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 to 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

In the capacity of a Jewelry Specialist, the incumbent will play a pivotal role in spearheading consignment efforts and pioneering innovative client initiatives within our esteemed San Francisco-based department. Leveraging a distinguished understanding of the luxury jewelry market and a talent for fostering strong rapport with key clientele, they will effectively achieve departmental budget goals while ensuring a seamless consignment and purchasing process. This opportunity is ideally suited for individuals with a background in auction houses who thrive in collaborative environments, working alongside a tight-knit team to achieve shared objectives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Valuing and advising Bonhams clients on the sale of their jewelry at Bonhams offices in SF 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 Director 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 SF 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
• Knowledge and genuine interest for Jewelry
• Proven market and trend awareness, business acumen, and valuation 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

• Interest in fine art, art history, and/or auction world
• Desire to grow professionally, develop new skills, and willingness to work outside of their comfort zone
• Highly organized and thoughtful with pleasant, personable demeanor
• Fluency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

What We Offer

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

• Salary: $100,000 - $120,000 with an annual salary review
• Shortened work week: Standard workday is 7.5 hours and work week is 37.5 hours
• Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance – HMO, EPO, PPO with FSA and HSA
• 16 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
• Tuition reimbursement
• Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Professional development: free online training and expansive content library
• 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 birthday treats, weekly breakfast

Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.

Bonhams participates in E-Verify.

Salary : $100,000 - $120,000