MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownAuctionsSep 09, 2025
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
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.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
