The first pearl tender by the Dubai Pearl Exchange was held last month, generating sales worth over $1 million. The event accommodated 40 companies amongst whom buyers were keenly interested in the natural pearls, strands with important single pieces. %% The prominent pieces at the sale were - a very rare drop-pair of Paspaley Pearls' natural pearls, bought by Swiss Pearls of Switzerland. Another was a set of cherry-coloured Robert Wan Tahitian pearls, strand and earrings, sold to Shafiian Gem. A strand of pink cultured South Sea pearls from Paspaley Pearls and a strand of gold cultured South Sea pearls from Cogent were sold to Pearls of Nippon. %% The pieces on auction by Paspaley Pearls were five in number – that of Nautilus pompilius pearls and a cultured South Sea strand with a centerpiece larger than 22mm.