Jewelry Expert

About Sotheby's

Sotheby's is a world-renowned auction house with a rich history dating back to 1744. We are a global leader in the art and luxury market, offering a wide range of services including auctions, private sales, and e-commerce. Our team of experts spans 40 countries and 70 categories, including Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Jewelry Specialist to join our team in Hong Kong. As a key member of our Asia Jewelry team, you will be responsible for generating new business opportunities, sourcing, authenticating, evaluating, and selling high-end jewelry to meet sales and profit targets. You will also play an active role in the general day-to-day functioning of the department and promoting the department within the worldwide corporation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop business opportunities with high-net-worth clients
• Business getting and negotiations, operating as part of a team to meet sales and net profit targets for Hong Kong sales
• Help organize preview exhibitions in Hong Kong and Asia traveling exhibitions
• Set an example of scholarship providing expertise, researching, and cataloging objects to the highest standard, according to client service and sale deadlines
• Involvement in all aspects of catalogue production, including research and cataloging of items, ensuring timely completion of photography, dealing with paste-ups and layouts, and liaising with Catalogue Production and other support departments
• Write condition reports and respond to photo forms, estimate enquiries, and general correspondence
• Help prepare proposals and valuations
• Deal with day-to-day client enquiries at the counter, by email, and on the telephone
• Act as key client contact for select clients
• Ensure personal focus on continuous improvement of the overall quality of expertise and levels of client service offered and set an example of professionalism to more junior colleagues
• Provide proactive input into improvement of departmental systems/practices
• Build strong relationships with international colleagues and work with clients to actively sell Sotheby's international jewelry sales
• Be of support to Sotheby's Diamonds by growing awareness of private-sale capabilities and Sotheby's Diamonds inventory
• Maintain an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally
• Maintain general knowledge of policies and procedures as related to compliance, property shipments, and post-sale services
• Participate in ad-hoc duties as requested, not limited to additional main and mid-season auction-based duties which may include, but are not limited to, telephone bidding for multiple departments
• Operate at all times in accordance with the company's rules on compliance and corporate governance
• Work closely with marketing communication and editorial teams on social media promotion and cross-category events

Qualifications

• Degree educated or equivalent
• GIA qualified, with multiple years of experience in the gemological field
• Proven experience with business getting and jewelry expertise
• Expert knowledge of specialty, including current in-depth market knowledge and awareness, archives and reference sources, understanding of the appropriate craft and restoration techniques, and a network of contacts within the jewelry market
• Strong research skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Proven commitment to excellence in Client Service, professional and discreet
• Functional working knowledge of the complete auction process and related procedures (e.g. shipping regulations, taxation, compliance)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese required (spoken and written)
• Self-motivated; able to work independently and as part of a busy team
• Able to work well under pressure, to multiple deadlines, and be prepared to 'pitch in' when required
• Flexible approach to a wide range of tasks
• Able to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion
• Flexible to travel at certain times of the year to undertake sweeps, support sales, traveling exhibitions, and client visits as and when required