Senior Specialist, Jewelry

About Bonhams

Bonhams is a global auction house with an 18th century heritage poised for transformative change. Our global operations are based in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong where we sell in over 60 categories, including motor cars, paintings, jewelry, and entertainment memorabilia.

Our employees are passionate about their work, and we pride ourselves on a bespoke approach that aims to make every client feel important. It is an exciting time for our business and our global leadership team of art world professionals are now ready for a People focused team to help them develop their talent strategy, strengthen our people brand globally, build organizational capability and drive process improvement.

Bonhams is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.

About the Role

As a Senior Jewelry Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in leading consignment efforts and developing new client initiatives for our New York-based department. Drawing on deep knowledge of the luxury jewelry market and strong relationships with key clients, you'll help the department meet its budget goals and deliver a smooth consignment and purchasing experience. This role is well suited to someone with auction house experience who enjoys working closely with a small, collaborative team to achieve shared objectives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Valuing and advising Bonhams clients on the sale of their jewelry at Bonhams offices in New York City and elsewhere in the US, as required.

Maintaining contact with collectors and individuals with known collections of jewelry.

Actively pursuing new business for the department including entertaining clients as and when appropriate.

Proposing new initiatives to the US Head of Jewelry to assist in the development of the department.

Assisting with maintaining and developing the database of jewelry buyers and sellers.

Fostering good relations with trade and professional bodies to assist with the advancement of the department.

Ensuring the requirements of the clients’ contract with Bonhams are met, from consignment to final payment, with departmental support.

Supporting the team on sale days with all aspects of the auction procedure.

Providing prospective clients with detailed condition reports and advice about purchasing at auction while conducting viewings.

Conducting property valuations for clients, as needed, both at our office and various locations across the US.

Supporting and mentoring the team to encourage their development and knowledge of the market.

Detailed cataloguing, researching, editing, and proofing for sales in New York or other locations as needed.

Assisting on exhibition events, either in the US or worldwide as and when required.

Maintaining an awareness of our competitor’s strategies to maintain the competitive position of the jewelry department in the market.

Promoting the department through lectures and other promotional events.

Qualifications

At least 8 years of relevant experience in a gemological field in a client-facing role 

Diamond and gemstone grading and identification and the ability to calculate individual and total carat weights

Knowledge of and genuine interest in jewelry, including makers, stylistic periods, and history

Proven market and trend awareness, business acumen, valuation and negotiation skills

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Strong network of contacts or willingness to build a portfolio

Functional working knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedures (e.g. shipping regulations, VAT)

Excellent time management and organization skills with ability to work tight deadlines and under pressure

High level of interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral

Demonstrable ability to work as part of team and independently

Proven ability to prioritize multiple projects at a time, while maintaining sharp attention to detail

Additional Desired Qualities

Experience in an auction house, gallery, or museum

Fluency with PC applications including Microsoft Suite and digital image management 

Ability to quickly learn company proprietary database 

Strong organizational skills and exceptional time management 

Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills

Discretion with the ability to maintain highly sensitive, confidential information

Multi-lingual abilities are a plus

What We Offer

In addition to an active and progressive work environment, Bonhams offers a competitive benefits package to encourage work/life balance, including:

Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance – HMO, EPO, PPO with FSA and HSA

20 days paid time off (PTO)

12 paid holidays and holiday break from Christmas to New Years Day

16 weeks fully paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements

401(k) retirement plan with company contribution

Life insurance with AD & D

Short- and long-term disability

Paid cellphone and data service

Professional development: tuition reimbursement and free online training library

Commuter benefits (transit and parking)

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Onboarding buddy: 90 day mentor to welcome and orient new joiners

Employee resource groups: social club, diversity committee, mentorship program

Sponsored socials: annual staff art exhibition, annual summer and holiday parties, monthly snacks and treats

Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.

Bonhams participates in E-Verify.