The Precious Moments Collection by Enesco was first conceived by Sam Butcher, a minister, who used illustrations to teach young children about God. In 1974, along with a partner he started the "Jonathan & David" greeting card business, featuring teardrop-eyed children. They were called Precious Moments because they spread loving, caring and sharing to everyone that saw them. In 1978, these drawings were transformed into handcrafted and individually painted porcelain figurines and the first 21 were introduced to the marketplace. Now more than 1500 subjects for every occasion and event exist. The Precious Moments Collection by Enesco is now the number one collectible in the United States.