MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
AuctionsMar 23, 2020
Here’s How the Auction Houses Are Responding to Coronavirus
A rundown on which jewelry and watch auctions have been postponed, which are taking place online, and how the houses are operating.
Most major auction houses have postponed their spring sales including Phillips, which was scheduled to have an auction in Geneva in May. The sale was slated to feature these four watches from the private collection of Jean-Claude Biver.
New York—The spread of the coronavirus has forced the closure of businesses worldwide as governments and communities work to curb the number of cases.
For the jewelry industry, this has led to the postponement or cancelation of a growing number of annual events and trade shows as well as retailers, manufacturers and suppliers ceasing operations until further notice.
It has also meant a retooling of calendars for auction houses, most of which had big sales scheduled for the spring.
Here’s what’s happening with seven of the larger auction houses—how scheduled sales have been affected, which offices are closed and more.
Christie’s
Christie’s has rescheduled its sales in Geneva and New York slated for the spring.
The house’s 20th Century Week in New York, planned for May 12 to 15, will now be held from June 23 to 26.
Geneva Luxury Week, scheduled for May 10 to 13, has been postponed until June 29 to July 1, and New York Classic Week has been moved from April 21 to 24 to June 8 to 12.
The following online sales will continue as planned: “Australian Art,” March 12 to 19; “Prints & Multiples,” March 18; and “Chieveley House, Berkshire and Five Private Collections,” March 19.
Meanwhile, all Christie’s offices and sales sites in the Americas, Europe and Middle East are closed with all employee teams working remotely.
Christie’s Hong Kong office has returned to normal open business hours, while Christie’s Beijing and Shanghai offices are operating with reduced staff on-site and remote working arrangements where necessary.
Seoul also is open with reduced hours and continued remote working arrangements for now; Tokyo is open with reduced staff on-site and limited hours.
Christie’s Bangkok and Jakarta offices are open to clients by appointment only.
Sotheby’s
Sotheby’s said it will make final decisions about each spring event approximately 30 days prior to the sale date and then alert all relevant parties.
The auction house has outlined the sales through March 31 on its website that will continue as scheduled, including the Fine Jewels sale in London March 24, though that is restricted to online and telephone bidding only.
It also highlighted events that have been postponed, including the Magnificent Jewels and Important Watches auctions slated for Hong Kong next month.
All online sales will continue as scheduled for now.
Sotheby’s also noted it’s technologically equipped to operate “in a variety of scenarios” and is considering
“a number of formats to provide for sales to proceed in the most effective manner.”
All Sotheby’s offices are closed to the public except for London and Hong Kong, which are by-appointment only.
Phillips
Phillips has postponed all sales and events in the Americas and Europe until mid-May, including “The Geneva Watch Auction: Eleven,” which was scheduled for May 9 and 10 and included watches from the private collection of well-known watch industry executive Jean-Claude Biver.
As of right now, the Hong Kong auctions scheduled for May 31 to June 2 will proceed as planned.
Phillips also noted it has arranged for most of its staff to work from home, offering customer service and help via phone and online.
Bonhams
Bonhams has postponed all auctions slated to take place from now until April 21, effective immediately.
All the house’s offices are closed as are the salesrooms in the U.K., New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, but Bonhams, like the others, remains open and accessible via its website.
It said it’s constantly monitoring the situation regarding auctions after April 21 and will provide updates accordingly.
Doyle
Doyle has temporarily closed its offices and warehouses.
The staff will be available through online and social channels, and Doyle will host online-only auctions at Doyle.com, including the rollout of a series in new collecting categories.
Heritage Auctions
Heritage is operating normally but has postponed its signature fine jewelry auction, which was scheduled to take place May 3 and 4 in New York, until Sept. 28.
The auction house is increasing the marketing behind “Friday Night Jewels,” a curated online auction series showcasing a range of jewelry with estimates between $2,000 and $10,000.
The Friday Night jewelry auctions are scheduled for May 1, June 5, July 3 and August 7.
Fortuna
Fortuna auction house said it will keep to the auction schedule set at the beginning of the year, with its April auctions still taking place as planned online; Important Watches and Important Jewels are both slated for April 30. Bidding will take place through its website and mobile app.
The house’s New York office is closed, in compliance with the guidelines set by the state, but the staff is working remotely, accepting jewelry for future auctions, providing appraisals and offering jewelry and watches for online bidding.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on March 25 to add Fortuna auction house’s operation plans during the coronavirus pandemic.
All Sotheby’s offices are closed to the public except for London and Hong Kong, which are by-appointment only.
Phillips
Phillips has postponed all sales and events in the Americas and Europe until mid-May, including “The Geneva Watch Auction: Eleven,” which was scheduled for May 9 and 10 and included watches from the private collection of well-known watch industry executive Jean-Claude Biver.
As of right now, the Hong Kong auctions scheduled for May 31 to June 2 will proceed as planned.
Phillips also noted it has arranged for most of its staff to work from home, offering customer service and help via phone and online.
Bonhams
Bonhams has postponed all auctions slated to take place from now until April 21, effective immediately.
All the house’s offices are closed as are the salesrooms in the U.K., New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, but Bonhams, like the others, remains open and accessible via its website.
It said it’s constantly monitoring the situation regarding auctions after April 21 and will provide updates accordingly.
Doyle
Doyle has temporarily closed its offices and warehouses.
The staff will be available through online and social channels, and Doyle will host online-only auctions at Doyle.com, including the rollout of a series in new collecting categories.
Heritage Auctions
Heritage is operating normally but has postponed its signature fine jewelry auction, which was scheduled to take place May 3 and 4 in New York, until Sept. 28.
The auction house is increasing the marketing behind “Friday Night Jewels,” a curated online auction series showcasing a range of jewelry with estimates between $2,000 and $10,000.
The Friday Night jewelry auctions are scheduled for May 1, June 5, July 3 and August 7.
Fortuna
Fortuna auction house said it will keep to the auction schedule set at the beginning of the year, with its April auctions still taking place as planned online; Important Watches and Important Jewels are both slated for April 30. Bidding will take place through its website and mobile app.
The house’s New York office is closed, in compliance with the guidelines set by the state, but the staff is working remotely, accepting jewelry for future auctions, providing appraisals and offering jewelry and watches for online bidding.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on March 25 to add Fortuna auction house’s operation plans during the coronavirus pandemic.
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
