The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
Phillips Adds to New York Jewelry Team
Eva Violante joins the division that helms the Americas as senior specialist and vice president.

New York—Phillips is beefing up its jewelry business.
After tapping Susan Abeles, formerly of Bonhams, to head its jewelry division in the Americas earlier this year, the auction house has now announced the appointment of Eva Violante as senior specialist and vice president.
Violante will report to Abeles and will help her create and implement Phillips’ jewelry strategy in the Americas.
Specifically, she will work with new and old clients on consignments and will focus on cross-marketing with other Phillips departments.
Violante also will work with the global jewelry team to grow Phillips’ network of dealers, collectors and influencers, the auction house said.
She joins Phillips from Heritage Auctions, where she worked as the fine jewelry director in New York. Prior to that she worked in New York and Madrid for Circa, a buyer of pre-owned gemstones, jewelry and watches.
“We are delighted to have Eva join our team as we’re building a world-class jewelry department around the world,” Abeles said. “It’s the right time to expand our department, and I am confident Eva will help us create an innovative and contemporary jewelry offering that will appeal to the increasing number of collectors of art, watches and design. Eva’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.”
Also joining Phillips’ New York jewelry team is Anne Mock, who has been appointed associate jewelry specialist. She comes from Harry Winston, where she worked as a quality control analyst.
The New York team will hold its first auction under this new leadership later this year.
They will also focus on exhibitions of contemporary jewelry designers, such as the recent one highlighting the work of Lauren Adriana.
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