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Phillips Names Dianne Batista Head of Jewels, New York
The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.
Phillips has named Dianna Batista, an industry veteran with nearly four decades of experience, as its new head of jewels in New York.
New York—Phillips has named industry veteran Dianne Batista its new head of jewels in New York, as well as senior vice president and senior specialist.
Batista has nearly four decades of experience in auction houses, luxury retail, and consultancy, with strong market insight and connections throughout the jewelry industry.
Prior to joining Phillips, Batista was the senior vice president of jewelry and watches at Hindman Auctions since May 2024, as per her LinkedIn profile.
She was previously the director of fine jewelry and watches at Rago/Wright Auctions, as well as a senior specialist and auctioneer.
Batista was also an archives manager for David Webb and an appraiser, cataloguer, and senior jewelry specialist at Christie’s, assisting in the auctions of the collections of Elizabeth Taylor and Van Cliburn.
In her new role, Batista will lead Phillips’ New York Jewels team, overseeing the sourcing and evaluation of items for live and online auctions.
She is also tasked with driving long-term growth strategies and expanding the auction house’s footprint in the Americas, working on client engagement and market development.
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Batista has nearly four decades of experience in auction houses, luxury retail, and consultancy, with strong market insight and connections throughout the jewelry industry.
Prior to joining Phillips, Batista was the senior vice president of jewelry and watches at Hindman Auctions since May 2024, as per her LinkedIn profile.
She was previously the director of fine jewelry and watches at Rago/Wright Auctions, as well as a senior specialist and auctioneer.
Batista was also an archives manager for David Webb and an appraiser, cataloguer, and senior jewelry specialist at Christie’s, assisting in the auctions of the collections of Elizabeth Taylor and Van Cliburn.
In her new role, Batista will lead Phillips’ New York Jewels team, overseeing the sourcing and evaluation of items for live and online auctions.
She is also tasked with driving long-term growth strategies and expanding the auction house’s footprint in the Americas, working on client engagement and market development.
“Dianne joins Phillips at a pivotal moment of growth for our Jewels department,” said Benoît Repellin, Phillips’ worldwide head of jewelry.
Batista’s expertise makes her the perfect fit to lead the auction house’s efforts in the Americas, said Repellin.
Last year, Phillips’ Jewels auction totals rose by more than 50 percent year-over-year, following the debut of jewelry auctions in Geneva in 2023.
Batista’s appointment reaffirms its commitment to the jewelry category, said Phillips.
“Dianne’s appointment underscores our commitment to excellence and our ambition to further elevate Phillips’ global presence in the jewelry market,” added Repellin.
Phillips will host its upcoming New York Jewels auction on Dec. 11.
The sale will feature a curated collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary jewelry from well-known houses as well as independent designers.
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