Auctions

Bonhams Exec Joins Heritage Auctions

AuctionsApr 27, 2021

Bonhams Exec Joins Heritage Auctions

Brett O’Connor is the auction house’s new senior director, private sales jewelry and timepieces.

Dallas—Heritage Auctions announced former Bonhams executive Brett O’Connor is its new senior director, private sales jewelry and timepieces.
 
O’Connor has 27 years of experience under his belt, specializing in jewelry and timepiece auctions. He is a Graduate Gemologist, earning his certification from GIA in the mid-1990s.
 
He has worked with several major auction houses, previously serving as senior vice president at Bonhams New York, leading the North American jewelry team and helping to rebuild the Hong Kong division.

 Related stories will be right here … 
 He was senior vice president at Sotheby’s New York, Hong Kong, and Switzerland, overseeing property collection and auction operations, as well as working as an auctioneer in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
 
O’Connor was also assistant vice president at Christie’s in New York, overseeing myriad tasks from sourcing and valuation to being a contributing editor to an antiques and collectibles book.
 
In his new role, he will be tasked with overseeing the jewelry and watches and timepieces teams and expanding the auction house’s platform for private sales. 

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