MajorsApr 01, 2026
Foundrae Sues Pandora for Allegedly Copying Its Medallion DesignsFoundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.
AuctionsMar 23, 2020
Here’s How the Auction Houses Are Responding to Coronavirus
A rundown on which jewelry and watch auctions have been postponed, which are taking place online, and how the houses are operating.
Most major auction houses have postponed their spring sales including Phillips, which was scheduled to have an auction in Geneva in May. The sale was slated to feature these four watches from the private collection of Jean-Claude Biver.
New York—The spread of the coronavirus has forced the closure of businesses worldwide as governments and communities work to curb the number of cases.
For the jewelry industry, this has led to the postponement or cancelation of a growing number of annual events and trade shows as well as retailers, manufacturers and suppliers ceasing operations until further notice.
It has also meant a retooling of calendars for auction houses, most of which had big sales scheduled for the spring.
Here’s what’s happening with seven of the larger auction houses—how scheduled sales have been affected, which offices are closed and more.
Christie’s
Christie’s has rescheduled its sales in Geneva and New York slated for the spring.
The house’s 20th Century Week in New York, planned for May 12 to 15, will now be held from June 23 to 26.
Geneva Luxury Week, scheduled for May 10 to 13, has been postponed until June 29 to July 1, and New York Classic Week has been moved from April 21 to 24 to June 8 to 12.
The following online sales will continue as planned: “Australian Art,” March 12 to 19; “Prints & Multiples,” March 18; and “Chieveley House, Berkshire and Five Private Collections,” March 19.
Meanwhile, all Christie’s offices and sales sites in the Americas, Europe and Middle East are closed with all employee teams working remotely.
Christie’s Hong Kong office has returned to normal open business hours, while Christie’s Beijing and Shanghai offices are operating with reduced staff on-site and remote working arrangements where necessary.
Seoul also is open with reduced hours and continued remote working arrangements for now; Tokyo is open with reduced staff on-site and limited hours.
Christie’s Bangkok and Jakarta offices are open to clients by appointment only.
Sotheby’s
Sotheby’s said it will make final decisions about each spring event approximately 30 days prior to the sale date and then alert all relevant parties.
The auction house has outlined the sales through March 31 on its website that will continue as scheduled, including the Fine Jewels sale in London March 24, though that is restricted to online and telephone bidding only.
It also highlighted events that have been postponed, including the Magnificent Jewels and Important Watches auctions slated for Hong Kong next month.
All online sales will continue as scheduled for now.
Sotheby’s also noted it’s technologically equipped to operate “in a variety of scenarios” and is considering
“a number of formats to provide for sales to proceed in the most effective manner.”
All Sotheby’s offices are closed to the public except for London and Hong Kong, which are by-appointment only.
Phillips
Phillips has postponed all sales and events in the Americas and Europe until mid-May, including “The Geneva Watch Auction: Eleven,” which was scheduled for May 9 and 10 and included watches from the private collection of well-known watch industry executive Jean-Claude Biver.
As of right now, the Hong Kong auctions scheduled for May 31 to June 2 will proceed as planned.
Phillips also noted it has arranged for most of its staff to work from home, offering customer service and help via phone and online.
Bonhams
Bonhams has postponed all auctions slated to take place from now until April 21, effective immediately.
All the house’s offices are closed as are the salesrooms in the U.K., New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, but Bonhams, like the others, remains open and accessible via its website.
It said it’s constantly monitoring the situation regarding auctions after April 21 and will provide updates accordingly.
Doyle
Doyle has temporarily closed its offices and warehouses.
The staff will be available through online and social channels, and Doyle will host online-only auctions at Doyle.com, including the rollout of a series in new collecting categories.
Heritage Auctions
Heritage is operating normally but has postponed its signature fine jewelry auction, which was scheduled to take place May 3 and 4 in New York, until Sept. 28.
The auction house is increasing the marketing behind “Friday Night Jewels,” a curated online auction series showcasing a range of jewelry with estimates between $2,000 and $10,000.
The Friday Night jewelry auctions are scheduled for May 1, June 5, July 3 and August 7.
Fortuna
Fortuna auction house said it will keep to the auction schedule set at the beginning of the year, with its April auctions still taking place as planned online; Important Watches and Important Jewels are both slated for April 30. Bidding will take place through its website and mobile app.
The house’s New York office is closed, in compliance with the guidelines set by the state, but the staff is working remotely, accepting jewelry for future auctions, providing appraisals and offering jewelry and watches for online bidding.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on March 25 to add Fortuna auction house’s operation plans during the coronavirus pandemic.
All Sotheby’s offices are closed to the public except for London and Hong Kong, which are by-appointment only.
Phillips
Phillips has postponed all sales and events in the Americas and Europe until mid-May, including “The Geneva Watch Auction: Eleven,” which was scheduled for May 9 and 10 and included watches from the private collection of well-known watch industry executive Jean-Claude Biver.
As of right now, the Hong Kong auctions scheduled for May 31 to June 2 will proceed as planned.
Phillips also noted it has arranged for most of its staff to work from home, offering customer service and help via phone and online.
Bonhams
Bonhams has postponed all auctions slated to take place from now until April 21, effective immediately.
All the house’s offices are closed as are the salesrooms in the U.K., New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, but Bonhams, like the others, remains open and accessible via its website.
It said it’s constantly monitoring the situation regarding auctions after April 21 and will provide updates accordingly.
Doyle
Doyle has temporarily closed its offices and warehouses.
The staff will be available through online and social channels, and Doyle will host online-only auctions at Doyle.com, including the rollout of a series in new collecting categories.
Heritage Auctions
Heritage is operating normally but has postponed its signature fine jewelry auction, which was scheduled to take place May 3 and 4 in New York, until Sept. 28.
The auction house is increasing the marketing behind “Friday Night Jewels,” a curated online auction series showcasing a range of jewelry with estimates between $2,000 and $10,000.
The Friday Night jewelry auctions are scheduled for May 1, June 5, July 3 and August 7.
Fortuna
Fortuna auction house said it will keep to the auction schedule set at the beginning of the year, with its April auctions still taking place as planned online; Important Watches and Important Jewels are both slated for April 30. Bidding will take place through its website and mobile app.
The house’s New York office is closed, in compliance with the guidelines set by the state, but the staff is working remotely, accepting jewelry for future auctions, providing appraisals and offering jewelry and watches for online bidding.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on March 25 to add Fortuna auction house’s operation plans during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Latest
SurveysApr 01, 2026
Consumers’ Outlook Improves Again in MarchThe Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.
IndependentsApr 01, 2026
Zachary’s Jewelers’ Constance Polamalu to Release Children’s BookThe retailer’s Zach Bear gift comes to life in “Zach Bear and the Window Necklace,” which centers on curiosity, bravery, and helping.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2026
AGA Opens 2026 Gemological Scholarship, Research Grant ApplicationsApplications are open for the AGA Gemological Scholarship Program through May 15, and until June 2027 for the Gemological Research Grant.
Weekly QuizMar 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsMar 31, 2026
Q1 Clues That Reveal Where Your Jewelry Store’s Sales Are Heading These customer behavior patterns say a lot about how successful your jewelry store is going to be this year, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Mejuri Adds Silver to ‘Puzzle’ CollectionMejuri’s popular collection of 18-karat yellow gold vermeil rings debuted in sterling silver alongside new “Puzzle” slider charms.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Buddha Mama, Ashley Longshore to Host Pop-Up in DallasThe Miami-based jewelry brand and the NYC-based artist will be in Dallas from April 9-11.
SourcingMar 31, 2026
NDC Designates April 8 as 'World Diamond Day'The initiative invites those in the industry to share stories on social media highlighting the meaning and impact of natural diamonds.
SourcingMar 31, 2026
GIA VP Jillian Wolk to Take Over at Tracr Wolk’s first day on the job as CEO of Tracr, De Beers Group’s blockchain platform, will be May 1.
EditorsMar 30, 2026
Tom Moses Looks Back on His Decades at GIA Moses, who will leave the lab in May after nearly 50 years, discusses his start in the business, gemstones that stand out, and what’s next.
TrendsMar 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman Debuts First Spring CatalogThe new catalog, which showcases 35 one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, is a compliment to the company’s popular holiday catalog.
SourcingMar 30, 2026
Rio Tinto Hauls Last Load from DiavikProduction has ceased at the Canadian diamond mine, which has yielded more than 150 million carats of rough diamonds in its 23-year run.
MajorsMar 30, 2026
Tanishq Opens First New England LocationThe store opening marks the 10th United States location for the India-based jewelry retailer.
MajorsMar 27, 2026
Saks Global Has Changed Its Mind About Closing These 3 StoresTwo Saks Fifth Avenue locations, one in Florida and one in California, and one Neiman Marcus store are off the chopping block.
IndependentsMar 27, 2026
Jimmy West, Longtime LJG Executive Director, Dies at 72West, who started in the art department at the Leading Jewelers Guild in 1979, is remembered for his patience, kindness, and dedication.
CollectionsMar 27, 2026
Itä’s ‘Yarí Whirl’ Ring Tells Every Side of the StoryIn the “Tesoro” version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, each side of the gold hexagonal nugget has a unique colored gemstone design.
WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
IndependentsMar 26, 2026
Peter Smith Pens Book on Human Behavior in Sales“Essentially Human: On Sales and Salespeople" reveals the underlying human traits and behaviors of the most successful sales professionals.
CollectionsMar 26, 2026
Lionheart Celebrates 13 Years of ‘Cassandane’The collection features symbols of love, luck, and light, based on the story of Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great of Persia.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Introduce New ScholarshipIt’s the third scholarship to be launched as part of the partnership to help appraisers advance their professional credentials.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
JA Still Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsThe deadline for entries in the jewelry design competition has been extended to April 3.
SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage WebinarSet for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.
