Sotheby's Jewelry Cataloguer

About Sotheby's

Sotheby’s is an auction house founded in London in 1744. Its specialists work across fine art and collecting categories including jewelry, watches, handbags, wine, design, and classic cars. The house connects collectors through live and online auctions, private sales, and fixed-price purchases. Its work spans specialist research and cataloging, client services, marketing, technology, finance, and operations, supporting the preparation, sale, and movement of objects across its international network.

Role & Responsibilities

• Work closely with Specialists to learn cataloguing systems and processes and develop fluency in catalogue descriptions, gemological terminology, jewelry dating, styles and makers.
• Research property with Specialists and assist in writing catalogue and website footnotes or biographies; obtain reproduction rights for external imagery when required.
• Assist with online and printed catalogue production, ensuring object photography is completed promptly, images are color-proofed, text is proofread, and online catalogue text and images are accurate.
• Communicate and maintain catalogue and property deadlines within the department.
• Assist with sale-related duties, including preparing condition reports, tracking interest, setting up and staffing exhibitions, assisting prospective clients, recording underbids and bidding when needed.
• Assist in evaluating works for auction and appraisal, respond to telephone and written estimate requests, work with Specialists on valuations, and follow up on estimated property 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 copy, private sales and proposal copy; 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, ideally in a relevant field of study or interest.
• Two 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 the ability to multitask 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.

Skills

Experience

2 years of experience in the jewelry field; auction house experience preferred.

Education

Bachelor’s degree required, ideally in a relevant field of study or interest; Graduate Gemology degree from the GIA preferred.

Culture

Sotheby’s describes its culture in terms of client service, specialist knowledge, curiosity, collaboration, and ethical conduct. Its careers materials emphasize working across disciplines and encouraging employees to explore internal opportunities.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.