Auctions

Susan Abeles Leaves Bonhams for Phillips

AuctionsFeb 20, 2018

Susan Abeles Leaves Bonhams for Phillips

She will be responsible for developing a strategy for its jewelry business in the Americas.

2018_Susan-Abeles.jpg
Susan Abeles is joining Phillips from auction house Bonhams to lead its jewelry department in the Americas.

New York--Phillips auction house has hired Susan Abeles, who spent the last eight years at Bonhams, to head and develop its jewelry business in the Americas.

She will be based out of the company’s New York headquarters, and will work closely with Terry Chu, head of Phillips’ jewelry department in Asia; Myriam Christinaz, managing director, Geneva; Sarah O’Brien, international business development director for jewelry in London; and Nazgol Jahan, an international specialist in New York.

In her new role as head of jewelry for the Americas and senior international specialist, Abeles will create and implement a strategy for Phillips’ jewelry business in the region. She also will be responsible for building a team in New York, working with new and existing clients on consignment opportunities, and creating cross-marketing opportunities within the auction house.

Abeles joins Phillips from Bonhams, where she was director of jewelry for the U.S. and cultivated a network of collectors, dealers and curators.

Prior to that, she worked at high-end contemporary and vintage jewelry retailer Lee Siegelson and, before that, spent seven years at Christie’s as vice president of jewelry.

The development of the jewelry department comes as part of Phillips’ expansion in recent years. It plans to hold its first auction under Abeles in the fall.

“There is tremendous opportunity to build a highly competitive jewelry business with a modern sensibility in today’s auction market,” said Myriam Christinaz, managing director of Phillips Geneva. “Susan’s creativity, dynamism and experience will help us grow in this important category and present our clients with a well-rounded offering of exceptional jewels.”

Phillips held its first New York auction in October 2017, where the highlight was the much-celebrated Rolex Cosmograph Daytona that once belonged to Paul Newman. It sold for $17.8 million, becoming the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction.

Next month, Phillips will host “Lauren Adriana, Jewels Now,” a selling exhibition of the contemporary jewelry designer’s work. Comprised of more than 50 jewels and accompanying design “paint-ups,” the travelling exhibition will be an immersive experience exploring the artistic and creative aspects of jewelry, the auction house said.

It will be open to the public in New York from March 8 to 14 at 450 Park Ave. After that, it will travel to London, where it will be on view from March 20 to 25 at 30 Berkeley Square.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Ella Klein Interns Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein Internship

Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.

Retrouvai Green Sapphire and Diamond Heirloom Bezel Ring for Charity
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for Charity

In the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

DeVries Jewelers
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the Holidays

Co-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.

me_myself_and_I_1872x1052 .jpg
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds

‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.

State Property Gardens Collection Campaign
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into Jewelry

Along with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.

Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Two people in a rowboat
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat Escape

The man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.

2488-carat diamond found in Botswana
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name

The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”

ja nj btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry

For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.

Rough rubies
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at Source

The average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.

Tiffany & Co. pocket watch gifted to captain of the Carpathia
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co.

More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.

Picchiotti Spotlight Campaign Video Still
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video Campaign

The videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.

Steve Feldman
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to Retire

Feldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.

Chanel Quilted Stars Necklace
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence

The luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.

Frank Circelli
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75

Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.

Stock image of a gavel, handcuffs, and books
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison

The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.

Cover of the new book “The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance”
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings

“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.

Rolex store on Rodeo Drive
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo Drive

Gearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.

GCAL 8X pear and marquise-cut diamonds
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes

The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.

Claudia Cividino, Sissy’s Log Cabin, Shri Govind Dholakia, Tanishq
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award Recipients

DDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

Estimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.

Martin Katz tanzanite drop earrings
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops

These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024

The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.

Tom Brady’s Rolex Daytona Paul Newman “John Player Special”
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s Auction

The highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”

Grizzly emerald mining
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4M

Recent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.

Carrie Forman
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of Sales

Carrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.

Models wearing jewelry by 2024 Shining Light Award winners
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award Winners

The competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.

Woman wearing a snake ring and bracelet
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes Elegance

The high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.

×

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