; the two needlework forms bear a visible resemblance and serve similar functions but require different production techniques.
Attention switched to cultured pearls and pearl farms sprang up, capitalising on the fact that maxima pinctada oysters thrived in the area's sub-tropical waters.
