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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CollectionsApr 23, 2026
Adam Neeley’s High Jewelry Collection Steps Into Salvador Dalí’s GardenThe “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.
Weekly QuizApr 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Windsor Jewelers Names New Buying DirectorNatalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.
CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
