CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
“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.
More on Auctions
The Latest
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
Weekly QuizFeb 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
IndependentsFeb 05, 2026
Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring The Omaha jewelry store’s multi-million-dollar renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-May and take about six months.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CollectionsFeb 05, 2026
Marco Bicego’s Amethyst Collection Travels to a Purple ParadiseThe “Paradise Amethyst” collection focuses on amethyst, pink tourmaline, garnet, and 18-karat yellow gold beads.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make DealPresident Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.
CollectionsFeb 03, 2026
Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces RondellesThe designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City HomeThe watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.
SourcingFeb 03, 2026
Nivoda Reveals Upgraded Gemstone MarketplaceThe company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.
GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 GrammysFrom cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
