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
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7CsPaul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on LovePart of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry CollabThe jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th AnniversaryThe association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event ReturnsThe jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
