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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.
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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.
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