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.
$80,000 - $110,000 annually, DOE
