Specialist, Jewelry

Bonhams; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Parental Leave

401(k)

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Cellphone Allowance

Tuition Reimbursement

Commuter Benefits

EAP

Mentorship Program

Social Events

Job summary

Bonhams in Los Angeles seeks a Specialist in the Jewelry department with deep jewelry market knowledge and 5+ years of gemology experience to drive consignment efforts and new client initiatives. You will work closely with a small, collaborative team to meet budget goals and ensure a smooth consignment and purchasing experience for clients across the US.

The role emphasizes relationship-building with collectors, accurate valuation, and active pursuit of new business, with opportunities to lead

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in a gemological field in a client-facing role.
• Stone 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.

Responsibilities

• Valuing and advising Bonhams clients on the sale of their jewelry at Bonhams offices in Los Angeles and elsewhere in the US.
• Maintaining contact with collectors and individuals with known collections of jewelry.
• Actively pursuing new business for the department including entertaining clients as 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.
• 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 Los Angeles 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.

Skills

Gemology expertise

Carat calculation

Jewelry market knowledge

Negotiation skills

Client relationship building

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Auction process knowledge

Shipping regulations

Job description

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 Angelesand 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.

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 Specialist in the Jewelry department, you will play a pivotal role in contributing to consignment efforts and developing new client initiatives for our Los Angeles-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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 5 years of relevant experience in a gemological field in a client-facing role
• Stone 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.

$80,000 – $110,000 annually, DOE