Sotheby's

Global auction house for fine art

Cataloguer - Jewelry

Appraisal & ValuationConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeLondon, UKNo salary listedIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree is required, ideally in a relevant area of study or interest.
Two years of experience in the jewelry field and some knowledge of gemology, jewelry history, and values are required; auction house experience is preferred.
Excellent communication, writing, and client service skills are required.
Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to multitask and prioritize, are required.
A high level of attention to detail is required.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel, is required.
Flexibility to work overtime and weekend hours when necessary is required.

Responsibilities

Work closely with specialists to learn the cataloguing system and processes and develop fluency with catalogue descriptions, gemological terminology, jewelry dating, styles, and makers.
Research property with specialists and assist in writing footnotes or biographies for catalogues or websites; obtain reproduction rights for outside imagery when required.
Assist with online and printed catalogue production, ensuring object photography is completed on time, images are color-proofed, text is proofed, and online catalogue text and images are correct.
Communicate and maintain catalogue and property deadlines for the department.
Assist with sale-related responsibilities, including condition reports, tracking interest, exhibition setup and staffing, assisting prospective clients, and recording underbids and bidding when needed.
Assist with evaluating works for auction and appraisal purposes, including responding to phone and written estimate requests; work with specialists on valuations and follow up on property estimated but not yet consigned for sale.
Assist with online valuation requests and learn to evaluate and price works for auction.
Assist with presale and postsale marketing and press write-ups, private sales, and proposal write-ups; ensure all consignment promises are met.
Develop business contacts and strategic opportunities.
Facilitate requests for gemological certificates and certificates of authenticity.
Liaise with workshops and external suppliers.
Support senior staff with long-term valuations, proposals, projects, and consignments.
Work with the sale coordinator to ensure relevant export documents are obtained.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Desired Qualifications

A Graduate Gemology degree from the GIA is preferred.
Auction house experience is preferred.
Enthusiasm and willingness to broaden knowledge are valued.

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

THE ROLE

The function of this role is to support the Jewelry department in London, cataloguing jewels and other related materials. The Cataloguer will support both auctions and private sales. Further, they will help all sales efforts towards these sales channels whilst providing general assistance with ongoing projects and valuations within the department.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Work closely with Specialists to learn the cataloguing system and processes in order to develop fluency with catalogue descriptions, gemological terminology, jewelry dating, styles, makers, etc.
Research property, working closely with Specialists, and assist in writing footnotes and/or biographies for use in catalogue and/or website; obtain reproduction rights of outside imagery when required
Assist with online and printed catalogue production, ensuring that photography of objects is completed in a timely manner, images are color-proofed, text is proofed, and online catalogue text & images are correct
Communicate & maintain catalogue and property deadlines to department
Assist with sale-related responsibilities, including condition reports, tracking interest, assisting with exhibition set-up, staffing exhibitions and assisting prospective clients, conducting underbid recording and bidding when needed
Assist with the evaluation of works for auction and appraisal purposes, including responses to phone and written estimate requests; work with Specialists on valuations and close follow-up on property that has been estimated but not yet consigned for sale
Assist with online valuation requests and learn to evaluate and price works for auction
Assist with pre-sale and post-sale marketing and press write-ups, private sales and proposal write-ups; ensure all consignment promises are met
Develop business contacts and strategic opportunities
Facilitate requests for gemological certificates and certificates of authenticity
Liaise with workshops and external suppliers
Support Senior Staff with long-term valuations, proposals, projects, and consignments
Work with Sale Coordinator to ensure any relevant export documents are obtained
Other duties as assigned by supervisor

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

Bachelor’s Degree required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest
2 years of experience in the jewelry field (auction house experience preferred), with some knowledge of gemology, jewelry history and values
Graduate Gemology degree from the GIA preferred
Excellent communication, writing and client service skills
Excellent organizational skills including ability to multi-task and prioritize
High level of attention to detail
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel
Enthusiasm and willingness to broaden knowledge
Flexibility to work overtime and weekend hours when necessary

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The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates.

About the Company

Sotheby's

Global auction house for fine art

Sotheby’s is a global auction house that sells fine art, luxury items, and collectibles through live and online auctions and private sales. Its product works by letting sellers consign items, which Sotheby’s then markets to a worldwide pool of bidders. Auctions run in major cities such as New York, London, Geneva, Paris, and Hong Kong, and online bidding expands accessibility. Private sales offer discreet purchases outside of auctions. Revenue comes from commissions on final sale prices and service fees like appraisals. Sotheby’s leverages deep expertise in valuing rare items and curating curated collections to attract high-value buyers and maximize returns. Its goal is to connect sellers with buyers in a trusted, full-service platform that handles valuation, marketing, and transaction logistics for the high-end art and luxury market.

Company size: 1,001-5,000
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: New York City, New York
Founded: 1744

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