MajorsOct 10, 2025
Frederick Goldman Names New VP of SalesAuctionsOct 15, 2025
Christie's Announces New Jewelry Department Leadership
The auction house named a new global head of jewelry, as well as a new head of the jewelry department for the Americas.
Max Fawcett, pictured at left, has been named Christie’s new global head of jewelry, and Claibourne Poindexter, at right, was promoted to head of department for jewelry for the Americas.
New York—Christie’s has appointed two new leaders within its jewelry department.
Max Fawcett has been named global head of jewelry, while Claibourne Poindexter has been promoted to head of department for jewelry for the Americas.
Both will assume their new roles on Jan. 1, 2026.
Fawcett, who is based in Geneva, most recently served as Christie’s head of jewelry for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
He joined the company more than a decade ago, and throughout his tenure, he has served as both specialist and auctioneer, leading record-breaking sales in London, Geneva, Hong Kong, and New York.
Fawcett began his career in Munich as an apprentice with renowned antique jeweler and former silversmith Ernst Farber.
He later moved to New York, where he worked closely with Christie’s as a dealer specializing in colored stones and natural pearls, with a focus on vintage jewels.
Poindexter, in his new role, will oversee all jewelry sales across the Americas, focusing on growth and client engagement in the region.
He has played a key role in developing Christie’s jewelry business in the United States, the company noted.
“Max and Claibourne embody the expertise, passion, and global perspective that define Christie’s jewelry department,” said Rahul Kadakia, who previously held both titles.
Last month, he was appointed president of Christie’s Asia and chairman of Christie’s Luxury Division, effective January 2026.
“Max’s deep specialist knowledge, exceptional client relationships, and leadership across multiple regions make him the natural choice to lead our global team. Claibourne’s energy, understanding of our business, and strong client connections position him perfectly to drive growth in the Americas. I have every confidence that under their guidance, [the jewelry department] at Christie’s will continue to flourish.”
Christie’s said it is focused on maintaining its position as a global leader in jewelry auctions.
In the first half of 2025, the auction house sold nine of the top ten jewels offered worldwide at auction, driving a 25 percent increase in category growth, it said.
Also, in June, its New York sale achieved the highest result in the history of Christie’s jewelry auctions in the city.
Related stories will be right here …
Max Fawcett has been named global head of jewelry, while Claibourne Poindexter has been promoted to head of department for jewelry for the Americas.
Both will assume their new roles on Jan. 1, 2026.
Fawcett, who is based in Geneva, most recently served as Christie’s head of jewelry for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
He joined the company more than a decade ago, and throughout his tenure, he has served as both specialist and auctioneer, leading record-breaking sales in London, Geneva, Hong Kong, and New York.
Fawcett began his career in Munich as an apprentice with renowned antique jeweler and former silversmith Ernst Farber.
He later moved to New York, where he worked closely with Christie’s as a dealer specializing in colored stones and natural pearls, with a focus on vintage jewels.
Poindexter, in his new role, will oversee all jewelry sales across the Americas, focusing on growth and client engagement in the region.
He has played a key role in developing Christie’s jewelry business in the United States, the company noted.
“Max and Claibourne embody the expertise, passion, and global perspective that define Christie’s jewelry department,” said Rahul Kadakia, who previously held both titles.
Last month, he was appointed president of Christie’s Asia and chairman of Christie’s Luxury Division, effective January 2026.
“Max’s deep specialist knowledge, exceptional client relationships, and leadership across multiple regions make him the natural choice to lead our global team. Claibourne’s energy, understanding of our business, and strong client connections position him perfectly to drive growth in the Americas. I have every confidence that under their guidance, [the jewelry department] at Christie’s will continue to flourish.”
Christie’s said it is focused on maintaining its position as a global leader in jewelry auctions.
In the first half of 2025, the auction house sold nine of the top ten jewels offered worldwide at auction, driving a 25 percent increase in category growth, it said.
Also, in June, its New York sale achieved the highest result in the history of Christie’s jewelry auctions in the city.
More on Auctions
The Latest
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
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.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
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.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
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.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
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.
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.
