A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Bonhams Names Senior International Jewelry Director
Brett O’Connor joins the auction house from Sotheby’s Geneva.
New York—Bonhams is continuing to add to its team.
The auction house announced this week the appointment of auctioneer Brett O’Connor to senior international jewelry director and senior vice president, U.S., beginning in November at its New York office.
O’Connor boasts an illustrious career as a jewelry specialist, with more than 24 years of auction experience, the last 16 of which he spent at Sotheby’s Geneva.
While he was there he worked with the collections of Maria Callas, Gina Lollobrigida, Henckle von Donnersmarck, as well as a collection of jewelry hitting the auction block this fall that once belonged to Marie Antoinette, to name a few.
O’Connor also helped bring important diamonds and gemstones to auction, like the Beau Sancy diamond, Sunrise ruby and the Apollo and Artemis diamond earrings.
With a graduate gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America, O’Connor began his career at Christie’s and Phillips in New York and Los Angeles before moving to Hong Kong and Europe during his tenure at Sotheby’s.
He’s been a lead auctioneer at Sotheby’s sales spanning Geneva, Hong Kong, London and New York, and before his move to Geneva, he was the head of jewels in Hong Kong.
Jean Ghika, Bonhams’ global head of jewelry, commented in a press release, “I am delighted to welcome Brett to the team. He has an excellent track record and is extremely well regarded within the industry. I am particularly looking forward to working with him to further build our presence in the U.S. and Asia, which are some of the most important and fastest growing markets for jewelry.”
O’Connor added, “I am pleased to be joining Bonhams at an important point in the company’s long history and excited to be returning to the U.S. with a view to expanding the jewelry department’s global presence.”
The Latest
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.