Auctions

Sotheby’s, eBay partner to offer online auctions

AuctionsAug 10, 2016

Sotheby’s, eBay partner to offer online auctions

Consumers soon will have the ability to more easily bid on art, antiques and collectibles at Sotheby’s auctions, thanks to a recent partnership between the auction house and e-tailer eBay. 

New York--Consumers soon will have the ability to more easily bid on art, antiques and collectibles at Sotheby’s auctions, thanks to a recent partnership between the auction house and e-tailer eBay. 

The two companies are developing an online platform that will allow Internet users to browse and bid on a number of Sotheby’s live auctions in New York through a soon-to-be-launched website that will offer real-time bidding from anywhere in the world.

Both eBay and Sotheby’s said collectors increasingly are purchasing high-end items online, including on-the-go from their mobile devices. 

By the numbers
According to number provided by Sotheby’s, online bidders competed for 17 percent of the total lots offered in the auction house’s 2013 sales, and the number of lots purchased online last year increased 36 percent versus 2012. 

The number of visitors accessing Sotheby’s website via a mobile device, meaning a smartphone or tablet, doubled in 2013 as compared to 2012, and mobile traffic in 2014 now accounts for 25 percent of the auction house’s total website traffic.

In addition, a new record for an online purchase in a live auction at Sotheby’s was set last April when a remote bidder purchased John James Audubon’s elephant-folio (an enormous book of paintings) The Birds of America for $3.5 million. 

EBay, which has 145 million global active buyers in 190 countries, closes more than 3,500 auctions on its site daily. 

The company brought in $20 billion via mobile devices in 2013 and said 40 percent of its sales volume is “touched” by mobile. 

In addition, last year collectibles, which would be the type of items Sotheby’s sells, accounted for nearly $8 billion of its gross merchandise volume through 36 million active buyers. 

“The growth of the art market, new generation technology and our shared strengths make this the right time for this exciting new online opportunity,” Sotheby’s Chief Operating Officer Bruno Vinciguerra said. “We are joining with eBay to make our sales more accessible to the broadest possible audience around the world.” 

The auctions
Sotheby’s will present 18 collecting categories in the auctions that will be offered on the new online platform, with a plan to explore themed and time-based sales in the future. 

Although evening sales will not be included, the auction house said they may consider adding live auctions from its other global salesrooms, in Geneva, Hong Kong, Doha, London, Milan, Paris and Zurich. 

Both companies will focus on growing the market at price points where they expect their collectors to converge in the future, particularly in the jewelry, watches, prints, wine, photographs and 20th century design segments.

The global art market currently is estimated at around $65 billion, Sotheby’s said, and projection shows that online art sales could reach $13 billion by 2020.

“A Sotheby’s-eBay partnership is a significant milestone in our efforts to expand the live auction market,” said eBay Marketplaces President Davin Wenig, adding that Sotheby’s is a respected name in the world. “When you combine its inventory with eBay’s technology platform and global reach, we can give people access to the world’s finest, most inspiring items, anytime, anywhere and from any device.” 

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Logos for Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and Jewelers of America
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America

The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

Mark Henry Gumdrop Bypass Ring
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored Gemstones

Get a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in Burglaries

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Bliss Lau Bright Ring
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ Ring

From Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.

Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
GIA pearl report
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification System

The lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.

GCALbySarine Diamond Journey Certificate_1872x1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the Spotlight

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The late West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO Show

David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

Watches of Switzerland store in Mall of America
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14%

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

Jorge Adeler, Wendy Adeler, Valentina Adeler
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.

Jose Hess Design Awards 2025 Trophy
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce Judges

The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.

MJSA 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

Bulgari Invisible Violet Necklace and Rainbow Flow Necklace
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ Collection

The jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.

Industry analyst Edahn Golan
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List

In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.

Beyoncé bolo tie necklace
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter Tour

The bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.

Gem Legacy logo
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory Council

The nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.

Annie Doresca
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, President

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

QVC Group logo
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from Nasdaq

The company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through Change

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

Luis Morais Miami Beach Flagship Interior
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 Years

The “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.

Exterior of Tanishq Santa Clara Storefront
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. Store

Tanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.

New Cartier store at Los Angeles airport
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024

Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.

Instappraise and NAJA logos
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025

Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.

Day’s Jeweler’s Tuscan Village Location Painting
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth Location

The retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.

Gemfields emeralds, rubies, sapphires
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern World

Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”

Saks on Amazon flagship window
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online Storefront

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy