Senior Specialist, Jewelry

About the role

Bonhams is seeking a Senior Jewelry Specialist to lead consignment efforts and develop new client initiatives for the New York-based department. The ideal candidate should have at least 8 years of relevant experience in a gemological field, with knowledge of diamond and gemstone grading and identification, and a genuine interest in jewelry.

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.
• 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.
• Highly interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral.
• 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.
• 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

• 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

Pay

$120,000 - $150,000 annually, DOE